Photographers and DJs

[Krishna]

This question is for anyone who recently got married or who works in the wedding industry. I'm in the process of planning our wedding, and I'm stuck on a couple items...the photographer and DJ. The prices I'm seeing for photographers seem to be running on the high end in my opinion, but I'm not really sure what "normal" is... :0

Would anyone be comfortable sharing either the total cost of their photographer and/or the % of the wedding budget that went to photography? It might also help if you mentioned what sort of coverage you got...

Any help you can give would be appreciated.

[winneythepooh7]

I think our DJ was just under $1K and our photographer, pics and album together were around $3500.00. To be honest, with all the problems I had with the photographer, (I had major issues getting my proofs and then my albums), that is definitely an area I would cut majorly with the budget. I got a ton of really good pics from family and friends anyways, and now, my album just sits off in a corner. The package included 2 photographers for an hour before the wedding at my parents, to take pics and then the 5 hours of the wedding. It included 2 small family albums, and my album.


I was actually told the prices I found were CHEAP too. Especially in my area. My DH's friend paid around $5K for a band!!!!:eek: I am sure his photography was also twice ours.

My SIL had a friend do her pics for around $1500. That was actually our orignal plan, before he had to relocate out of the area.

[Bsig84]

Our DJ is costing $600 and the photographer is $899. We found a really great DJ that gave us an amazing deal and our photographer was running a special when we found him. Normally his prices start at $1500. We just chose the basic package (4 hours of shooting and 100 pictures) and are going to put disposable cameras on the tables in the reception so our guests can take pictures after the photographer leaves.

Good luck with the planning! My wedding is about 2 weeks away so I am finally almost done! Feel free to PM me if you have any more wedding questions!

[Krishna]

Moving on from photographers and DJs (still not set with that, but it is in the works)...

I'm hair stupid. I never did prom, or anything else that required formal hairstyling. Roughly how long do you think it will take to get 4 people's hair styled for the wedding (including my own?). Any thoughts?

[winneythepooh7]

Moving on from photographers and DJs (still not set with that, but it is in the works)...

I'm hair stupid. I never did prom, or anything else that required formal hairstyling. Roughly how long do you think it will take to get 4 people's hair styled for the wedding (including my own?). Any thoughts?

I think we were at the spa I used for about an hour. That was my gift to my wedding party. Everyone had their own person so it didn't take long at all.

[Bsig84]

I think that is something you should talk to your stylist about. He/she will know how much time it should take.

Our appointments the morning of the wedding were at 9:00 and we had to be ready for pictures by noon. We were a little late. However, my mom and I got our hair done and then my mom, sister, cousin and I all got our makeup done as well.

[steph78]

My photographer was $3000 which included the photographer and an assistant photographer for probably 6-7 hours total. They came before the ceremony and did me and the bridesmaids getting dressed, portraits of me with the bridesmaids and me with my parents, and some candid shots of my husband with the groomsmen and ministers, then they did the ceremony, all the usual pictures afterwards, and the reception.

We did not get albums from them, but that price included a full set of proofs for us to keep plus the negatives which is a fantastic deal. I have those negatives forever and can get prints whenever I want - I found a professional photo lab (the type of place that professional photographers get their prints made and then turn around and charge you more than double for) and was able to get tons of prints for way less without having to go through the middle man.