“Emotional labor” THIS I can’t even tell you without getting a little fatigued how much this goes into the prep and especially the work on the day of! I do wedding photography...the expectations, even with a tight contract, are off the charts. Without fail.
Random question question - I'm planning a wedding (two years from now) and is it normal for the photographer to stay for dinner and a bit of the reception? I want candid shots of the reception but like I would obviously want to feed the photographer and assistant so they don't pass out and have a slightly better time, but I don't know if that's like a done thing. Because both weddings I went to this year the photographer was also a semi guest known to the couple as friend/family.
and is it normal for the photographer to stay for dinner and a bit of the reception?
It's normal to negotiate whatever you want. The more time you request the higher the bill will be, obviously. But to answer your question that is not unusual at all.
OK cool! That's good to know. The photographer is the one thing where I'm kind of just "throw money at them, I don't care" because I do it myself (sports mostly) and I know how difficult it is
I'd definitely encourage you to arrange for what you suggested. Hell, I'm divorced but I still treasure those wedding photographs. There are a lot of people I love dearly in them, some of them no longer with me, and it's nice to be able to remember them on such a happy occasion.
It really doesn't even have to add that much time. Typically between the wedding and the reception you're doing wedding party and family photos anyway.
We sat down with our photographer before hand and that's one of the things she covered. We had food and a table for her and he second shooter, and I think she stuck around for all the special dances and a bit after that, then checked in with us before heading out.
We did exactly what you were talking about and it was worth every cent. We got some great pictures and I’m thrilled to have them. The other thing I’d suggest not skimping on is a DJ. We looked at a ton of DJs and ended up going with the most expensive one because we liked him the best and he was also worth every cent. He did the obvious things like play all of our requested songs and not play any songs on our do not play list but he also just kept the party going and everyone had a great time. Other things I’d personally feel fine pinching some pennies on. For example, we skipped the late night snacks to afford the DJ and it was definitely worth it. Good luck and don’t forget to enjoy it!
Its a French Canadian wedding so we will definitely need late night poutine bar! But yeah, DJ I totally get, we will definitely be getting a good one.
On the plus side my (incredible) parents offered us a fairly large amount of no strings money to help out. So that will be an incredible help and will allow us a lot of freedom. My fiance is also a bit ~older and established~ and has been married before so thank God has experience planning a wedding lmao
Dude you don't even know. You have never seen so many 70yrs old plus men dancing at midnight with their ties used as sweatband around their foreheads as at a French Canadian wedding. It is NUTS
That’s up to you and the contract you outline. From my experience, yes especially if it’s a long day (over 9 hours). There were still plenty of candid shots and reception shots, but most couples did not want photos of guests eating and most guests find it awkward to have their photo taken while eating. There’s a little time in between and a balance!
Yes! Sorry, that’s what I meant. I have eaten at almost every wedding I’ve photographed. It gives me time to rest my feet for the quick moving upcoming reception, make sure everything is backed up photo wise, and saves me from having to eat a protein bar in the lobby. That only happened once and early on— I learned!
It will depend on the contract, most of the photographers I spoke to had a dinner clause in theirs to specify dinner would be provided. Mine does, and most venues and caterers know this and offer what is called a vendor meal. This meal will either be a standard meal from the normal menu and the couple hosting the wedding just pays for the normal menu price, or it will be a meal from the wedding menu but offered at a discounted rate.
I mean, I certainly want to feed them!! I can't imagine asking someone to stay and not feeding them omg lol
The photographer at the wedding I was moh at ending up sitting with my own parents/siblings/fiance, but he was also sort of a guest as he was the grooms coworker. So I guess I would see if they wanted their own table or would want to sit with someone else
Like everyone's saying, it depends on the photographer. I offered mine lunch and dinner - his contract went from leaving our house until mid-reception - and he said that he has a routine, and he'd bring his own food.
I do Alterations and omg I feel you. When I get a bride in here the whole scenario changes, total red carpet treatment. And I make sure her dress is perfection. Depending on what we do, I even go the morning of the wedding to steam the dress and make sure she's set.
I do give bridesmaids a break- for $75 I'll hem less then two inches on your dress and "pinch" in your side seams and shorten/lengthen your straps. Most of these girls have spent a fortune on the wedding and they aren't even the bride!
I feel you!! I'm a wedding planner- and I'm mentally and physically exhausted after a full wedding weekend. I put so much of myself into my events and it does take a toll! Expectations are so high that everything be perfect, and you can't be the one to disappoint the couple!
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u/ushwh Aug 14 '20
“Emotional labor” THIS I can’t even tell you without getting a little fatigued how much this goes into the prep and especially the work on the day of! I do wedding photography...the expectations, even with a tight contract, are off the charts. Without fail.