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3 ways to save on your wedding photography

Your wedding photographs are the memories of your wedding that will accompany you for a lifetime, and perhaps even outlive you. So, you don’t want to skimp and get it wrong. Professional wedding photographers are worth their weight in gold, but getting your wedding pictures done by them can actually take a chunk out of your wedding budget. The Knot’s real wedding survey suggests that the average couple spends $2556 on their wedding photography, which is quite a lot of money. Fortunately, there are some ways in which you can make your money go further and get the best possible results for what you can afford. Let us find out what they are.

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Research well and book early

First and foremost, don’t assume that you will get an unreasonably high discount, however early you look. So, start with someone who has rates that you can afford. Take the time to check out photographer portfolios and reviews, and find a photographer whose style you like. Although you may have a limited budget, you can still find the best photographer for that budget provided that you begin your search early and zero in on the right candidate.

Make use of discounts

You must have gone through the wedding photos of your friends. Is there any that you have loved in particular? If you haven’t really given much thought to this, think about it now. This way, you may find a good photographer who gives you a better deal because of the reference your friend provides. It is also likely that photographers offer referral discounts if you get someone else to sign up for their services as well. If you know of any other engaged friends, recommend your photographer to them. If they like him as much as you do, you may even and snag a discount when they sign up for his services.

Look for package deals and stick to the digital version till you can make your album

Many photographers offer package deals, and you can choose the one that fits your budget. Set some time aside to discuss your options, and find out if you can customize the available choices to fit your needs. Don’t worry too much about getting your wedding album ready right after the wedding. The important thing at this point is getting the pictures taken by a good photographer. Once you have the digital prints ready, start working on your wedding album only when you have the budget for it. Else, put it off till when you do. You do not have to worry, as you will always have the pictures to put into the album. Just don’t forget all about it. Make sure that you will get your album ready as soon as you have the necessary amount put aside for it. Share the digital prints with your friends and wedding guests soon after the wedding, so you do not have to postpone the excitement of sharing those memorable moments.

Find more valuable tips and advice to plan your dream wedding and stick to budget by visiting us at Best for Bride.

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The 5 Do’s of wedding registry

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There are definite advantages of registering for gifts. It allows your guests to buy you something that you value and appreciate and also saves you the trouble of worrying over what to do with all those wedding gifts you didn’t want.

To help you make the most of your wedding registry, here are the top 5 Do’s that will make sure you do not break any etiquette rules, while getting most or all the right things that will be useful to you.

Register at a few select stores only

Rather than registering at all the stores you can think of, stick to a few select ones. Take time to research your options and go with places that allow guests to also purchase online. This will make it convenient for them. When choosing the stores, make sure you check with them about their shipping and delivery options, exchange and return policies and also any discount or offer programs that you can make use of.

Don’t put your registry on your invitation card

Putting registry information on your wedding invite is considered a breach of etiquette. So, refrain from it. If you have a wedding website, put the information there. This will allow guests to locate it easily. Register early, before you send out your invitations, so your registry information is available to your guests when they seek it. Also pass on the information to your family and close circle of friends, so they can share it with those who ask them.

Register for a variety of gifts and with various price ranges

Remember to register for plenty of gifts, so your guests have enough to choose from based on their budget. One way to do this is to register for more gifts than there are guests. While including expensive items on your list, remember that you should provide affordable options too, so your guests do not find it difficult to find a gift. Else, they may end up buying outside the registry, and it may be something that isn’t useful or you would like displaying in your home.

Keep updating your registry

Make sure that you keep track of what is going on with your registry, from the time it is open to your guests. If a gift has been purchased, make sure that you know about it, and take it off the list. If the store doesn’t do this automatically you should continuously review your registry. Also update it with more options, so that the guests who buy late still have enough options.

Think long-term when registering for gifts

Your wedding is the occasion to receive some really valuable gifts, so plan your list sensibly. Rather than going with what you want now, think of how your life will be 5 or 10 years from now, and what gifts will last that long and serve you well. Think of the special occasions or family get-togethers you will host, and what will be useful when you do. Put these items down in your registry.

Once you are blissfully married and have received all your wedding gifts, don’t forget to thank every guest filled your house with the stuff you wanted. Personally written thank you notes will make sure your guests feel appreciated and happy in return.

For more wedding tips and advice, visit us at Best for Bride.