Do you need a wedding photographer? Do you need a wedding photographer?! This really shouldn't be a debatable question. But, unfortunately this is a question many couples face when planning their wedding. In the beginning stages of planning a wedding, everything is viewed with a heart shaped filter of tall wedding arrangements, ornate elegant venues, good food and beautiful outfits. In reality, there are some difficult budget decisions to make and when so many parties are involved it’s even more challenging to come to final decisions.
Eventually, the time will come where you will have to decide what to cut in order to stay within your budget. I’ll tell you now, photography and videography is not an area of consideration. It’s easily one of the areas to be the first consideration for cuts and if you're reading this blog I’m certain you are at that decision making moment.
DON'T DO IT!!!
Don’t do it! Whatever you do, don't cut the Photographer! There are many reasons why you shouldn’t cut photography and we’ll get into that shortly. There are so many reasons why you would cut the photographer out of your budget. The first one is, well honestly there are none. Even for a courthouse ceremony you want to hire a photographer. Cell phone images are cute, but there is something about professional images that gives so much more oomph, that wow factor!
ROI (Return On Investment)
I always tell my clients that a photographer is the only investment you make for your wedding that has a high rate of return. Think about it, you spend the most money on a venue, food, and decorations and at the end of the wedding, what do you have to show for it? What do you have after spending thousands of dollars on a day that marks the beginning of the rest of your life with your special someone?
From the venue you receive nothing, the food quickly becomes eliminated, and the decorations are removed never to be seen again. Ahhh, then you have the photographer, the wonderful photographer. Within 4-8 weeks you would receive a gallery of pictures, pictures that will last long after the newness of marriage disappears. If you have a good photographer, me (shameless plug, but not really), these pictures will capture some of the most beautiful moments, moments you were too occupied to enjoy and give you a perspective into your wedding that is storybook worthy. The ROI is the most important aspect of an investment and this is why it is the first reason why you should not cut the photographer out of your budget.
Security and Commitment
Recently, I read Auntie Viola Davis’ book Finding Me, she's not my real Auntie y'all, but receives this term of endearment out of respect. This book was everything it needed to be and Auntie Viola Davis winning a Grammy for the narration of her book helped her achieve EGOT status. Ok, enough of me going on and on about Auntie Viola Davis, but this won't be the last time I mention her or her book, because it was too good only to mention once. You probably want to know what an actor has to do with hiring a photographer for your wedding. Well, Auntie Viola Davis mentioned in her book Finding Me on page 170 “The only thing we messed up with was the photographer. We (Julius) didn’t want to spend money on the photographer. Someone gave us this idea that we should have disposable cameras on the tables and let our guests provide the pictures. Well we ended up with a hodgepodge of well-intended, out-of-focus pictures of the floor, ceiling, feet, backs of head, et cetera.” A wedding is such a special time for a couple, why would you want to chance photography on self-acclaimed bathroom selfie photographers? While we are no longer in the era of disposable cameras, while they are making a slow comeback, you still don't want your memories to be random cell phone photos of what your guests think are important aspects of your wedding day. Hiring a professional photographer will ensure that you will receive quality pictures. The commitment a professional photographer will offer can provide you with security to ease your stress level on the day of your wedding.
Outstanding Final Product
There is nothing worse than the feeling of disappointment when you receive your final pictures from your wedding day and they are blurry, dark, and just not what you’ve imagined. When you decide to hire a professional photographer, you will have stellar images and the opportunity to purchase prints, albums, and gallery portraits. You won’t receive the quality of work from just anyone with a camera or maybe you will, but why risk it? Don’t sacrifice and decide to ask cousin Arnold, who is a hobby photographer with a DSLR camera from Sams Club, to take your photos at your wedding, hire a professional photographer.
