Wedding photography is one of the most important aspects of a wedding. After all, it's the photos that will help you relive your special day for years to come. However, with so many options and packages available, it can be difficult to determine just how much you should budget for your wedding photography. In this article, we'll take a look at the 2014 wedding photography cost trends, and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

Before we delve into the specifics of wedding photography costs, it's important to understand what factors influence the price. There are several factors that photographers take into consideration when determining their prices, including:

Experience and Reputation

Photographers with years of experience and a strong reputation in the industry will typically charge more for their services. This is because they have a proven track record of delivering high-quality work and have likely invested a significant amount of time and money into their craft.

Location

The location of the wedding can also impact the cost of photography services. Photographers who are based in larger cities or popular wedding destinations may charge more due to higher demand and increased competition.

Length of Coverage

The length of time that a photographer will be on-site can also affect the price. Most photographers offer packages based on the number of hours they will be present at the wedding, with additional fees for additional hours.

Now that we've covered the factors that affect wedding photography costs, let's take a look at some of the specific costs you can expect to encounter when planning your wedding photography budget.

Engagement Sessions

Many photographers offer engagement sessions as part of their wedding photography packages, which can be a great way to get to know your photographer and get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day. The cost of engagement sessions can range from $200 to $500, depending on the photographer and the length of the session.

Engagement sessions typically include a set number of edited photos, which you can use for save-the-dates, invitations, or to display at your wedding reception.

Wedding Photography Packages

Wedding photography packages can vary widely in price and can include a range of services, such as:

Number of Photographers

Some packages include a second shooter, which can be a great way to capture more candid moments and ensure that every angle is covered. However, having a second shooter will typically increase the cost of the package.

Number of Hours

Most photographers offer packages based on the number of hours they will be on-site, with additional fees for additional hours. Packages typically range from 4 to 10 hours, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.

Albums and Prints

Many wedding photography packages include albums and prints, which can be a great way to showcase your favorite photos from the day. However, these packages can be more expensive, with prices ranging from $2,500 to $7,500.

Add-Ons and Extras

In addition to the standard wedding photography packages, many photographers offer add-ons and extras that can enhance your photography experience. Some popular add-ons include:

Photo Booths

Photo booths are a fun way to capture candid moments and provide your guests with a memento from the day. Prices for photo booths typically range from $500 to $1,500.

Additional Hours

If you find that you need more photography coverage on the day of your wedding, you can typically add additional hours to your package for an additional fee. Prices for additional hours can range from $200 to $500 per hour.

Album Upgrades

If you want to upgrade your album to a larger size or add more pages, you can expect to pay an additional fee. Prices for album upgrades can range from $500 to $2,000.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many factors that can influence the cost of your wedding photography. By understanding these factors and considering your own needs and budget, you can make an informed decision when choosing a wedding photographer.