Planning a wedding in 2025 is basically a chaotic mix of Pinterest dreams, financial anxiety, and a relentless search for “budget-friendly” that still somehow looks like a Vogue editorial. Between venue costs creeping up like a slow horror movie and vendors charging for things you didn’t even know existed (yes, there’s a “shadow photographer” add-on now), finding a way to lock in cinematic-level wedding photography without hemorrhaging money is an actual strategy.
Because here’s the truth: wedding photos live forever—they’re basically the visual receipts of your best-dressed day, so getting them right is non-negotiable. Whether you want classic romance, modern editorial, or jaw-dropping cinematic storytelling, this guide will decode the must-knows of wedding photography and videography so you get drop-dead gorgeous results without accidentally dropping $15,000 on things you don’t even need.
Let’s dive in—because your bank account deserves better, and your wedding deserves nothing less than magazine-worthy magic.
📸 Choose Your Photography Style
Before booking a photographer, figure out what style fits your vibe. Because trust me, not all wedding photos are created equal.
Popular Wedding Photography Styles in 2025:
✔ Documentary/Storytelling – Candid, emotional, and captures the day exactly how it happened (aka: less posing, more actual moments).
✔ Editorial & High-Fashion – Think Vogue-inspired, bold flash photography, direct angles, and ultra-modern elegance.
✔ Fine Art Photography – Soft lighting, dreamy effects, and painterly compositions.
✔ Classic Portrait Style – Timeless shots with perfect symmetry (great for traditional weddings).
✔ Film Photography – 35mm film, vintage aesthetics, grainy romance.
* Bonus * A great way to get the vintage look on a budget is actually something I’m planning to do at my own wedding! You can either do kodak-type disposable cameras on each table with instructions on how to use them. Then you are able to deposit said cameras into a basket at the end of the night (have a friend/day of coordinator/family member in charge of this specific part of the day to ensure it goes smoothly). I have also found a small digital camera on TikTok shop that is able to give the same vintage vibes as a disposable camera. The digital obviously has certain perks over disposable but they are a tad more expensive ranging from $40-25 each rather than $15-20 per camera for disposable.
💡 Tip: Before reaching out to photographers, stalk their Instagram, check portfolio consistency, and make sure their editing matches what you actually want.
🎥 Understanding Videography Trends
Gone are the days of boring wedding DVDs—wedding videography in 2025 is a full-on cinematic masterpiece. I, for one, am planning on having a blend of all these things in one way or another because I love them all so much! Here’s what’s trending:
🔥 Highlight Reels – 3-5 min recap videos that feel like a movie trailer of your love story.
🚁 Drone Footage – Stunning aerial shots of your venue (especially magical for outdoor weddings).
🎞️ Super 8 Film – Vintage, retro, and deeply romantic. 💃 Slow-Motion Shots – Dramatic, cinematic scenes (great for first dances).
🔄 Multi-Cam Edits – Switch between wide angles & close-ups for a professional storytelling effect.
💡 Tip: Ask videographers if they offer short-form edits for TikTok, Instagram, and Reels.
* Bonus * Another big thing that people don’t know to ask about is making sure to tell your videographer that you want ALL of the raw and unedited footage from the wedding as well! Some packages only include the chopped up polished versions of the footage, but TRUST ME, you absolutely want the entire film from that day! Some companies won’t provide it or will charge extra, so stating that you want it ahead of time is key when selecting the best company for the job!
💰 Budgeting For Photography & Videography
Let’s talk money. Wedding photography and videography combined can easily cost $5,000-$15,000+, but you don’t HAVE to go bankrupt. Here’s how to get the best value without financial or emotional regret. Emotional regret may seem a bit odd to mention when it comes to photography/videography but it’s absolutely a real thing! You can either skimp on the cost altogether or potentially choose a company that wasn’t the right fit simply because they were cheaper and you didn’t plan for this cost ahead of time.
How to Budget Smartly:
✔ Allocate 10-15% of your wedding budget to photo/video (this is industry standard). So if your wedding is $15-20K you’d want around $1,500-$4,000 set aside for this cost!
✔ Book a bundled package (photography + videography together is often cheaper).
✔ Shorten coverage hours (Instead of 12-hour coverage, opt for 6-8 hours focusing on key events).
✔ Hire talented emerging photographers (newer professionals often charge 30-40% less while still delivering stunning work).
✔ Skip printed albums – Digital delivery saves $500-$1,000. You can always print later (especially if you do the disposable or digital cameras at the tables!)
💡 Tip: If videography is stretching your budget too much, consider hiring a photographer for full-day coverage and booking a videographer for just the ceremony & reception highlights. TRUST ME I get how expensive it can seem shelling out up to $4,000 on this. It seems like a potential waste of money that you can cut out and just “figure out” something else, or you’re thinking “my friends/family will take pictures for us anyway”. Wrong. Putting such an important part of your day in the hands of people that aren’t professionals will be a big mistake and an even bigger regret. A friend of mine didn’t hire ANYONE for photography or videography for her 5K budget wedding last October. She confided in me recently how deeply she regrets this mistake and unfortunately there are no do-overs on a special day like that. On the flip side, my aunt (back in 1998) hired professionals for both aspects and she watches her wedding video all the time! She constantly tells me how happy it makes her to see all the comedy and other moments she would’ve otherwise missed if it hadn’t been filmed (like me face planting on the dancefloor as her flowergirl 😅).
📝 Must-Have Shots & Creating A Photo Checklist
Your photographer isn’t a mind reader, so if you have specific shots in mind, make a checklist and speak to the team that will be working your wedding WELL in advance.
Essentials:
📸 Getting ready moments (bridesmaids helping, final touches, champagne toast, aesthetic photos in matching outfits)
🎥 First look (if you’re doing one)
💍 Close-up of rings & dress details
👨👩👧 Family & bridal party portraits
🌅 Golden hour couple shots (this one for me is an absolute MUST!)
🔥 Reception highlights (dancing, cake-cutting, guest reactions)
🚀 Exit shots (sparklers, vintage getaway car, confetti toss) * This is optional as I’ve noticed a lot of people are doing away with the “grand exits” that used to be a big trend *
💡 Tip: Assign a trusted friend or planner to make sure key family members don’t go missing during portraits.
⏳ Timeline Planning to Maximize Coverage
Time is money when it comes to wedding photography. Any great photography company is going to meet with you ahead of time to go over all of this in detail. They are the professionals and they know exactly what time-line works in your specific scenario. Make sure your wedding planner/day of coordinator have the entire schedule for photography ahead of time so they can help arrange people to be where they need to be. Here’s how to plan efficiently so your photographer captures the best moments without unnecessary costs:
✔ Morning Prep (1-2 hours) – Bride & groom getting ready, detail shots (may need what is called a “second shooter” for these depending on details for your wedding, mention this to the company you choose and get their professional input on if it is necessary for you or not).
✔ Ceremony (30-60 min) – Full coverage from guest arrival to vows
✔ Portraits (1 hour max) – Couple photos + bridal party + family shots
✔ Reception (2-3 hours) – Speeches, cake-cutting, dancing, key moments
✔ Exit (15-30 min) – Grand send-off, getaway shots (again, totally optional)
💡 Tip: If you’re cutting costs, skip unnecessary cocktail hour coverage and focus on ceremony, portraits, and reception highlights.
🛑 Avoiding Common Mistakes
🚨 Waiting Too Long to Book – The best photographers get booked 12-18 months in advance, so don’t wait!
🚨 Not Reading Contracts Fully – Always check what’s included (some packages don’t include raw files as I mentioned previously).
🚨 Forgetting to Plan for Lighting – Outdoor weddings? Golden hour photos are a must. Indoor venues? Check lighting conditions to avoid dull shots.
🚨 DIYing Videography – Having a friend record on their phone is NOT the same as professional editing—unless you’re 100% okay with shaky footage.
🚨Hiring Separate Photography & Videography Teams – Having two different teams can lead to chaos, duplicate shots, and mismatched styles. A bundled package ensures seamless coordination and often saves money.
🚨Not Allocating Enough Time for Photos – Brides often underestimate how long portraits take, leading to rushed, incomplete shots. Build buffer time into your schedule to capture key moments stress-free.
🚨Ignoring Audio Quality in Videography – Wedding vows, speeches, and toasts lose their emotional impact if the audio is muffled or full of background noise. Ensure your videographer uses external microphones for crystal-clear sound.
🚨Wanting Drone Footage Without Checking Venue Rules – Drone shots elevate wedding films, but some venues restrict drone usage. Always confirm regulations before booking a videographer with aerial capabilities.
Capture Your Wedding Without Overpaying
Wedding photography & videography are investments, but they don’t have to wreck your budget. By choosing the right style, planning smartly, and prioritizing meaningful moments, you’ll end up with stunning, timeless memories without feeling like you overspent!
