How much should your wedding photographer cost

When the cake is cut and the dress has been worn, one thing remains forever after the wedding (besides love, of course): the photos.

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions a couple will make for their big day, but hiring an appropriately priced photographer can be confusing.

What's too high or too low? What percent of your budget should you spend? Here, professional photographers and wedding experts weigh in.

Generally speaking, you can expect to spend 10 to 15 percent of your budget on wedding photography coverage, and another 10 percent on any accessories you want to purchase, whether before or after your wedding, says Lia Moore, wedding designer and planner at Full Circle Eventi. Your package should include the digital negatives of your event, but be sure to clarify the specifics with the photographer. Many photographers will only enhance 10 to 15 photos, while the rest of the 700 images are only negatives, she warns.

"You'll hear a lot of people say 10 to 15 percent, but if photography is important to you, don't be afraid to make it a larger portion of your budget," says Christine Lee Smith, of Christine Lee Smith Photography. "Every person is different, but 10 to 15 percent is a good baseline average. Remember, in photography just like everything else, you get what you pay for."

The actual cost of the engagement and wedding photos varies greatly by city and what is included in the package, but a general estimate is $300 to $500 for engagement photo shoots, and $2,500 to $10,000 for wedding shoots. The bride and groom should read the contract carefully to see how many photos the price includes, whether an album is included, etc.