Wedding Photography Packages

Photographers, whether specializing in weddings, portraits or another niche, often create wedding photography packages as a simplified way to present their services to clients. The problem is, it can be hard to determine which wedding photography packages might be right for the two of you. Typically, I like to refer to the bundling of services and products as a “collection” but for the sake of this post we’ll call them packages.

Packages are a way of combatting decision fatigue during a time when you might be feeling like you’re being blasted with all kinds of decision-making moments as you plan– what venue, which videographer, what location (city), which hotel for the guests, what food to serve at the reception, which flowers to carry…you see what I mean.

For me, in an attempt to simplify, I’ve gathered the things previous couples have mentioned they want the most. Essentially, that consists of digital files and/or a high-quality leather bound wedding album, and of course, my time before, during and after the actual photoshoot.

Package Customization

You might be wondering if customization is an option? The answer is yes. In no way can all offered package options appeal to everyone. Allow me to introduce A la Carte menu items. This is one way to make available other products that have been requested in the past, but at a lesser rate. Some of those items include:

• Parent albums
• Individual digital files
• Canvas Wall Hangings
• Engagement and or Bridal Boudoir sessions
• Prints in various sizes
• Additional time beyond the specified amount in the package

What Does a Package Include?

Here’s the thing, when you think of a package, it’s important to think BEYOND the tangibles. Sure, its super important to have your images in hand one way or another, but also consider this: your package is your photography EXPERIENCE during the engagement shoot, the boudoir shoot, and most importantly the wedding.

Think about it in terms of going out to eat. You and your significant other get dressed up on a Saturday night eagerly anticipating trying that great new restaurant that opened recently. You’re looking forward to the whole evening, the whole shebang, the whole “package”. You open up the menu and read all of the savory food options. There is a yummy smell wafting from the kitchen past your nose. You might even splurge tonight and purchase a bottle of the “good” wine.

The waiter/server approaches your table. While pleasant, they don’t really know the menu well and can’t help you select between the two items that appeal to you, can’t suggest which wine to pair with your meal, and rarely come back to check on you. By the way, your water glass is still empty. Yes, I have high expectations. But that also means I expect you to have high expectations for your photography experience as well. I strive to give what I would personally expect.

Wedding Photography Package Specifics

I offer three packages that differ in price and content. All of them include 8 hours of wedding day coverage. After years of photographing weddings, 8 hours seems to be the magic number for including everything from getting ready through the basics of the wedding reception. The wedding photography packages also all  include a customized web gallery, personal consultation(s) throughout the process, and a posting on the blog.

Now, here is where you have to pay a bit more attention. Because at this point, I would ask that you imagine yourself five years from now, or maybe ten, and wonder what you would like to have in your possession from your wedding day photography? At this point in your life, you might own a home, and have a child or two. Its your anniversary. In one way or another you would like to remember your wedding day. Perhaps you want to show the kids the photos. How will you do this?

You could be rummaging through your computer files trying to find all of the images in your wedding folder. Or you might be sitting on the couch together turning the pages of your wedding album. (Click for more on wedding albums.) Perhaps while you’re viewing them you see an imagine and decide you want a print. Do you print that using your printable digital file that is stored on your computer (or better yet in the cloud) and order through an online company or CVS, or do you contact your wedding photographer (me!) and have it ordered through a professional lab? There is no right answer. But you see the mental process I’m taking you through so that you can pick the package that is right for you.

“How will I choose?”

That’s easy, we talk. We sit down together and think about the questions above. You consider your wedding budget, remembering that your photography and video is the most tangible thing you’ll have left from your wedding day. The question is how do you want to relieve those memories? And how do you want to begin your family legacy? (album, digital files, both?)

Let’s talk soon!

(Want to see more images from Melissa and Ryan’s Indiana State Museum? Click here!