Every couple wants beautiful photos that capture their love story. But let's be honest, weddings get expensive, and photography is a big expense. You do not have to waste money to get amazing, beautiful imagery. By making a thoughtful plan, visualizing an expected outcome, and having the strategy in place, you can find a qualified wedding photographer that will be appropriate for your style and budget. In this blog we will explain exactly how to make the correct decision without feeling like you're broke.

Understand the Average Cost of Wedding Photography

Wedding photography charges can vary significantly based on a couple's location, the experience of the photographer, and what perquisites are offered in the package. The average couple spends between ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 on photography in India. Most local photographers are much less expensive, and destination wedding or luxury wedding photographers will always charge you more.

There are a few basic things that will help influence pricing:

  • Experience & Reputation: An experienced photographer can charge more because of proven competence.
  • Hours of Coverage: An event lasting a full day or a couple of days (like a destination wedding) can cost more.
  • Deliverables: Albums, edited photos, video and raw files can all be a factor in whether a final cost is more or less.
  • Travel & Stay: For destination weddings, you may be expected to cover travel and stay.
  • Being aware of these elements will help you establish a practical budget and price comparison when hiring photographers.

What to Look for in a Wedding Photographer

Just before you begin the search for your photographers, talk about what is important to you as a couple. Are you interested in cinematic films, natural candid photos, or posed formal portraits? Are you looking for full-day coverage or focused key moments?

  • Style: Review their portfolio of work and decide if you are looking for a light, dreamy style or dark and dramatic.
  • Coverage: Are you interested in just your wedding day or are you interested in a pre-wedding shoot and other events like Haldi or Mehndi?
  • Add-ons: Do you need prints, albums, or teaser reels?

By figuring out your top priorities, then you can allocate your budget accordingly.

Set a Realistic Budget

As a rule of thumb, you should reserve about 8–12% of your total wedding budget for photography. So for example, if your total wedding budget is ₹10 lakhs, then you should try to spend ₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000 on photography. 

  • Less than ₹50,000: New photographers, basic coverage with limited edits. 
  • ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh: A more seasoned photographer, more edits with added images, and limited flexibility on customization. 
  • Above ₹1 lakh: An established professional, cinematic films, albums made of luxury material, and whole story telling documentations. 

Be adjustable, but remain realistic. Remember that you do not have to go with the most expensive option, you just need someone to reflect your vision and give you quality in your range.

Compare Photographers Within Your Budget

To start, do your research. Use Instagram, Google listings, and wedding directories like WedMeGood or ShaadiSaga. Shortlist photographers that resonate with your style and who are in your budget. 

  • Portfolio: Are their images consistent and to your liking? 
  • Reviews: Good client reviews are always positive.
  • Social Media: An active account with recent posts can be a good indicator of legitimacy.
  • Responsiveness: If they are polite and quick to respond, it is a positive sign. 

Shortlist two to three suggestions and set up meetings or a call to express your expectations.

Understand What's Included in the Packages

Every photographer has their own package.  With this you don't want to focus on the price but what you will receive.

  • How many hours of coverage?
  • Does the package include travel cost, accommodation cost, or meals?
  • How many edited images will you receive?
  • Will you receive the raw files?
  • Does the package include an album or a teaser video?

How to Negotiate with Your Wedding Photographer

It is acceptable to inquire with a photographer if they can customize a package to suit you. Just remember that photography is both an art and a service. 

  • You can ask if they can reduce the number of hours or they can eliminate optional extras you may not need/require.
  • You can ask if they do any discounts for off-season or weekdays.
  • You can be upfront about your budget but don't press for discounts.

Photographers are happy when clients respect their craft. Positive rapport will mean better cooperation and possibly better photos.

Conclusion

Just because you're on a budget, doesn't mean that you can't have the perfect wedding photographer for your money. When you plan ahead, prioritize what's most important for you, and make informed decisions, you can hire a talented photographer to document your wedding in stunning fashion! And you can do it all without breaking the bank!