Wedding Photos & Video On A Budget

One of the most cherished parts of a wedding is the memories preserved in photos and video. Every bride wishes for a picture-perfect day, but not everyone can afford to hire a professional photographer and videographer. If hiring a pro isn’t in your budget, don’t panic! There are several ways to get those once in a lifetime moments preserved on film.

First off, many of your friends and family members probably own digital cameras. It should be relatively easy to find a couple of people who would be willing to take photos for you on your special day. It could be their wedding gift to you! Since most digital cameras can hold a lot of photos at one time, have your photographers take candid shots of both the bride and groom getting ready beforehand. Also include photos of the wedding party, family members and guests arriving for the ceremony. During the actual ceremony, have someone stationed behind the minister facing the bride and groom. They can be off to the side almost hidden where they won’t disrupt the ceremony, but they will be able to get great shots of the bride and groom as well as members of the wedding party. They should also be in a position to get shots of everyone coming down the aisle. Have another camera located in the back with the wedding party before they go down the aisle. This is a great place to get candid shots before the ceremony begins, and once it does, there will be great opportunities for shots of the entire wedding party and guests as the ceremony commences. Make sure that your photographers know to set their cameras for no flash during the actual ceremony, but using a flash during the posed photos afterward should be fine.

At the reception, in addition to your designated photographers, provide a disposable camera at each table. The guests can take turns taking photos, and since everyone has a different way of seeing things, you will get several unique candid shots. You can even order decorated disposable wedding cameras in bulk that match your wedding theme, colors, etc. Some of the most fun photos will come from these cameras when they are put into the hands of your guests!

Now that you have your still shots covered, what about video? Again, everyone has at least one friend who considers themselves a semi-pro videographer. If you ask around, you will most likely find someone with a nice digital video camera that would be willing to gift you with their services or offer them at a nominal fee. Even though most professionals will use a two camera system, a single camera can produce wonderful video memories. Make sure that your videographer has a sturdy tripod to place the camera on when shooting your ceremony. This camera may be placed in the same area as your still photographer behind and to the side of the minister. You will probably need to invest in a good wireless microphone in order to capture all of the words spoken during the ceremony. If the microphone is placed on the minister, it will pick up the voices of the bride and groom as well.

Before and after the ceremony, ask the videographer to shoot hand-held footage of everyone getting ready, having posed photos taken and of course, the reception. Make sure they “interview” your guests and ask them to give you advice or special messages on camera. These moments are often the most amusing and the most touching. You will also want to be sure that all activities such as cutting the cake, the first dance, throwing the bouquet, etc. are all captured on video. Go over all of the requests with all of your photographers and videographers beforehand, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.

If the thought of having amateurs handle your photo and video needs makes you uncomfortable, but you can’t afford the services of a professional, consider checking with local community colleges and audio/video clubs. Many times, you will find students who have a vast amount of knowledge who just need practice in the real world in order to become professionals. They may be willing to offer their services at a very low rate while still providing expertise and professionalism.

At your reception, a wonderful way to provide your guests with a great photo memory is with our “Portraits of Love” Glass Frame and Place Card Holders. A photo of the bride and groom can be provided in each frame, or for a more personlized touch, have pre-made photos of your guests to mark their places.

For a more casual and earth friendly idea, consider our “Natural Impressions” Eco-Friendly Photo Albums. If you are having a beach wedding, our “Four Seasons” Glass Photo Coasters Summer Favors would be the perfect compliment and would be useful long after the wedding day.

Just remember, any photos and videos of your wedding will be special and provide you with a lifetime of wonderful memories. Whether you go with camera toting friends and relatives or with a full-blown professional production, relax and enjoy your day knowing that your photo/video needs will be taken care of.

Tags: wedding photography, wedding photography on a budget, wedding videography