We discovered in our 2017 Arkansas Wedding Report that 46 percent of brides are hiring videographers (up from 37 percent in 2015!). Lucky for you, there’s no shortage of exceptional videographers in Arkansas. Two of them dished a few secrets for getting the most out of your wedding video.

Just ask.
Elizabeth Reeves, part of the husband and wife duo behind Betwixt Magnolias, encourages brides to contact their dream vendors directly about price, instead of getting sticker shock at estimated prices on their websites.

Prioritize.
Reeves says it's important to figure out what’s most important to you in a wedding video, then the videographer can put together a package that best fits your needs.

Buy a package.
Caitlin Trickett of Caitlin Trickett Photography recommends a photographer/videographer package deal. This is a great way to save money, and it also means the photographer and videographer are a team, so the bride's wedding day documentation will have a cohesive “look.”

PHOTOGRAPHY

Since photography (and your wedding video) will be how you revisit your big day for decades to come, this is one category where you don’t want to skimp. And we’re not alone in that thinking. In our 2017 Arkansas Wedding Report, brides said photography was their most worth-it splurge. You can find ways to save with almost any photographer, but talking through your vision can help them work with you on budget. Here are a couple of easy ways to do just that:

Do a ceremony exit instead of a reception getaway.
This cuts down on the time that you have to pay your photographer to stick around after the big moments are finished. “It’s a win, win — less coverage, and a more comprehensive wedding day gallery,” says Meredith Benton, owner of Meredith Benton Photography.

Choose day-of photography only.
“If you have to go without an engagement session and/or a bridal session, it will have been worth it to be able to budget the wedding photographer of your dreams,” says Classie Ehrhard, owner of Classie Photography.

Ask your photographer to go solo.
Professional photographers know how to properly photograph a wedding from start to finish and capture all of the necessary images, details and décor. No second shooter necessary. “If your wedding is average sized, about 150-200 guests, a wedding pro that has the experience and skill will be able to capture your wedding day with beautiful images,” Ehrhard says.


See more Insider Secrets Revealed: How to Save Money on Your Arkansas Wedding