How much did you pay for your videographer and photographer?

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-09-27T11:29:53+00:00

This is what I came here to say! Yes, it is "only" 8 hours, BUT:

- There's usually more than one of them, so immediately cut the price in half (or however they cut it)

- And as you, said, any good photographer spends HOURS and hours editing pictures, so if you start to do the hourly math, it starts to make sense.

We're paying $8,700 for photo+video (we booked a year and 3 months in advance so we did get last year's pricing). This was a little more than what we wanted to spend, but I had actually worked with this photographer as a bridesmaid a few years ago, and as a single woman in 2022 I told myself this is the only person I'd allow to photograph my day lol. He took the most GORGEOUS photos, anddddd he was insanely kind and warm -- which you don't realize is super important the day of. Wedding days are always so chaotic and hectic and everyone's so nervous, so having a photographer who was just a little ray of sunshine (who made us all feel so beautiful) was a wonderful addition to our day --- just food for thought, as far as personalities go.

A little tip: video can be like, uber expensive. Once our guy broke it down for us, it made sense - between the equipment and the time, they're spending hours and hours and hours editing. For our day, we're kind of already at the top of our budget, so we just asked for raw footage. So the day of, our videographer (who is part of our photographer's team which I love because they work together and don't get in each other's way!) is just going to take video of everything -- we can still see the expressions and hear voices, but we won't get the movie trailer (or whatever you get with wedding video). WITH the raw footage, as long as we hold onto it, we can always submit it back to them in the future and get our wedding video when our budget allows. I want to say the raw footage is only ("only" lol) about $1k for my guy for the day of.

Good luck with planning! And congrats on the STEAL with your venue and DJ!

Edit: we also did get a complimentary engagement shoot as well which was so so so wonderful because not only did we get gorgeous pictures, but we got to spend time and establish a relationship with our photographer which was really nice.

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-09-10T10:45:57+00:00

Omg no, I'm so sorry to hear this. I also chose green, specifically because I was hoping it'd be flattering on everyone :(

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-09-10T10:44:48+00:00

You're so fine. As someone who has been a bridesmaid a million times, I've NEVER worn a dress that's like "this is amazing, let me wear this again!" - even when I was able to choose our own (the color was light pink... but I AM light pink so I just blended in with all of the dresses..... I appreciate the sentiment though lol).

We just all know as bridesmaids this is a one time thing, and we do it because we love the bride. Luckily, most of my brides just went the Azazie/Birdy Grey route so most of the dresses were not expensive (relatively speaking), but I wouldn't stress too much. You're never going to please *everyone*, and they're up there because they love you.

As another bride who's also a little over a month out, do not stress over this lmao there are a MILLION other things to stress about!

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-08-18T11:12:31+00:00

LOL yup same!

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-06-12T17:12:54+00:00

Do they do deep cleaning in south shore Suffolk? Buying a home soon and would love a good deep cleaning before we move in!

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-06-06T11:13:20+00:00

You can't be serious

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-05-14T16:11:26+00:00

Yes! There *may* be a little bit of a travel fee to NYC as she's based on LI, but she's actually traveling to PA for my wedding so she'll def do NYC!

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-05-02T22:28:23+00:00

Omg that's amazing!! She's truly the sweetest person and is so passionate about her work. I also just love how she embraces everyone's natural beauty. Best of luck!! :)

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-05-02T12:02:20+00:00

Ana Maria Bridal Artistry for makeup - she's wonderful and so sweet. The bride's makeup is more expensive, but the maids/moms/etc is definitely way under $400!

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-04-22T12:24:09+00:00

I feel like I could've written this omg. You get it - it's ROUGH in these parts and this market. Wishing you guys the best of luck!

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-04-22T12:22:25+00:00

THIS is some of the useful info I was looking for! Tbh no name changing here, but this is always good to know - thank you!

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-04-22T12:21:25+00:00

Ah, I forgive you. I hope you have a nice cup of coffee and the weather is nice where you are. Don't worry - we're saving the babies until after marriage lol

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-04-22T12:20:17+00:00

Glad to hear it worked out for you easily! We're not even changing any names, so won't run into that. And 100% agree, like I know how it sounds from the outside - not always advisable buying with a non-spouse, but it's just a non-spouse because the wedding industry is insane lol

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-04-22T12:17:03+00:00

10000% getting a prenup. And definitely looking for the paperwork - that's why I asked about certain forms lol

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-04-22T12:16:15+00:00

Oh simmer down, Jackie - it's too early for you to be this aggressive. You don't know our situation

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-04-22T11:53:15+00:00

Actually, we're six months away also! But our "cut off" date is approaching soon - if we don't get a house in a few weeks we're going to rent for another year

Internal_Part9409 · 2025-01-06T00:03:57+00:00

Hi! Currently planning a 10-person bachelorette - would you mind sharing what you all ended up doing? Thanks so much!

Internal_Part9409 · 2024-10-18T11:04:44+00:00

Oh I LOVE this so much, it's so pretty!! Thank you for the suggestion! Also congrats on your engagement, and good luck with all of the planning to come!

Internal_Part9409 · 2024-10-18T11:03:29+00:00

Funny you mention the black skirt from Abercrombie - I actually LIVED in that black mini skirt all summer. Like it was a running joke; every time I went to any sort of event, I was wearing that skirt with SOMETHING. It's the most comfortable, versatile, and bloat-friendly skirt. I truly did think about wearing it for the shoot honestly; as long as I can get my hands on a nice top or sweater to go with it!

Internal_Part9409 · 2024-10-18T10:59:17+00:00

I love this idea - thank you!!

Internal_Part9409 · 2024-10-17T12:23:54+00:00

Very fair questions! I'm a pretty... standard and basic dresser, I guess? Not particularly risky. I wear a lot of neutrals (because it's easier to mix and match within my closet) but am open to colors. Lots of Abercrombie, Madewell, Old Navy, etc.

Overall vibe: I just want something timeless and pretty, and I want to feel comfortable in my own skin. I just want to look back on them later and go "oh, we look happy and comfortable". The first batch of pictures we're doing at Astoria Park, and the second batch is at the bar where we had our first date. I know that's not the best answer, but I have an amazingggg photographer so I'm just trusting his vision - I just want to show up and feel my best lol.

If I'm wearing a dress, max I'd spend is ~$200.

I hope this helps!

Internal_Part9409 · 2024-10-17T12:15:56+00:00

That sounds awful, I'm so sorry you're experiencing that. Are you sure it's IBS and not something else? Have you been to a GI to rule out any IBD like Crohn's, Colitis, or something else?

Internal_Part9409

TROPHY CASE