We've all heard it, "bundling will save you money!" You can get multiple products or services for less by bundling them together.
In the wedding industry this practice has been around for years and is normally called 'a package'. The idea is if you spend more, you ultimately get a bigger discount on 'the package'.
In some cases photographers would buy closeout or discontinued and discounted products (albums, frames, etc.) and then put them in 'the package' to offer a better 'deal' or more 'stuff' for a lower price than the items would normally cost.
The problem with some of these packages or bundles is that you end up buying things you really don't want or need (even at the discounted price). Nothing worse than being forced to take a 16x20 gold frame when it just isn't your style.
I know some venues will include the locations "standard photographer" in the package, the problem is not everyone is going to like the standard photography and some brides will want photography that is different than what all the other weddings at that location got.
Nothing worse than when you ask to remove the 'venue photographer' from the venues package (because you have your own better one) only to be told the price can't be reduced even if you don't use their service.
Over the years we have avoided these issues by allowing each couple to customize exactly what they want while still giving them the most competitive price.
When you 'bundle' with us (and pay in advance) you can typically get up to a 25% discount. We also offer quantity discounts after the event. When you purchase reprints online from us you get the 4th one FREE.
At our most recent bridal show we offered a starter wedding album in our package for a 66% discount -basically at our cost! That's a package incentive worth taking!
Now let's talk about another form of bundling that doesn't always turn out as good as it sounds. Too often a 'jack-of-all-trades' vendor provides cut-rate services at cut-corner pricing that's 'too good to be true' in their packages. It's the 'one-man-band' schtick!
For example: A photographer or DJ throwing in videography. Or a venue providing services outside of their scope of expertise. For this type of bundling to be a success they would need to hire an expert in the field which (if supplying a quality product) really wouldn't amount to much savings.
Although initially it looks like a 'good deal' too often the vendor tries to do it themselves (jack-of-all-trades, master of none - 'one-man-band') OR they will find a less experienced person (their cousin) who is trying to learn the trade and is willing to offer cut-rate services at low-quality prices.
In the end you are paying good money for poor-quality and inadequate services. I really wouldn't want to pay someone any amount of money to practice at my event, but then again, I value quality over quantity.
I have attended events where the distracted DJ forgot to start the stand-alone video camera at the beginning of the ceremony. Or the photographer's assistant missed critical still shots because they were messing with the video camera.
Nothing worse than your DJ ignoring the malfunctioning photo booth because he has to play the music, or visa-versa.
The most cost-effective way to get the best bundle is to negotiate it yourself. (that way you can choose your best priorities) Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Only pay for what you want, get the best quality possible that your money can afford and don't waste any money on 'extras' that you really didn't need.
More isn't always better, you won't regret getting the best-quality essentials rather than skimping on the important stuff in exchange for a lot of poor-quality extras.