Everyone knows that weddings are expensive! By far the most expensive day of your life. Many people struggle to find a balance in their budget, and surprisingly enough, a lot of people sacrifice their photo-needs.

I can’t speak for everyone else, because I am only me! But I know that I have worked with every tight budget there is. (Actually, I turned down a client once because they only had $50 budgeted for their photographer. And that is a lot of work for $50.)

So here’s what I suggest to those couples who are tight on funds and about to sit down with their photographer:

• Make a physical list. Write down your wants, your needs, your tastes, etc. Once you have that list, look at things and put symbols next to the things you are willing to compromise. Keeping a physical list that is clean and organized will make this process easier for both you and your photographer.
• Have more than one photographer in mind. The one you wanted might not be willing to budge (which is unfortunate, but happens). You might find that your “second best” is your actual best bet. Or your perfect photographer might be busy that day! Some may be willing to stretch your dollar a bit more than others. Shop around! (But when you find one, let the others that you’ve talked to know that you found someone else. It’s a courtesy thing.)
• Relax, and go with a good attitude. If you go to your meeting with a demanding tone, or throw that “you better do this or else” attitude out, many photographers won’t bother to budge for you. …Or, I can speak for myself and say that I am much more willing to bend over backwards for people who genuinely appreciate it. But don’t be a pushover! There is a happy medium, and you should do your best to find it.
• If you aren’t confident in your photographer, keep searching. If you are worried at all that they will not produce the pictures you want, don’t settle. You will be looking at these pictures for the rest of your life, and you shouldn’t settle on quality. 
• If you really, really can’t make your budget work, maybe it’s time to stretch your budget, or ask for help. Ask family to chip in, or even ask for that as your wedding gift from one or some of your guests. Getting pictures you know you want is a pretty great present, I’d say!

I hope this helps a few people out there! I actually have a meeting with a client tomorrow, so I have meetings on the brain. I need to print out my price sheets and prep my pens for some scribbles and more list-making. …and I need to pick my outfit - impressions are important! (And any excuse to plan an outfit is fine by me!)

♥