Top 10 Ways to Save Money on the Santorini Flying Dress Photo (and Still Look Like a Goddess)

Remo Bernardini
Jun 17
3 min read

💸 1. Split the Shoot with a Friend (Double the Twirls, Half the Bill)

Find a travel buddy or fellow wannabe goddess and book a duo package. Many photographers will let you share time, scenes, and even switch dresses. You’ll each get your solo moment and a few fierce bestie shots. Boom: 50% off.

👯‍♀️ Just don’t fight over the red dress. That one’s sacred.

👗 2. Bring Your Own Dress (Yes, Really)

Guess what? You can buy a flowy chiffon dress online for less than €100. Amazon, Etsy, Shein, or even AliExpress have solid options — just search "long train chiffon gown."

Then just book a photographer-only package, which can drop your price by a couple hundred euros. Plus, you get to keep the dress for future beach twirls or Halloween.

📸 3. Book a Local Greek Photographer (Not a “Santorini Wedding Agency”)

Big-name agencies tend to overcharge because… well, they can. Instead, hunt down freelance photographers based in Santorini on:

Instagram
Airbnb Experiences
Local Facebook groups

Many offer flying dress shoots for half the price — same caldera, same wind, more euros in your pocket.

🕰️ 4. Go for a Shorter Shoot Time

You don’t need two hours of twirling. Most shots happen in the first 30 minutes anyway — before you’re sweaty, winded, or arguing with the belt on the dress.

Ask for a 30-minute mini-session or even a “golden hour quick shoot.” You’ll get the goods without the fatigue (or the €500 invoice).

💨 5. Be Your Own Wind Machine

Some companies charge extra for "an assistant to toss the dress train." Girl, just bring a friend who can throw fabric.

Better yet? Use the natural Santorini wind, which honestly deserves its own photography credit. That Aegean breeze is your unpaid glam squad.

🧼 6. Skip the Makeup Artist — Do It Yourself (or Go Natural)

Booking a full glam squad in Santorini can cost more than the photoshoot. Unless you’re shooting Vogue Greece, your regular face will do just fine.

YouTube tutorials + waterproof makeup = goddess on a budget.

Pro tip: That dewy look? It's probably just sweat. Own it.

🌅 7. Book During the Off-Season (and Negotiate!)

May, late September, and October are quieter months, and guess what? Photographers have more time and lower prices. You might even score:

A discount
Less waiting for the best spots
No one in the background photobombing your train toss

Don’t be shy — ask for off-season rates or a “non-peak” discount.

🪧 8. Avoid Overhyped Spots (and Save on Permits or Waiting Fees)

Some locations in Oia actually require permits or a €50 "private location" fee. Instead:

Try Imerovigli — stunning views, fewer people
Or Firostefani — postcard perfect, less crowded
Or just a gorgeous whitewashed rooftop (they're literally everywhere)

Spoiler: the church domes don’t know they’re famous. They all look the same in photos.

📦 9. Bundle With Other Services (Hack the Tourist Package)

Some Santorini photographers offer bundled deals:

Flying dress + proposal shoot
Flying dress + sunset tour
Flying dress + drone shots

Ask for bundled pricing — it’s often cheaper than booking each service separately. Even better if you’re doing engagement or honeymoon pics!

🧍‍♀️ 10. Use a Tripod + Friend (DIY & Fierce on a Budget)

Feeling bold? Go full DIY goddess:

Buy or borrow a tripod with Bluetooth remote
Set it up early morning (before the crowds)
Get a flowy dress, strike your pose, toss the train yourself or get a buddy to do it

Not only will you save hundreds, but you’ll also be able to shout: “I did it all myself!” And that’s main character energy if we’ve ever seen it.

✨ You Don’t Need to Be Rich to Look Iconic

The Santorini flying dress shoot is a fun, over-the-top thing — but it doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. With a little planning, a pinch of sass, and maybe some duct tape for that dress belt, you can look like a Greek goddess without sacrificing your next ferry ride or feta budget.

Remember: it’s not about the money — it’s about the moment, the wind, and that epic swirl 💃💨.