Vendor guide
Choosing a Photographer and Videographer
Photography and videography are usually booked earliest among all vendors, since the best teams for a popular date fill up quickly. Comparing packages properly means looking well past the per-hour rate.
Comparing packages
Packages vary by number of functions covered, number of photographers and videographers on site, whether a drone is included, and what the final deliverable actually is, a curated album, a raw gallery, a short highlight film, a full-length film, or some combination. Compare like for like across quotes rather than the headline price alone.
| Package element | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-function coverage (one day) | Rs 40,000–150,000 | Varies by team size and reputation |
| Full-wedding package (all functions) | Rs 150,000–600,000+ | Higher end includes drone and a second shooter |
| Printed album, separate from digital | Rs 20,000–80,000 | Confirm whether this is included or billed separately |
Confirming delivery timelines
Full edited albums and films commonly take 6 to 12 weeks, sometimes longer during peak wedding season when a team is working through a backlog. Get this timeline in writing, and ask specifically whether a quicker preview set of images is available sooner, since this is usually what couples want to see first.
Assuming delivery will happen "within a month or so" without a written date. This is consistently the single most common post-wedding vendor frustration reported by couples, and it's entirely avoidable with a specific date in the contract.
One team for photo and video, or two separate ones
Some vendors offer combined photo-and-video teams, which simplifies coordination on the day, while others specialize in just one. A combined team is often more convenient logistically; separate specialists sometimes produce stronger results in each individual medium. Weigh this against budget and how much coordination effort you want to manage.
Request a full, unedited sample from a recent wedding, not just the highlight reel shown in marketing. This gives a more honest sense of coverage quality and consistency across an entire event.
FAQ
How early should a photographer be booked?
At least 9 to 12 months out for a popular date, in line with the 9-months-out stage of the overall planning timeline.
Should the shot list be finalized before the wedding?
Yes, confirm it with the photographer around 3 months out, including specific family group combinations that are easy to forget to request in the moment.
Is a drone shot worth the extra cost?
For a large outdoor venue or a decorated baraat procession, many couples find it adds genuinely distinctive footage. For a smaller indoor venue, it adds less value relative to its cost.