Pricing Structure for an Engagement Party?

[valenda_welch]

<p>Hello All,</p>

<p>I searched the archives and didn't see an answer to my question. A bride has contacted me about shooting her engagement party and I don't know what to charge.</p>

<p>Is it typical to charge your hourly wedding rate? Or, do you offer a "discounted rate," as it's not a wedding?</p>

<p>Thanks much for your help!</p>

[bill_clark___minnetonka_mi]

<p>Depends.<br /> Do I get to partake with the food & wine? Makes a difference!<br /> I may do the party because I love photographing people when they are having a fun time! Lots of Smiles!<br /> Maybe I'd do just for the "rights" to use it with my business.<br /> Depends what the investment $$$'s are for the wedding.<br /> When is it & where is it?</p>

<p> </p>

[valenda_welch]

<p>Hi Fellow Minnesotan,<br>

It's in Minneapolis at the end of the month. She hasn't contracted with me for the wedding, but it's a possibility. So, you might shoot it for free? That would be a lot of work and processing time for no charge.</p>

[bill_clark___minnetonka_mi]

<p>I'm not available as I'm booked until June 27th 2010.<br /> Sorry.<br /> She's planning it pretty close for the end of the month.<br>

As I said it depends on what investment the client makes. Since they haven't made an investment it's worth nothing.<br>

Good luck.</p>

[david_schilling___chicago_]

<p>"<em>A bride has contacted me about shooting her engagement party and I don't know what to charge." </em><br>

<em></em><br>

How do you do a contract without the pricing? If you are so new to the business that you don't know what to charge I would suggest that you do it for the experience. You'll also find previous threads on pricing weddings, baptisms, reunions, etc....</p>

[valenda_welch]

<p>David - I said she contacted me, not contracted me ;) I have a wedding contract and a pricing structure for weddings. I do not have a pricing structure for engagement parties and was wondering what some of you do.</p>

<p>Bill - LOL. I wasn't asking you to do the shoot ;) Thanks for the opinion.</p>

<p>Any thoughts, anyone?</p>

[david_schilling___chicago_]

<p><em>"....she contacted me, not contracted me...."</em></p>

<p>Ooooops, my bad :-)</p>

<p>You can look at prior threads about pricing weddings, baptisms, reunions, etc.... to get some ideas. Pricing structures and business models vary tremendously between markets/locations. Engagement shoots are frequently offered at no charge if you're shooting the wedding. Rehearsal dinners are frequently presented as part of a package or priced hourly.</p>

[savagesax]

See if you can get about $100 per hour. If she books her wedding with you maybe offer a slight discount around $80 per hour or so. Try to get her to book you for 3 hours.

[aimee_pieters]

<p>I would charge your regular rate, but with a smaller minimum number of hours. If you're photographing (not travelling), you're worth what you're worth regardless of the event...-Aimee</p>

[nicole_brown]

<p>You will be shooting pretty consistantly for the entire event. You won't have time to eat a canape! I would charge what I would charge per hour for one of my portrait shoots. You still have all post and there will be a million set up shots and lots of grip and grins to capture.<br>

You could offer a discount if she books you for her wedding. Or you could throw in a couple of enlargements...sweeten the deal!<br>

Good luck and Have fun!</p>

[nicole_brown]

<p>PS: What a great chance to meet all the key players and VIP's too...if they like your style they will book you for sure. What a great chance to wow them with your talent! Great opportunities abounds!</p>