One of the most common complaints about wedding photography is that it is too expensive.
Most of my colleagues will justify their prices, listing all the hard work that lies in front and behind the scenes. While it is true that a lot of work goes into the work on the day itself, post processing, correspondence with clients, ordering prints, designing albums in high quality, presenting, and so forth, it is just one part which determines the end price.
I am defining luxury as something that you want or would like to have but don’t actually need. I think that there is a difference in getting married and holding a wedding. Getting married is something you may need while holding a wedding is something you want to do. The actual wedding ceremony is quite affordable whilst having a large catered party is a luxury.
The major expenses are everything that isn’t part of the official ceremony; the venue, buffet or multi course meals for all your guests, the wedding cake, decorations, flowers, entertainment, wedding dress and suit, accommodations and wedding photographer to document the entire event with exceptional artistry.
Consider the longevity of all these expenses. The food and drinks will get flushed down the drain. The venue and accommodations will remain in your memory but add no longer any value to your ongoing life. Decorations and flowers will get tossed away. Make up will be washed away and the nice hairdo is gone after the wedding night, too. Your wedding dress will remain but with no further purpose.
Depending on how much you value each of these “little things” that add up to the “big price tag” of your wedding, you should take in consideration what matters most to you.
Of all these expensive and unnecessary things which have enhanced your big day so much, the photo and video documents hold the most utility. Their value increases in time.
Wedding photography is a luxury service for a luxury occasion! As the saying goes, – You get what you pay for.-