14/04/2026
Please, please, please don't be this person. I know times are tough and money is tight but really, on your wedding day you should prioritise what's important. Partner is (1), then key elements that will be with you forever, memories etc. I know it differs person to person but if you want photos and think they're important (enough to send out help posts like this) book a professional!!
One that's got a reputation of reliability, something they risk losing, insurance, back up equipment and people, and 6hrs for £250 is too cheap for that.
Yes, try to save money but don't risk your day. Save of second drinks, lose £200 behind the bar, a tier of cake, if you've booked a bouncy castle and cheapskated on a professional you should have known this is a risk.
I must be getting old, I get so frustrated (so do all the pros) seeing this sort of thing, I booked 8hrs for £250 quid and they've dandelion due to health reasons. It's always health, relative in a hospital etc, something you feel sympathy with so you don't kick off. The true reason is, they don't need to do yours they have enough portfolio shots now, got a better paying gig, realised it's more difficult than they thought and they're not good at it, and almost certainly didn't want to call you earlier so now you're in the s**t and crying/panicking.
I worked through a smashed big toe nail (36hrs before a wedding) I apologised, brought another photographer for the main parts, worked the full day anyway and covered 9 miles. Granted it hurt a lot, I swallowed too many painkillers but I was there, the clients got more than they planned and no one was aware (apart from witnessing a limping old guy, 🤣🤣🤣🤣) but the couple got way more than expected.
That's what pros do, many of my collegues in the industry would do. Reputation really matters to us and dropping I clients is unthinkable.
Sorry for the rant but this is self inflicted stress, you took a risk, it blew up in your face. Yes, I'm sympathetic I hate to see people sad around their big day but maybe open your eyes when you look at suppliers. Choose wisely and be sensible.