Toronto Wedding Photographer

Tag: GTA

When do you hire your wedding photographer?

One question that comes up time and time again is “When do you hire your wedding photographer ?”. I’m a not sure why it’s such a popular question because I thought the answer was simple: BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!  Seriously, brides and grooms: AS. SOON. AS. POSSIBLE.   Why ? (it’s really quite logical, when you think of it):

The Average Length of an Engagement

  • The average Canadian couple is engaged for approximately 19 months.
  • After getting engaged and celebrating with family, couples typically choose their date and immediately sit down and start looking for vendors.

Which Vendors get Booked First

  • The vendors that the vast majority of couples book first are: reception location, ceremony location and photographer.
  • This means that these major players can book, on average, 15 to 18 months in advance.

Popular Wedding Dates

  • Some wedding dates are simply more popular than others.
  • August and September remain the 2 most popular months for weddings followed by July, October, June and July.
  • If you’re getting married during a popular month it’s more crucial to book your vendors as soon as possible because their stands a greater possibility of them already being booked.

Those where three really great reasons why you should book your photographer as soon as possible.  Still not convinced?

Toronto Wedding Photographer - Book Early

Here are a few more key pieces of advice for hiring your wedding photographer (or any vendor):

Email inquiry does not guarantee you the date:  

  • Never assume that just because you sent an email to inquire about their services that the vendor will hold that date for you.  Dates are formally reserved only when a deposit is placed and a contract is signed.

Book your consult as soon as possible:

  • If you are not ready to schedule a consult do not email with an inquiry because there is a good chance that in between the time of your original email and the time that you are ready to finally meet, someone else will have booked them.

Minimize your consults:

Do not wast your time, meeting with a dozen different vendors.  Use their online portfolios to narrow it down to 2 or 3, your consult should be the time that you decide whether or not you have chemistry with them – not view their portfolios.

If you love the service your vendor can provide and you really feel that chemistry with them then I suggest booking them at the consult!  If you’re sure about your choice of vendor there is nothing wrong with securing their services.

There is always the chance that a vendors prices can increase over time; as the cost of running a business increases a vendor must increase the cost of their services to compensate.  When you book your vendor and securing your package, you are securing that price, too!  This means that by the time your walk down the aisle rolls around you could be saving a lot of money compared to that vendors current prices.

Toronto Wedding Photographer - Book wedding early

Your Friendly – Toronto Wedding Photographer

How to Create a Wedding Budget

Toronto Wedding Photographer - money

Where to start?

The decision to have a wedding is huge for a couple. They deciding to spend their life together but there is also the strain of affording the perfect wedding. Having everything they want on their special night can be a big strain you finances. The main focus for any couple when creating a wedding budget would be to concentrate on what they are looking to get out of their wedding; how much disposable income the couple has together and how much money they need to have left after planning their special day.

Step #1: Decide your total budget for the whole wedding

This must involve all costs associated with a wedding, from venue to food to the wedding photographer all of the tips that you plan to provide to workers after the fact. Make sure you also take into considerations any minor issues or need for side cash that might arise during the wedding. Generally, an extra $2000 would be recommended just because it is always good to have a nice bumper fund.

Step #2: Consider all of the possible items, venues and food that you will have at your wedding

Sometimes, this step is easier to accomplish at the end of doing some basic planning for your big day. Until you know more than the basic details it’s difficult to decide how much everything will cost.

The list below will help you budget:

Ceremony Costs:

  • Clergy
  • Altar Decorations
  • Chair Rental
  • Chair Decorations
  • Guest Book/Fountain Pen
  • Aisle Runners
  • Ushers
  • Gratuity
  • Transportation to Church
  • Rose Petals or Bubbles for the exit

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Costs:

  • Flowers
  • Bridesmaids bouquet
  • Bridesmaid accessories
  • Corsages/Boutonnières

Stationary: 

  • Save the Date Cards
  • Invitations
  • Directional Cards/ Maps
  • Postage
  • Calligrapher(Optional)
  • Thank You Notes
  • Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
  • Party Invitations (Showers, Luncheons etc.)
  • Wedding Programs
  • Address Labels

Outfits:

  • Wedding Dress
  • Wedding Rings
  • Bridal Veil
  • Bridal Bouquet
  • Alterations
  • Lingerie/Garter
  • Bridal Shoes
  • Hosiery
  • Jewelry
  • Gloves
  • Dry Cleaning for the couple
  • Grooms Tuxedo and Alterations
  • Hair & Make-up Artist ( Click Here for a great one )

Other Extra Costs:

  • Wedding Planner or Consultant
  • Location fee for reception
  • Caterer
  • Musician
  • Bar Tender/Servers
  • Alcohol
  • Wedding Cake
  • Table Decorations
  • Centerpieces
  • Dishes/Glassware
  • Linens and Napkins
  • Tables
  • Limo or Car
  • Hotel for Guests

Reception Costs:

  • Reception centerpieces
  • Alcohol (Open bar, closed bar or table wines)
  • Table Decorations
  • Room Decorations
  • Dishes, Glassware (usually compiled into full cost of reception hall)
  • Linens, Napkins, Chair Covers
  • Dj ( Here’s one we recommend )

Engagement Cost

  • Wedding Photographer

All Photography and Videography Click here for a link to our price list

  • Photo Albums
  • Engagement Portraits
  • Photoshoot Outfits

Your Friendly  – Toronto Wedding Photographer

How much should wedding photography cost ?

How much should you pay ?

Although, if you do a Google search for this topic, you will notice that 10% is the general answer, but depending on how DIY your wedding is or frankly, how important photograph is to you, 10% just won’t get you what you want or need.

So why is 10% the “popular” answer?  What’s so special about having 10% of your overall budget devoted to photography?  Well, nothing really – it’s just a good starting point for the average wedding.  Before any bride gets her hopes and dreams set on a certain idea for her wedding day, addressing the idea of budget is crucial!  If you don’t know what your budget will be for the big day then you won’t be able to accurately show for vendors.

Did you notice that in the last paragraph I used the term “average wedding”?  That’s right folks, the average wedding devotes approximately 10% of the budget to photography.  But is your wedding average?  Let’s see how you compare to the average bride of 2011.  According to Wedding Bells magazine, the average cost of a Canadian wedding in 2011 was almost $23,500.  The same survey showed that the average cost of a wedding photographer in 2011 was nearly $2,450.  So how does your budget compare to that of the average wedding?

Comment below

-Tse Daniel your Toronto Wedding Photographer

Toronto Wedding Photographer

Toronto wedding photographer 

Toronto Wedding Photography and cinematography is anything, but your average wedding photographer studio. Each wedding is treated with care and creativity not found with other wedding photography studios.  Your wedding day is carefully crafted to offer one of a kind unique photography in Toronto and surrounding areas.  We offer wedding photography and Video services  in Toronto, Newmarket & Aurora, Kitchener , London, Muskoka, Niagara and destinations worldwide. With clients based all over the world, Toronto is home, we take pride in offering our clients the type of wedding photography they are looking for.

TSE DANIEL

Behind ever great wedding photo is an even greater photographer. The main talent behind our lens is Tse Daniel, a seasoned wedding photographer who’s experiences have allowed him to honed his skills. Beyond wedding photography, Tse’s extensive coverage of live performances, landscape photography and worldwide travel exploration to the pages of fashion magazines, fashion weeks and capturing backstage footage for several celebrated artists has given him the knowledge and dexterity to capture moments on a whim, under any circumstance.

Tse’s unique style of wedding photography also extends to his expertise in video production and graphic design, rounding out the total package of what should be expected from a wedding photographer. With the motto ‘let us preserve your timeless memories’ leading his work, as a client of Tse Daniel Photography, you will have access to the latest trends and technology that the photo industry has to offer. Most importantly, we understand that every client is different, and tailor our packages and services to meet the unique needs for your special day.

Thanks your visiting my site I look forward to one day having the opportunity to capture your special day. 

Also check out our Pinterest Account for cool ideas: Click Here  or Book Now 

Your Toronto Wedding Photographer

Toronto Wedding Photographer By: Tse Daniel

Welcome to Toronto Wedding Photographer by Tse Daniel

Behind ever great wedding photo is an even greater photographer. The main talent behind our lens is Tse Daniel, a seasoned Toronto wedding photographer who’s experiences have allowed him to honed his skills. Beyond wedding photography, Tse’s extensive coverage of live performances, landscape photography and worldwide travel exploration to the pages of fashion magazines, fashion weeks and capturing backstage footage for several celebrated artists has given him the knowledge and dexterity to capture moments on a whim, under any circumstance.

Tse’s unique style of wedding photography also extends to his expertise in video production and graphic design, rounding out the total package of what should be expected from a  Toronto wedding photographer. With the motto ‘let us preserve your timeless memories’ leading his work, as a client of Tse Daniel Photography, you will have access to the latest trends and technology that the photo industry has to offer. Most importantly, we understand that every client is different, and tailor our packages and services to meet the unique needs for your special day.

Take a look around our website if you have any questions contact us HERE

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