Quote Originally Posted by ddt0725 View Post
The birde-to-be just sent me a quick email. Her fiance and future mother-in-law are ok with having me as the photographer! They do need to stick to a budget of $400 and want package options! I haven't put together any package options on my website (haven't had a need) so I will have to look into what other photographers offer for packages in this price range. Suggestions always welcomed ...hint ...hint! Only other thing she mentioned is they primarily want the ceremony photographed highlighting the key moments and that we will discuss further when we meet.
Since I am a part time photographer my prices are low. My price structure is different than any other I have seen. When I started years ago I put together packages that had print and album options. Every bride without fail wanted to adjust the packages and I would have to re-price them. Since I work full time as an engineer and part time as photographer this was too much so my package prices are for the services and a proof CD. They can build up from there. Add prints, albums, books, etc... I think the most a bride has spent with me has been around $4,000 total. My wedding only package is $475. I have no time limit on reprints. Many brides come back for other products pretty quick. Some come back a year later when they have more money. It works well for those on a very tight budget. Make sure you obtain a non-refundable deposit. For my wedding only package I charge $175 deposit. The day of the wedding they owe the remaining $300. You need to do this so if for some reason the wedding is off after you rent a camera you are not out $$s. I have only had this happen twice. As part of the contract the deposit guaranties them that I am holding their date for them. If you are giving them a DVD of full files I would not include any prints for this price but let them come back to you at any time for professional prints at a reasonable price.