Worth it?

[Deleted User]

We're just now booking our photographer, a relative who is a pro photographer backed out. We found lady who's free on our date and we love the photos on her site. She charges 2,000 for the minimum package which is two photographers for 6 hours, CD with full rights, and a few other add ins. BUT I have a friend that does wedding photography on a regular basis who would only charge us 700. However his style of photography is hit or miss for me. Sometimes I like it just fine and sometimes I'm not crazy about it. Is it worth it to spend an extra 1300 on a photographer when it could only be costing us 700? I'll also mention that 2,500 is the going price for a good photographer in our area.

[Deleted User]

I should also mention our original budget was 10,000 and now were looking at about 15,000. We can afford it, but I'm starting to think just because we have it doesn't mean we need to spend it. I grew up very modestly and I'm happy not to have to comprise, but again wondering if its really worth it for one day.

lulu4150

"Sometimes I like it just fine and sometimes I'm not crazy about it."

On his best day he is just fine. Are you ok with your wedding pictures being just fine?  I wouldn't be. It sounds like you should go with the other person.  You only get one chance with the pictures.  Not sure if you're inviting this friend to the wedding but I'm sure they'd rather enjoy the celebration with you then work at it.

mrshall1027

I'm a firm believer in not hiring friends or family to do anything for your wedding.  What if he were to completely disappoint you with the pictures?  What would that do to your relationship with him?  I know it's hard to pass on a good deal, but speaking from experience, most of the time it's too good to be true.  Also, I think most would agree that you really should invest in a good photographer.

pzavecz

Yes, I absolutely 100 think it is worth it to splurge on your wedding photos over anything else in your wedding. Although the 700 sounds like a great deal, I honestly think you will regret it. It doesn't even sound like you like his photos that much. I, personally, would not want to look back at my wedding pics and think I should have spent more to get someone better to be happy with my pics. The wedding photos are all you've got at the end of the day and video if you have it...and you only get one shot at these..no doovers. If I were you, i'd either find a way to get the more expensive photographer..cut down on something else in the budget...or if you just can't swing the extra cost, keep searching for a photographer that takes photos you love not just are ok with but at a price you are comfortable with.

PattySmith101

Spend the extra $ you only get 1 chance to get the pictures right and you don't want to regret using someone and not being happy with the outcome! Besides if this friend is coming to the wedding the will probably take pictures anyway!

minionlover

I agree with the others that you should probably spend the extra money. You don't seem to be that happy with your friends photos plus or you think about it, you already had a relative back out and your friend could easily too.

achiduck

What happens if he has an "off day" on your wedding and you end up with pictures you don't like.

ALWAYS spend the money on photography. Cut back elsewhere. Seriously.

brainybrunette

I could not agree more with PPs. Photography is not the place to cut back. When the day is over, all you have left is your pictures.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the reassurance ladies! We met with the photographer tonight and after talking with FI we decided that will will be using her instead of my friend.