Your wedding day is one of the most significant milestones in your life. As you walk down the aisle, exchange vows, and celebrate with friends and family, the memories you create will stay with you forever. Choosing the right wedding photographer to capture these moments is essential but with so many different packages available, how do you know which one is the best fit for you?

At The Story of You, we understand that every couple is unique, and so are their wedding photography needs. Whether you're looking for full-day coverage or just a few hours of shots, there are various options to consider. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the ideal wedding photography package, helping you make an informed decision that reflects your style, preferences, and budget.

1. Understand the Different Types of Wedding Photography Packages

When it comes to wedding photography, the most important step is to understand the types of packages available. Generally, wedding photography packages fall into a few main categories:

Full-Day Coverage

Full-day coverage typically means your photographer will be with you from the morning preparations all the way through to the evening celebrations. This package is ideal for couples who want to capture every moment of their big day from getting ready, to the ceremony, reception, and even late-night dancing. This is usually around 10 hour of coverage

Half-Day Coverage

If you don’t want your photographer to be with you all day, a half-day package is an option. This usually covers the ceremony and part of the reception, offering enough time for key moments like the couple portraits, family photos, and the first dance. A half day package from The Story of You is around 6 hours of coverage

Shorter Coverage

For more intimate weddings, or if you prefer fewer formal shots, a shorter package (typically 3 hours or less) may be a good choice. This is perfect if you're having a small ceremony or only need coverage for specific parts of the day, such as the ceremony and group shots.

Custom Packages

At The Story of You, we offer flexibility with custom packages. If none of the standard packages perfectly suits your needs, we can create a bespoke option tailored to the specific moments you want captured. Custom packages allow for more control over what you get and can help ensure you're not paying for hours of coverage that aren’t necessary.

Wedding table decoration with Mr and Mrs light up sign in background

2. Consider Your Budget

Wedding photography is one of the most important investments you’ll make for your big day. While we all want beautiful photos, it’s important to be realistic about your budget. Wedding photography packages can range from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds, depending on the photographer’s experience, the length of coverage, and any additional services included (such as albums, prints, or second shooters).

To choose the right package for your budget, consider:

What you can afford: Be honest about how much you’re willing to spend on wedding photography. Remember, this is an investment that will preserve your memories for a lifetime. Your wedding photographs are often the only remaining physical memory from your wedding day, that can stay with you forever.
What’s included: Some packages may appear cheaper upfront but don’t include key services, such as travel costs or high-quality prints. Be sure to compare what’s included in the cost.
Consider value over cost: Wedding photography isn’t just about the price — it’s about the experience and the quality of work you’ll receive. Opting for the cheapest option may lead to disappointment, so look for a photographer who aligns with your style and offers a value-packed package.

3. What’s Included in the Package?

When evaluating a wedding photography package, always look at what’s included. Some packages are all-inclusive, while others may offer additional add-ons for an extra fee. Common inclusions to look out for are:

Number of hours: Make sure the package covers enough hours for your wedding. It’s important to discuss the timeline of your day with your photographer to ensure they’re available for key moments.
Pre-wedding consultation: Many photographers offer a pre-wedding consultation or engagement shoot, which gives you a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and discuss the details of your day.
Second photographer: A second shooter can provide a more comprehensive view of your wedding day, capturing candid moments, different angles, and a wider range of emotions. Some packages include this service, while others offer it as an additional option.
Editing and post-production: Some photographers include full editing in the package, while others may charge extra for this service. Be sure to clarify what’s included in the post-production process to ensure your photos are polished and professionally edited.
Albums and prints: Wedding albums and prints can often be added to packages, but not all photographers include these in the initial package. If having a physical album is important to you, make sure to choose a package that offers this or is available as an add-on.
Travel fees: If your wedding is outside the photographer’s local area, ensure the cost of travel is included, or ask about additional travel fees.

4. Do You Need a Second Shooter?

A second photographer is an additional professional photographer who works alongside the main photographer to capture more moments throughout the day. This is especially beneficial for larger weddings or those with multiple locations.

A second shooter is ideal if you’re planning a grand wedding or want to ensure every detail is captured — such as the groom’s reaction to the bride walking down the aisle, or candid shots of guests during the reception. If your photographer offers the option of adding a second shooter, it may be worth considering for comprehensive coverage.

At The Story of You, we offer second shooters as part of many of our packages, ensuring you get a wider range of photographs and more moments captured.

5. Personal Style and Experience of the Photographer

The best wedding photography package for you should align with your personal style and the kind of memories you want to create. Consider the photographer’s style and experience when selecting a package. Do you want candid, documentary-style shots, or more traditional, posed portraits?

It’s also worth checking the photographer’s portfolio to ensure their work resonates with you. A photographer’s style will significantly impact how your photos turn out, so choose one whose work you love. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or reviews from past clients.

6. Discuss the Timeline of Your Day

Once you’ve shortlisted a few photographers and packages, have a conversation about the timeline of your wedding day. This helps to ensure the photographer can capture all the essential moments and gives them an idea of how long they’ll need to be there.

If your wedding is spread out over different locations or has multiple key events (e.g., pre-wedding photos, ceremony, reception, speeches, and dancing), you may need extended coverage. If it’s a more intimate affair, a shorter package might be sufficient.

7. Review the Contract and Terms

Once you’ve selected your wedding photography package, make sure to carefully review the photographer’s contract. This should include the following:

Payment structure: Ensure you understand the deposit amount and the schedule for full payment.
Cancellation and rescheduling policies: Life can be unpredictable, so it’s important to know the photographer’s cancellation or rescheduling policy in case your wedding plans change.
Delivery timeline: Ask about the photographer’s expected delivery timeline for your wedding photos. You don’t want to be left waiting months for your images, so confirm how long it will take before you receive your final photos and any prints or albums.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right wedding photography package is a big decision, but with careful consideration, you can ensure that the memories of your wedding day are beautifully captured for years to come. Whether you're planning a grand celebration or an intimate affair, The Story of You offers a variety of packages designed to suit different budgets, styles, and needs.

By understanding your options, setting a realistic budget, and considering what’s included in each package, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that reflects your vision for the big day. After all, your wedding photos are the timeless keepsakes you’ll cherish forever.

Feel free to get in touch with us at www.thestoryofyou.co.uk to discuss your wedding photography needs. We’d love to help you capture the magic of your wedding day!