Photography, worth the splurge?

Photography is the splurge item for most. I can't tell you what is important to you, but do either of you enjoy looking through your parents' or grandparents' wedding albums / photos? If yes, and you have kids, his idea guarantees the choice has been made for them not to have them to see.

Tell him to consider this: Your photos are the only physical memories you will have to look back on when it's all done and over with. They are the pieces that you will sit down and reminisce with, show to your children and grandchildren, that will be treasured by more than just the two of you for many years to come. They will become a part of your family tree as great grandchildren look back through their genealogy. You're not just buying them for you, you're investing in your memories and your legacy.

I think a good photographer is absolutely necessary! $2,000 is a good deal. You will want to remember this day! You can cut back in other areas.

I'd call videographer a splurge (we skipped one and I don't regret it...yet). But a good wedding photographer is a must!

Yes!! And some might disagree with me, but last minute I hired a videographer to film our ceremony & the majority of our reception. I wasn't planning on hiring a videographer, but I've heard from so many people that you forget what happens at your wedding.

The videographer I hired for the day of will provide us with just the high quality raw footage. I figured better that than nothing at all.

I would say this is one of the things that you want to spend the money on. Life is so short (not to be morbid) and this is a great opportunity for you to have pictures that you can cherish in the future, of you guys, close friends, of family and of all the important moments you shared on your wedding day. I say go for it!!

Yessss, our photographer is costing $2300 and we will get back upwards of 700 edited pictures. Its worth it!

2000.00 isn't exactly a splurge for wedding photography...I know it's a lot of money, but if you're going to go the the expense, time and emotion of having a wedding with your friends and family, spend the money to have good photos.

Splurge. Personally I think it is more important than wedding video.

Aside from the officiant and caterer, I think the photographer is the most important vendor!

I am splurging. My FH doesn't see the importance as I do, but he realizes I think it's important. We are paying $2500 for 10'hrs of coverage, 2nd shooter, & complementary engagement session. I feel like this is reasonable for my area as well for 2017. A lot of photographers I've seen are bumping prices above 3k for 2017.

FH and I had this discussion, he did not want to hire a photographer at all. Finally, I explained what PPs have mentioned, the photos are what's left. We found someone who is a good compromise - I like his work, and his price is decent, though more than FH initially wanted to spend. We are getting a small discount for being out of season, as well. I am more than happy with our choice.

You said you don't want to spend hours taking photos. So it sounds like you should give your photographer a very short list of formal photos (maybe one with the two of you and one with each set of parents) and let them do the rest of the day in a more candid, photojournalistic style, rather than posing everything.

If photography is any bit important to you, it's worth the splurge. If you love the work of the $2,000 photographer, go for that person over the a "$200 average person". $2,000 isn't SUPER expensive for wedding photography, and in the scheme of life it's not that much, especially if you plan to look at your photos over the years (even if that's just an album and not wall prints).

Think to yourself... Would you rather splurge and get great photos... or take a chance of going "cheap" for an "average" photo and always wonder what you would have gotten if you splurged. My advice is always go for what you think will leave you with the least regrets

Photos and video were definitely the biggest investments we made for our big day. I say definitely not splurge, but allocate a big chunk of your budget for it.

Omg, what?? You can't even get nice family portraits for $200, let alone a whole wedding!!! These memories are not a "splurge". As @Randee said, a splurge is something you don't need but want. Beautiful, quality photographs of your wedding day are not a WANT. A photo booth is a want, a limo is a want. Your pictures are literally the ONLY thing that will be left after your wedding to remind you of the special day other than your own memories, which will fade in time. Your wedding photos will be passed down by generations! Your wedding day is probably the first and last time you will have your entire family, all your friends, everyone who is important to you in the same room at the same time. How could you not want good pictures to remember and treasure that?? $2,000 is a GREAT deal. My photographer was $2,800 and that was a good deal in my area. Most quality photographers in my area are between $3,000-4,000.

$2,000 is a great price for photography, granted their photos are up to par with what you are looking for. Most base prices in my area for photography are at least $3,000. We are spending $4,500 on photography, because aside from venue, excellent photos were top on my priority list. These memories will last a lifetime, and you want to get good photos to capture the moment. And in the photography industry, you definitely get what you pay for.

You can not put a price on your memories!

Wedding photos are not JUST one picture or two you print and frame, it is a collection of the entire day from the excitement, tears, guests, events and of course portraits. You may only print a few out but you can always look back on all the pictures.

Professional and beautiful ones will capture the entire day and all the emotions in proper framing, angles etc.

Definitely worth the splurge. After all is said and done the photos are really the only lasting memory of the actual day itself. Both photography and videography would be ideal but not always possible (we could only afford one).

A better photog is the one and only thing I wish I'd gotten for my wedding. Those photos are going to sit around your house for decades, and wouldn't you rather have trouble picking between all the awesome ones than just saying, "Well, these two are OK"? Spend the money.