Photographer

I would hire your photographer- you can’t get these moments back...

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True, but in a sense I've already had my moment. The reception is just a big party to celebrate that moment.

I would hire a photographer. Maybe not even the same. You can probably find someone at a lower price point who is either new to the business or someone who usually doesn’t do weddings. I think it be nice to have the photos when all of your friends and family are there. Unfortunately, life throws some curveballs and those photos will always be a happy memory.

I would think about what kind of photos you really want from this second event: posed portraits of different combinations of people? Candids of party guests enjoying themselves? Both? That will help you figure out what type of photographer, if any, you want to hire.

It sounds like you would be happy spending less money on a different, maybe amateur, photographer. Or even just encouraging all of your guests to take candids throughout the evening and then share them with you via a hashtag or online upload portal. I can't imagine you regretting not going the full-on professional route based on your posts.

I agree that this depends a lot on what kinds of photos you really hope to have. If you want some of the traditional wedding party, family, etc., kinds of photos, then I'd hire a photographer. But, you might only need them for an hour or two to get the pictures you want. If you were happy with your wedding photographer, I'd probably ask them if they are available and what they'd charge for the services you need. If you need to find someone new and are looking to save money, you might try Thumbtack. Daughter was super picky about all her vendors, but only decided to add on videographers about 6 weeks before the wedding. She didn't want to spend a lot, but really wanted some video, so she gave Thumbtack a look. She ended up finding a husband/wife pair who were awesome, for about a third of what she'd been quoted early on in the planning process by other more sought after videographers. She was super happy with the final products. Good luck!

I think you should hire a photographer. You only get married and have this celebration once ❤

Follow your gut. If you feel you would have any regrets, then go with a pro photographer. They don't have to be super expensive either. Find a lesser known photographer whose style you like on Instagram in your area and ask about their hourly rates.

I would hire a photographer! You might be able to see if the same photographer could offer you a deal for hiring them again.

If not, I would look around to see if you can find someone cheaper. Like the other post mentioned, maybe try searching for a non-wedding photographer since you don't need to capture those same type of moments.

Or maybe try a facebook wedding group in your area that connects vendors with clients. I've seen brides asking for a photographer within a set budget and a lot of photographer will respond saying they can try to work with the budget.

I had a photographer when I got married with just our parents and sisters present. I’m also hiring a photographer for the reception in October! I didn’t get ANY family portraits from the wedding, so I’m excited to have another chance to get those. I’d say, if your budget allows, get the photographer. I’d think you’d really like having nice quality photos of family and friends to look back on. If you’re satisfied with your portraits with your husband you already have, you can always hire the photographer for fewer hours for the reception.

I would hire a photographer. You will definitely be too busy that night to want to worry about getting enough photos yourself. Or if you are not too concerned about getting great pictures, you can hire a reputable friend or amateur photographer to do it

Have a designated person if you can to capture your moments that you know will be reliable and good at photo taking

Personally, I would hire a photographer again, whether it’s the same one or someone else. But, you can get some beautiful shots on an iPhone you will still cherish forever, just as long as you have a friend or family member you trust with the camera.

Definitely hire a photographer, I feel like you may regret it if you don't. My husband and I were married on 10.06.2020 and our big wedding is 10.02.2021 we hired a photographer for both!

I personally don’t think it’s necessary since you feel you already had your moment wedding! I mean, nobody is going to want or need pictures of people eating dinner or hor d’eoeuvres. I am assuming you already did your cake cutting - why would someone need to take pictures of this again? I would only think dancing for maybe 2 hours if you want a few candids. Just my thoughts 😊

Yes! Absolutely hire the photographer. You will regret not having photos from your bigger celebration.

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True, I definitely don't need a photographer while the reception is happening. If I hire one it will be to get pictures before the reception of the wedding party.

Same boat: no wedding party at our ceremony, only parents and a sibling each. We used our photographers for our ceremony and subsequent adventure shoot last year. We will not be hiring them again for our reception, partly due to their cost, and partly because we already have incredible images from them. Instead, we’re having our videographer cover the reception. We didn’t have him come for the very small ceremony, and figured his time would be better spent covering the party. Now, we’ll have beautiful stills to remember the wedding and video to remember the people at our reception. Maybe this is a route you want to take?

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Such a good idea. Thank you!

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That would work! Thank you

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Thank you for suggesting Thumbtack. I found someone really affordable