It feels like every day there’s some article or feature on the news about the ever rising price of gas and the terrible state of the economy. I shake my head, tighten my belt and budget and cope.

Now I figured other people were pretty much in the same boat with me, making adjustments where they had to, cutting corners. That’s usually the way I have to look at budgets - where to cut back. I hadn’t thought much about people who might need to look at increasing their budgets.

I hear you asking; who’s that? People like the photographer who has to pay more to drive to your event. Actually, that’s what spurred this post. I was surfing and found this forum for wedding and special event photographers where the discussion centered around Wedding fees and gas prices. There are a lot of different viewpoints there. It was really interesting to read how the “vendor” side can see things. Naturally, increases mean that anyone who has to drive to your event is laying out a bit more cash to get there - florists, caterers, musicians, guests - and you!

I’m no economist by far, but I’m thinking brides who are locking in contracts with vendors at least have a set price and aren’t going to be “surprised” with an increase. A deal’s a deal. And those of you with summer weddings might want to keep that in mind as we’re all familiar with that “price hike” that seems to happen before the summer travel season.

Are rising gas prices taking a pinch out of your wedding budget? Join the conversation.