Pricing question

[lindseylett]

I am doing a destination wedding in august and need some advice on pricing. The bride is providing lodging for me and my husband. Should I include gas cost in my price or is that a no-no since she is providing a free room?

[MicWayWal]

For my destination weddings I bill the bride for every expense I don't normally have to produce a local wedding. If the gas for this wedding is more than you would normally spend on gas then bill her. That is normal and expected.

All of my brides usually take care of me very well. Good rooms, transportation, wonderful food, time to myself, time to explore. In return I usually cover things I don't normally cover at a local wedding. Dinners, parties, rehearsal. They have to pay a little more for my expenses. In exchange they get more of me and my work. Talk to your bride, explain that you want to do more for her but she will need to take care of a few expenses in exchange. Write it in your contract. I have always been rewarded and the bride got more. WIN WIN!

[CaptainTom]

I haven't done a destination wedding yet, but I've thought about how to price one when it happens.

Normal package prices. Transportation to and from the destination. Rental car or dedicated family member to take care of me at destination. If I drove, I would charge mileage. All meals and expenses from time of leaving home to returning.
As much as a destination wedding sounds great, I would also have to take into consideration how many days I may have to miss other photo jobs. Fortunately I am not that busy, and the extra time would likely not be a factor.
How do others price these ?

[bondarnes]

Normally if it is close enough to drive to it I wouldn't consider that a destination wedding. I have been charging $60.00 per driving hour, but with rising gas prices that needs to go up. For real destination weddings it is airfare plus expenses.

[toverman]

I'm booked for sort of a "destination wedding" in August, but I'm counting it as a mini vacation and not charging for gas. I kind of agree that if you can drive there from Garland it would be hard to call it "destination," maybe "long way out of town."

[canoflan]

Charge everything. If they are providing the room and board, then that of course would not be in your final bill; however, I would charge a premium for having to stay over away from home because that is part of your service as a convenience for them to have a photographer performing a destination wedding. It could be shown as a surcharge or something similar.

Pat

[HotHolly]

And in case it wasnt already said - dont itemize the travel expenses. It usually doesnt work out well.

[lindseylett]

Well I say it is drivable only because my husband doesn't like to fly. But we will be going to the beach. It will end up being about an 8 hour drive... one way.

[toverman]

Yikes! I bet he'll like flying more after spending 16 hours in the car. :-)

[lindseylett]

Probably not. Unfortunaltely he LOVES to drive. We drove on our honeymoon too... all the way to South Carolina! Don't get me wrong. I love the senic view of the Blue Ridge and Smokies... But Waco, Austin, Corpus Christy and on.... not exactly Scenic!