As a newly engaged couple you want to choose your photographer carefully. Local photographers know the venue. We at Blueberry Hill have a list of preferred photographers that have been at the venue before. Choosing a small business owned venue and photographer are the best.

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as you plan your big day. These pictures will capture the memories and emotions of your wedding, and you want them to be something you can treasure forever. Below, we’ve put together a guide to help engaged couples find the perfect photographer who can immortalize their special day.

Look at Their Portfolio

The first step in choosing a wedding photographer is to check out their portfolio. This gives you a sense of their style, quality, and creativity. Do they have a modern or traditional style? How do they handle lighting and composition? Make sure their aesthetic aligns with your vision. Look for consistency in their work—do all of their photos look well-composed and professional?

Inquire About a Second Photographer

Having a second photographer at your wedding can make a significant difference. They can capture different angles, reactions from guests, and moments that might be missed otherwise. Ask potential photographers if they offer the option of including a second shooter in their package. This can also be a lifesaver if unforeseen circumstances arise.

Understand Their Package Hours

Wedding days can be unpredictable, with events often running over schedule. Before booking, make sure you know how many hours are included in the photographer’s package. Will they be there for both the ceremony and reception? Can they accommodate any last-minute changes? Having this clarity beforehand can prevent stress on your wedding day.

Check Their Speed After the Ceremony

Another key consideration is how quickly your photographer can get through group shots after the ceremony. You don’t want to keep your guests waiting for an extended period while photos are being taken. A good photographer will have a system in place to organize and execute these shots efficiently so you can move on to the reception promptly.

Assess Their Skills in Candid Photography

Some of the best wedding photos are candid shots that capture genuine emotions and spontaneous moments. Ask to see examples of candid photos in their portfolio. This can give you an idea of how well they capture those unforeseen magical moments that make your wedding unique.

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We hope that you will consider hiring a locally owned wedding venue for your big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience, they tend to have little to no turnover, they support the local economy and they are part of the community. Choosing a locally owned wedding venue means the world to our small owned wedding venues. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs.  Find locally owned wedding venues in the wedding venue map on WeddingVenueOwners.com (link)

Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when you start thinking about costs. But worry not! With a bit of savvy planning, you can have the wedding of your dreams without blowing your budget.

Here’s a breakdown of the key expenses you’ll encounter and some tips to help you stay on track financially.

1. Venue

The venue is typically the largest wedding expense, often taking up around 40% of your total budget. Look for venues that include more. We at Blueberry Hill are a locally owned venue and we try to make planning your wedding easy.

• Tips:
• Off-Peak Dates: Consider getting married on a Sunday, ask us about our prices to save on costs.
• All-Inclusive Packages: We include DJ, decor bartender, security and housing, which can be more economical than hiring separate vendors.

2. Photographer/Videographer

Capturing your big day is essential, but professional services can be pricey, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.

• Tips:
• Bundle Services: Some photographers offer discounts if you book them for both photography and videography.
• Less Time: Hiring a photographer for fewer hours can lower costs without sacrificing quality.

3. Clothing

The attire for the bride, groom, and wedding party is another significant expense. A wedding dress alone can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

• Tips:
• Sample Sales: Look for sample sales or consider renting your dress or suit.
• Secondhand Options: Thrift stores or online marketplaces can have beautiful, budget-friendly options.

4. Florals

Florals can quickly add up, depending on the size and type of arrangements you desire. Expect to spend a few thousand dollars on floral decorations. We will be glad to help you with flowers.

• Tips:
• Seasonal Blooms: Choose flowers that are in season to save money.
• Minimalist Approach: Opt for simple yet elegant arrangements.

5. Catering

Feeding your guests can consume a large portion of your budget. Whether it’s a sit-down dinner or a buffet, catering costs can vary.

• Tip:
• Limited Menu: Offering a limited menu can help control costs.

6. Bar

The bar can be another major expense. You are allowed to bring your choice of beer and wine to be served by our provided bartender.

7. Desserts

Wedding cakes can cost a pretty penny, ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

• Tips:
• Simple Designs: Choose a simple cake design and decorate with fresh flowers.
• Dessert Buffets: Offer a dessert buffet with a variety of sweets, allowing you to serve a smaller cake.

Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days of your life, and it doesn’t need to be overshadowed by financial stress. With careful planning and a savvy approach to spending, you can enjoy a beautiful celebration that reflects your love and commitment without compromising your financial future.

Happy planning! ????

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We hope that you will consider hiring a locally owned wedding venue for your big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience, they tend to have little to no turnover, they support the local economy and they are part of the community. Choosing a locally owned wedding venue means the world to our small owned wedding venues. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs.  Find locally owned wedding venues in the wedding venue map on WeddingVenueOwners.com (link)