Congratulations on your engagement (sprinkles of confetti from us to you!) You cannot stop staring at your engagement “bling”, you’ve made all the necessary phone calls and texts to your loved ones and have repeated all details about your proposal several times. You post a “bling” on Instagram with the hashtag…#GettingHitched!

There are now a million things going through your mind as you begin to think about your wedding. Don’t stress out! Your wedding planning adventures have now begun. Enjoy the process of planning and breathe! Everything is all coming together – perfectly. If you’re looking for. a general wedding planning timeline, check out our wedding planning guide here!

To save you some time and energy, heres a list of  reasons to hire a photographer for your engagement photos, benefits of a wedding video and some fun-saving tips and ideas for your wedding.

Reasons to Hire a Photographer for your Engagement Photos

Engagement pictures are professional pictures taken during your engagement period, usually not long after you make it official, and you’ve shown off your “bling”.

Some couples may see this photo op as an unnecessary expense to add to the ever-growing list of expenses when planning a wedding. However, we beg to differ. Professional pictures are an investment in capturing your joyous season and you will cherish this forever. Hiring a photographer for your engagement pictures is one of the biggest and most important decisions you’ll make during your planning process.

Engagement photos may be included in a package deal. Consider hiring an engagement photographer for the package deal. Most photographers will offer you a package deal that includes engagement and wedding photos at a reasonable cost. Honestly, it’s worth purchasing a package that offers more in the way of format and finding someone who can cover both events.

You will get to know your photographer. Your wedding photographer is one of the most important vendors on your big day. It’s important to get to know them ahead of time so that you’re on the same page for your style and preferences, and so they’ll be able to better capture who you are as a couple. In other words, you will find someone who has the same energy as you have.

You’ll get comfortable in front of the camera. Posing for the camera is more difficult than it looks. An engagement photographer will give you the right instructions and directions and in turn, this practice will make you comfortable for your big day. In addition, your engagement photos are a great opportunity to do a trial run on your hair and makeup and see how it comes out on film.

You get to give photos to family and friends. As you continue your wedding planning journey, you’ll learn all about save-the-dates, invitations, announcement cards, thank you cards, and the list goes on. Your engagement photos are great to use on all these wedding paper items or for display on the big day.

How Much Do Engagement Photos Cost in the US?

Pricing for an engagement photo shoot varies depending on the location, how long the shoot is, the photographer’s pricing, what’s included in the package, and other factors that can increase or decrease the total price. According to The Bash, the average cost of engagement photos in the US ranges from:

• $100 – $500 lower end
• $600 – $2000 in the midrange and
• $3000 – $12,000 at the higher end 

Comparing photographer prices for engagement photos isn’t always straightforward. Some photographers include it in their wedding photography packages, others offer wedding photos and prints yet some offer strictly engagement photos. It’s always important to do your research and work with something that fits your budget.

YES! Hire a Videographer for your Wedding Day

Don’t ever let anyone talk you out of hiring a videographer. After all is said and done, your wedding video will help you relive your special day. You will get to revisit some of the best moments of your life and your wedding video can become a keepsake passed down to your kids (and grandkids!) You will always remember the vows you exchanged, your dad’s teary speech, your favorite aunt doing the ‘cha-cha’ slide, and the look of love. Having a video to capture your wedding day is worth every single penny!

You get to capture every moment and sound. As we mentioned before, memories captured through film will make you revisit your wedding day. Imagine the gasp your husband makes as you walk down the aisle, or your first kiss and you hear and see your guests cheer and laugh with joy. Through film, you will get to see almost everything and hear everything.

You can get to have a sentimental unplugged ceremony. If you choose, you can get to tell your special guests to keep their cell phones and cameras away during the ceremony and allow everyone to be present. You get to choose, the private and uninterrupted exchange of your wedding vows, just the way you like it.

You get to include your loved ones that couldn’t attend.  There is always a possibility that someone won’t be able to witness your special day. Life can be unpredictable. By hiring a videographer, guests who cannot be there in person will still get the opportunity to celebrate with you.

You will get to hear special messages from your guests. You can ask your videographer to go through the room and have your guests say a special message or well wishes. This is such a wonderful gift for you and your spouse for years and years to come.

How Much Is it to Hire a Wedding Videographer in the US?

Like a photographer, the pricing of a videographer varies from location, travel, the time it will take, and packages available. Take your time, do your research, and interview your videographer. According to WithJoy.com, the average cost of a wedding videographer in the US is;

• $1,200 – $ 1,500 lower end
• $7,000 – $12,000 mid-range
• $20,000 – plus $$ higher end

Fun Money Saving Ideas and Tips: Wedding Videos and Photos

Reduce the number of hours you hire 

Focus on shooting the ceremony first and just half of the reception. Your wedding vendor will be able to capture important events like your entrance, the cocktail hour, cake cutting, toasts, and the first dance. Also, have both your ceremony and reception at the same location, safe on driving time!

Consider having your wedding during an off-season or an off day

Listen!!! Here is a money-saving tip that you will thank us for. When it comes to wedding planning and budgeting, think this through thoroughly. Consider having your wedding in an off-season “winter” and on an off day (any day besides Saturday). If your guests know ahead of time that your wedding is on a Thursday, they will clear out their calendars. Wedding vendors tend to be less busy on an off day or season, thus making their rates much more affordable.

Hire a new photographer or a videographer 

Much grace is given here by someone who is starting off and trying to create a name for him or herself. These new vendors are usually focusing on building their portfolio and reputation in the industry and their pictures and video rates tend to be much lower than the norm.

Disposable Cameras! Because you know that you guests will be snappin’ anyway

Use disposable or vintage cameras. Yes, disposable cameras are still a thing! Place disposable cameras at every table and signs asking your guests to capture candid moments. This could be a fun ice-breaker as your wedding guests snap away.

We all know that your guests love sharing their glamorous outfits and your wedding kiss with their “social world”. Create a fun hashtag for social media purposes and have your Instagram-loving guests use that hashtag when posting. Don’t forget to have the “hashtag” signs reminding your guests to post. That way you will be able to capture shared moments of your wedding.

Prenups + Engagement 

To continue on the engagement festivities, take a look at getting a prenup! Previously prenups have gotten a bad rap, but we believe prenups can bring you closer together as a couple! Check out how HelloPrenup can help you create a fast, valid, and affordable prenup from the comfort of your own home.

References:

www.theknot.com/wedding-photography www.thebash.com

Julia Rodgers

Julia Rodgers is HelloPrenup’s CEO and Co-Founder. She is a Massachusetts family law attorney and true believer in the value of prenuptial agreements. HelloPrenup was created with the goal of automating the prenup process, making it more collaborative, time efficient and cost effective. Julia believes that a healthy marriage is one in which couples can openly communicate about finances and life goals. You can read more about us here  Questions? Reach out to Julia directly at [email protected]