Losing the Photographer
For bridal couples on a budget one of the biggest issues they have to contend with is whether or not to hire a professional wedding photographer. If artsy one-of-a-kind shots are something you can't live without, then by all means hire away. But if all you are looking for in a wedding album is an accurate depiction of the events of your day, then lose the photographer and use instead some of your nearest and dearest friends and family.
If you have a number of friends with not only digital cameras, but digital SLR cameras (that offer a quicker, reflexive photograph), your odds of getting some good shots of your day have just increased exponentially. So ask them. Ask them to step up and get involved and help you by being an intricate part of your wedding.
Also in that vein, is the idea of placing disposable cameras directly on the table for guests to be able to take their own shots. Available in a wedding-styled color motif that will accentuate your table better than the standard bright yellow that most disposals come in, it's an inexpensive option that will leave you with hundreds of pictures to choose from. Just be sure to make it clear that the cameras need to be left behind, or better yet, open a web-based photo album that guests can download any pictures they've taken directly to.
Of paramount importance when deciding whether or not to get a photographer is your venue location. Take a look at the light that's available, and look to see where shadows may fall. While it doesn't take much experience to take a great shot on a sunlit beach, there is definitely much more skill required if using an older, darker indoor venue, such as a museum or rustic hall. To be sure that amateur photographers lacking the means to set up additional lighting will still be able to take great photos, invite some of your friends and family with you to the venue, and have them take a few shots randomly of you as you pose in the different areas of the venue where you will stand.
Weddings can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you wish them to be. Just make sure before you lose the photographer, that you won't end up paying the higher price in the long run, of not having any wonderful photos of your special day.
©2009 Weddingstar Inc.
