Why Is Wedding Photography So Costly?

The other day I was on a well known national bridal forum.
I occasionally read around in such places to find out what brides are talking about. I don't pose as a bride like some wedding professionals do, and thus refer their own business with rave reviews, , , , I just like to read anonymously to see what brides and grooms are thinking.

On these forums, I see a lot of the expected subject matters such as: I'm so excited!, I'm so stressed, what do you recommend kind of stuff, and that's understandable, however there are some things that continue to boggle me a bit. These things are typically about those things that brides and grooms will prioritize over others when it comes to budgeting for their wedding and reception.

Occasionally I will read questions like, "Can you refer a good, cheap wedding photographer?"
First of all, , I'm sorry, but since when do the words good, and cheap go together and equal something positive?

Does one go looking for a new luxury car and ask to see the cheap ones?

Or does an athlete go shopping for the good, cheap shoes?

POOR USE OF BUDGET:
A couple may feel the need to have an ice sculpture at their wedding reception that may cost several hundred, or a few thousand dollars. That's a great idea if the couple's budget will allow for it, without sacrificing something else that is more important to the overall day and memories. For example, that same couple will in turn hire a wedding photographer who has little or no experience simply for the fact that he or she only charges perhaps $500.00 for the day. I'm not exaggerating, this stuff happens. I find it difficult to understand why so much value would be placed on an ice sculpture (although awe inspiring) that will melt away never to be regained in just a few hours, , could take such precedence in budgeting over wedding photographs that are to be the only lasting record of what is meant to be a once in a lifetime event. Can you pass an ice sculpture down to your children, and grand children? Can an ice sculpture play an important role in your family tree history?

To change the subject slightly to make my point further (as a woman), suppose for example I were to make the decision to get a nose job. This would of course be a costly decision, however it would also be a decision that I would have to live with the affects of for the rest of my life. Obviously, I would research my decision for the right cosmetic surgeon very well, and base my final decision on several criteria.

In searching for a surgeon, my priorities would be in the following order: education, experience, examples of previous work, and last but not least likability. Whoa!, notice I didn't mention price? To be honest with you, the only time price would be an issue for me is if the price was questionably low. If the Doctor's prices were significantly lower than that of other Doctors in his/her area, a red flag would be raised in my mind. Why so much cheaper? What's wrong with this Doctor? Is this pricing an expression of a lack of experience and expertise? Would choosing this Doctor be a huge, irreversible mistake?

LET'S BE REALISTIC:
Pricing within reason, according the the current, local market. When it comes to pricing, , , experienced photographers have to factor in their own time and expenses within reason of course and according to the current and local rates.

Things photographers have to consider when establishing their pricing are:
office and studio rent (office utilities), equipment costs, and maintenance, photo printing costs, album costs, travel, insurance, Hotel stays, travel meals, and per hour charges. With that said, there is a fine line between true market value, and perceived value.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Imaging for a moment that you have a job that pays you an excellent hourly rate. You've worked for years on getting at where you are, and you deserve every bit of the money you make with long hours of devotion, and honest work.
This job not only make you happy, but it also supports your spouse and children.
Now imagine if you will, one day your boss approaches you and says, , , , ,"You know I've been thinking, , , I have a relative who can do what you do for half the price. I think I'm going to have him take over your position."
Well one can only imagine the wide range of emotions, and colorful language this might bring about. First of all, you would feel as if your expertise and the value of the quality of work you can produce has just been devalued to the floor.

The above scenario is similar to what is happening to the value of true, and experienced wedding photography services when an engaged couple places such a low value on this service that they are willing and ready to hire an inexperienced person to shoot their wedding photographs, or even worse re-locate a portion of their wedding photography budget to be used for something else that is quite literally trivial.

YOUR BUDGET IS IMPORTANT:
Yes, your budget is important, and that's why you shouldn't make hasty decisions about anything, including wedding photography. I do however encourage couples to think deeply about their lives together 10, 20, 30 plus years from their wedding day.

Will you want to still be proud of your wedding photographs and wedding album when you've been married for 50 years?