How Can I Save Costs for My Wedding Photography?

While planning your wedding I know you ask yourself how can I save costs.  As a wedding photographer it might sound counterintuituve to suggest looking at your photography.  I'm not suggesting looking for a cheaper photographer, compromising on top level photographs but to consider how much time you really need for coverage of your wedding.

The above photograph was from a 2 hour booking.  The one below was an elopement with a 2 hour booking.

Something I run into quite often when working with my couples is how much coverage time should they book.  Many are getting their information from advertising based informational sites such as Style Me Pretty and a host of others in the marketplace.  I think last I saw 7-8 hours was the recommended time.  Well.  I disagree for the most part.  Seems like a sound idea in theory. I've found a lot depends on how they plan to use and view their wedding photographs.  That is why I really require we chat via phone at the very least to talk about what you are planning, timelines, etc.  Once I have a better idea what you are doing, where and when then I can advise you as to how many hours you really need.  Below are some questions to ask yourself to better help you determine how much time you need verses someone else telling you what you need.  

• Will you have a band?  Guests tend to party and dance more with a live band, so get extra coverage if you can.
• Are your getting ready location, ceremony and reception all in the same location?  You won't need nearly as much coverage time in that case.  Each separate location you add to your wedding venues adds some serious travel time to your wedding photography that most often isn't spent shooting. Try to consider some of the awesome all-in-ones venues here in New Orleans.  The Degas House, Race & Religious, The Columns are all great and beautiful places that will also help your pocket.
• Are you wanting to do some fun and artsy portraits?  Will you see each other before the ceremony?  Ask yourself these questions because they are vital to your timing and how much time you will need.  I find its a rare couple that is willing to leave their reception for a half hour to do fun shots.  They say they will but hey they are having fun!  I know the first look has been heavily promoted lately but honestly it seems so staged and uncomfortable.  But ultimately it depends on you as a couple and what you want to see.  If my couples are getting ready in The French Quarter then if at all possible do at least some of the artsy shots before the you leave for the ceremony.  Otherwise when working with all-in-one venues I try to get the posed and fun bridal party and groomsmen shots done in advance.  That way when we do the formals of all the family we aren't having to take so much time away from the couple's enjoying their reception.  We already did the groomsmen and bridesmaids with moms and dads and you two so all that is left is one shot of the entire group and maybe some mashups.  
• Do you plan to have a cocktail hour?  If so then most formals or portrait sessions are done during the cocktail hour giving guests time to relax and enjoy your party.  Another reason you don't want to be gone very long doing your formals, your friends might eat and drink everything before you get there!
• Will you have a DJ?  If you plan to go the ipod route I would suggest cutting your coverage after formals, your portraits and first dance. Most times it takes a considerable amount of time for guests to really get up and rock it out. Trust me you don't want a bunch of photos of everyone just 'hanging out' or worse eating.  A professional DJ knows how to time everything to get your guests up and dancing which is what makes for great moments for you to view later.
• How formal are you planning to go with your wedding?  Is it a more casual and fun-loving event or a more traditional style wedding with all the toasts and traditions that go along with it?  These are important factors in figuring the time needed for photography.  If you are planning a more traditional wedding you probably need 7-8 hours.  But if you are more into bucking the traditional standards there are no rules when and whether you cut the cake, toast, money dance, etc.  You choose when and if they suit your style of life.  Understand?  
• Do you want a fancy album/book?  You will need more rather than less time for photography.  All the details have to be shot such as your dress, shoes, rings, food, venue, flowers, tons of detail shots that do take some time to effectively create and produce.  I offer to my clients a different style of book.  I prefer to do more pages with single images per page because in my opinion its the beautiful moments and portraits that make a long-lasting book you will enjoy.  Also videos created from still images are becoming popular so again you may need more rather than less time for your photographer.

Ultimately this is your wedding plan it so you can enjoy it and have great photographic memories to cherish.  Oh about the two photographs above.  The first was shot last Friday at the Louisiana Castle.  After 12 years of marriage and 4 kids they wanted to celebrate their anniversary with the real wedding rather than the courthouse.  To get the images they wanted only required 2 hours of coverage.  I was available and willing to travel for an additional fee for a shorter gig so it worked out for everyone.  The other photo is a couple who eloped to New Orleans in January.  It was just the two of them and the videographers Clawson-Media.  We got some really lovely images for them to remember their special day without breaking the bank.  I find most of my couples book between 4-6 hours for full weddings and 2-3 for elopements.  There are other questions to ask yourself but these get you started.