Is Hiring a Wedding Photographer Worth It?
I realise my opinion is completely different from the mainstream. Most of these opinions come from wedding photographers themselves, who try to convince potential clients that they need to hire them. They talk about ‘telling stories’ or ‘experience’, but the truth is that anyone can take a picture. In fact, you can take a picture without even using a camera, like with a soda can. I’m not joking.
Do I Need a Wedding Photographer or Can I Just DIY It?
No, you don’t necessarily need a wedding photographer. With smartphones, guests, and DIY wedding photography ideas, many couples now choose to capture their day without a professional.
Why? Today’s smartphones are so good, equipped with multiple lenses and powerful sensors. I’ve tried to count all the pixels in my cameras, and there’s no way to fit as many into a sensor as some smartphones have. And as we all know, more pixels and a larger sensor mean better photos.
Can Guests Take Wedding Photos Instead of a Photographer?
Yes, guests can take wedding photos instead of a photographer. Just hand them their phones, trust their instincts, and prepare for a wonderfully chaotic gallery.
Everyone has a smartphone these days. So, you can ask your guests to take pictures of everything and then share them with you. That way, you’ll have a huge collection of wedding photos. No photographer could ever provide you with that many photos, and after all, quantity matters more than quality, right? Especially when it comes to DIY wedding photography.
How to Save Money on Wedding Photography: Proof That Not Hiring a Photographer Saves You Money
I’ve been to many weddings where the bride and groom decided to hire a professional photographer. If they had read this article beforehand and followed my advice, they probably wouldn’t have.
As a photographer with many years of experience, I’ll show you what happens when you hire one. I have irrefutable evidence! And as they say, pictures don’t lie. Look at these photos and see what you could have spent the money on instead of wasting it on a photographer. However, if the evidence presented here does not convince you, and you find that having one at your wedding is a necessary evil, then choose a photographer consciously.
Just one bouquet
The groom had only one flower in his boutonnière instead of a full bouquet! They could have bought two bouquets and many more by forgoing the photographer.
Wedding music on a budget
A full symphony orchestra could have followed the newlyweds — maybe even The Rolling Stones, if the budget allowed. But hey, two local mariachi musicians nailed it. And let’s face it, they probably know more chords than Keith.
Wedding cake vs wardrobe
This is a wedding cake. There wasn’t enough money for a shirt for the groom. By skipping the photographer’s services, the groom might have been able to afford even a suit.
The confetti conundrum
Tiny pieces of confetti. As you know, the larger they are, the more expensive they become — basic wedding economics. But imagine the luxurious fluff you could afford if you skipped the photographer. If you’re planning a smaller celebration, there are even more creative ways to save.
The chauffeur trade-off
The bride had to drive the car herself — and it was just a Volkswagen. Sure, it had character and vintage charm, but let’s be honest: if they’d skipped the photographer, they might have rolled up in a Rolls-Royce with a chauffeur, a silk ribbon, and champagne on ice. Then again… would the ride have been this cool?
A very hungry dog
This dog was sad. He was sad because he was hungry. Why? Because the photographer took all the money, leaving nothing for the dog’s food. It’s hard to smile when your kibble fund goes straight into camera gear and lens upgrades.
Alternative seating strategies
There weren’t enough chairs for all the guests. Cheaper alternatives had to be used. I won’t even mention the lack of a roof to protect from the rain.
The selfie stick solution
A photo from the engagement photoshoot on the beach. If the couple had used an iPhone with a selfie stick instead of hiring a photographer, the photo would have been in colour. After all, iPhones take colour photos. But here? The photographer shot it in black and white. On top of that, any selfie stick is cheaper than any photographer.
(Could selfie sticks be the future of wedding photography? No pressure, just a revolution.)
Veil goals
The money saved could have been used for, for example, a very long veil.
(Long veil = elegance. Long invoice = ouch.)
Tug-of-war budget cuts
During the wedding tug-of-war, the rope broke. They could have bought a thicker, stronger one — but decided the budget should go elsewhere. Like confetti. Or that DIY wedding arch made from reclaimed fence panels. Was it worth it? Probably. The fall looked epic in the photos.
Dive into savings
By forgoing the photographer, the couple could have bought diving masks and fins, meeting the safety requirements for using the water reservoir. But instead, they just jumped in — fully dressed, full of joy, and blissfully unaware of waterproof wedding insurance policies.
DIY Wedding Photography with Pets: Why Animals Make the Best (and Cheapest) Wedding Photographers
Why hire a human photographer when your loyal furry friend can step in? Simply attach a GoPro to your dog’s collar, and voila! You’ve got a mobile, four-legged photographer who’ll capture unique angles — like people’s shoes, half-eaten hors d’oeuvres, and endless shots of the floor. Bonus: your dog won’t complain about long hours or miss the most important moments, like your bouquet toss… right into its mouth.
For an artistic twist, try your cat! Expect elegant, moody shots from beneath chairs and possibly inside gift boxes. It’s purrfectly budget-friendly!
For those couples with a bird? The sky’s the limit — literally. Your feathered friend can fly around snapping aerial views, giving drone photographers a run for their money. Plus, pets work for kibble, which makes them the most cost-effective ‘photographers’ out there.
Sure, some moments may be out of focus, but hey — who needs perfect memories when your dog’s personality shines through every frame?
Do You Really Need a Wedding Photographer?
Remember, a wedding photographer is human too. They have a family, they want to go on vacation, or just relax. They’ll be so grateful if you don’t book them and instead entrust this important task to your guests. They’ll love the extra responsibility!
Imagine if the money you save by not hiring a photographer could be used to, for example, buy additional smartphones for your guests to take even more photos.
But hey, if you’re feeling particularly fancy and want to throw caution (and your wallet) to the wind, why not go all out? Forget Fido’s shaky paw-ography or Aunt Carol’s out-of-focus champagne-soaked snaps. Let me capture the big day! I promise no cat-naps, no awkwardly cropped heads, and no blurry shots of someone’s shoes. Sure, it costs more than a bag of kibble, but some things—like well-composed, in-focus memories—are worth splurging on!
Have a Genius (or Ridiculous) Wedding Saving Tip?
What would you skip to save money on your wedding? Share your favourite ideas — from DIY dog photographers to budget confetti alternatives — in the comments below.
Who knows? I might include the best ones in the article. Let’s build the ultimate money-saving wedding list together!
Disclaimer
This article is a satirical take on the DIY wedding photography trend. While we love a good laugh (and a well-dressed dog with a GoPro), professional wedding photographers bring storytelling, artistry, and irreplaceable experience to your big day.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering — yes, this was published on April 1st. 😉
If you made it this far — congrats! You clearly have excellent taste in humour and photography.
