Don’t Tell Them It’s for a Wedding! – The Truth About Wedding Prices
"If you say it's for a wedding, the price will double!" – if I had a pound for every time I've heard this phrase then I probably wouldn’t need to be photographing weddings in the first place!
I get it - weddings can seem expensive, and many couples wonder if suppliers hike their prices the moment they hear the word wedding. But is that really the case? Let’s break it down.
Why Do Weddings Cost More?
The fact is, the wedding industry is a specialised market and so you probably should expect to be paying more for the service you receive. But why is that the case? Let’s take cakes as an example and, specifically, lets compare a wedding cake to a birthday cake.
Consultations & Tastings – When you commission a cake maker for a wedding you often get to sample lots of potential flavours and discuss your vision.
Customisation – A wedding cake is often more intricate and personalised.
Delivery & Setup – The wedding cake is brought to your venue and carefully displayed.
A simple birthday cake? You may only have a choice between a couple of flavours (often chocolate or vanilla) and you will probably be expected to pick it up yourself! The extra cost for a wedding isn’t just about the cake, it’s about the service, expertise, and attention to detail that goes into making it perfect for your big day.
The same principle applies to almost every other wedding supplier including photography.
Why Does Wedding Photography Seem Expensive?
At first glance, the price of a wedding photographer may seem high. But it’s important to look beyond the wedding day itself:
It’s More Than Just One Day of Work
Your photographer isn’t just working the 8-10 hours they’re at your wedding. They will also be:
Managing emails, providing consultations and answering questions
Meeting with you before the big day - perhaps multiple times
Travelling to and from the venue
Editing and processing hundreds of images after the wedding (often the most time intensive part of the process)
Uploading images to online galleries, designing albums and ordering prints
Business Costs & Investments
Beyond the costs specifically associated with your wedding, photographers also have a number of other business costs that must be covered. This includes:
Professional camera gear (which needs constant upgrading)
Backup equipment for peace of mind
Software licenses for editing
Insurance, office rent and other business expenses
Marketing costs, including attending wedding fairs and maintaining a website
Specialist Skills & Experience
Finally, it is also worth mentioning that wedding photography is not like taking casual photos at a party. It is a specialised field that can be stressful. Wedding photographers need to:
Work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
Manage tricky lighting situations (dark churches, bright outdoor venues)
Capture fleeting, emotional moments without interruption
Help couples feel at ease in front of the camera
Photographers accrue this experience over many years and by investing in specific training. It is therefore inevitable that the cost of a supplier will be inherently linked to their experience.
With all of this in mind, I often look at some suppliers prices and think, They should be charging more!
The Importance of Honesty with Suppliers
I completely understand that weddings involve a lot of suppliers, and budget considerations are key. But here’s one piece of advice: please don’t lie to suppliers about your wedding!
Even if it is just a small wedding, the reality is that a wedding runs quite differently to a party and, as such, there will be additional discussions, different requirements and potentially different costs.
So instead of saying, "It’s just a party!" to avoid potential price increases, try this approach:
Be upfront about your budget – Many suppliers are happy to adjust packages or suggest cost-saving alternatives.
Ask about flexibility – Could you pick up your flowers instead of paying for delivery? Could you visit a makeup artist at their salon rather than them coming to you?
Trust your instincts – If a suppliers price feels unfairly inflated, keep looking. Most suppliers charge based on the service they provide, not just because it’s a wedding.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Suppliers for You
Yes, weddings can be expensive, but they also come with extra services, expertise, and care. That being said, your budget is personal, and it’s important to choose the suppliers who offer the right balance of quality and value for you.
If you’re planning your wedding and have questions about photography pricing, package options, or how I work, please get in touch! I’d love to chat and see how I can help create the perfect photography experience for your big day.