7 Things You Wish You Knew Before Choosing A Wedding Photography Package

Capture one of your most important moments with no regrets!

Take a deep breathe. Really. Actually.

Wedding planning can be absolutely horrifying at times. There are so many options! But I’m here to at least help you pick a photography package! After being in the wedding industry for a few years, I’ve seen all the success and the regrets. Let’s avoid the latter and get you set up for the best day EVER!

1. Start with the right mindset.

Most photographers will refer to their packages as an investment. And I totally agree! You’ll be revisiting these memories for years to come - and so will future generations of your family. You’ll be using these photos as large prints in your home, screensavers, and most importantly, beautiful memories.

Everyone’s love story deserves a cheesy rom-com moment with the big musical number. I’m here to make sure you can have that, forever. A lot of people only want to do this once, so let’s go big!

2. Have at least some “getting ready” photos.

Weddings are expensive. And when it comes to cutting a few corners, we know that hours of photography are sacrificed either at the beginning or end of the day. But trust me, you’ll want at least an hour allocated to telling the beginning of your story. Your gallery will be more cohesive and have more variety!

I would personally recommend two hours for couples who have unique details to be photographed. Or if you can afford it, for peace of mind, totally do it. There’s nothing worse than a stressed couple prior to ceremony! People show up late, makeup is not on time, things go missing. Give yourself leeway for anything to happen. Plus, if we’re there early, we will jump in and make sure the timeline is on schedule!

3. Consider adding a second photographer.

One photographer can do it, so why hire a second? It’s not just to be extra. There are a few key shots that can really only be achieved if we have two perspectives while the live events play out! For example, during the ceremony I will direct my second photographer to shoot tight or wide, candids of the crowd, or shots from the back while I’m up front.

Trust that there are so many shots that we would love to capture for you. Let’s make it happen with a strong photography team. If photo/video is at the top of your wedding priorities, I would consider this a must!

Your gallery will have more photos and your day will run smoother. Purchase that peace of mind.

4. You really want the video.

There are just certain moments that are best captured on video and others better captured in photos. That’s just a hard truth even I’m not over. But aside from the artistic side of things, it’s pretty epic.

Rather than sifting through 400 photos, you’ll be able to just click play and relive your wedding day. Guaranteed to evoke some tears. Parents, family, and friends will also make an appearance in your film. A priceless benefit is always having that memory of them living their best life (with you)!

If you’re going to write some incredible vows (which I know you are), then you’ll also want to hear those over and over again. Even if you “don’t like your voice.” This is also where the ceremony film comes in! At minimum, if you’re absolutely uninterested in a highlight film, you should go for the ceremony film. We’ll bring a camera, mic you up, and professionally record the ceremony. This is another way to ensure better photos, because ideally, I recommend couples have an unplugged ceremony, where nobody has to worry about capturing the moment— except for us!

5. Make sure your package includes the images and not just an hourly rate.

Most modern photographers make it easy on couples and automatically include a set amount of photo and video to be included within their hourly rate. However, there are still some photography companies that will advertise a lower hourly rate and then sell you individual photos after the event. I’m not here to tell people how to run their business. But I am here to warn you that those kind of purchases can really add up. You think you don’t want 100 photos but then 300 later…

6. Sign a contract and read the fine print.

If your photographer doesn’t have you sign a contract, then that’s a red flag. Make sure you’re protected and that you’re working with a professional who you trust will show up on your big day! When making a big purchase like this, you can never be too careful.

Of course, make sure that you read the terms of the contract to ensure you’re comfortable with everything it’s asking. Look for clauses about travel fees, retainers, payment schedule, and what’s included in the final package. Otherwise most photographers are just looking to protect themselves and provide you peace of mind.

7. How you feel about your photography team is important.

Before choosing a photography package solely based on affordability and portfolio, also consider how you think you would get along with the photographer and/or their team. Read the About Me section of their website, stalk their socials, and hop on a phone call. They are going to be hanging out with you all day! Make sure that you guys can vibe, have a good time, and feel natural.

Check out their reviews! Do they seem to blend into the wedding day, are unobtrusive, and just a delightful personality? All green flags!

If you’re looking for an all inclusive photography and video team in Denver, we’re happy to help! We’re here to have a blast and create art that tells a story. Head on over to our pricing page to see if our packages would be a great fit for you. We like to be transparent and work with our couples to lock down their ideal package!

Message us with any questions and we hope to capture your story, next!