How To Choose A Wedding Videographer
Videographers are best at capturing those quick, special moments on your wedding day that you'll be too busy to appreciate. Time and time again I hear from clients that say they're looking to hire a videographer because they have a friend who deeply regrets not doing so for their big day. Though photography has been the standard for a long time, wedding videography is on the rise and should be considered just as seriously as photography. You'll want to hire someone to perfectly capture the essence of your wedding and the beginning of your marriage as husband and wife. Here are some things to keep in mind when searching for the right videographer.
1) The Role of a Wedding Videographer
Much like your photographer, a videographer will navigate through the day, capturing detail shots and B-roll of the venue(s), bridal party, and guests, as well as the important moments like your vows, first kiss, speeches at your reception, and more. Coverage of the event may look different for each couple, but typically preparations, ceremony, and reception are included. Being able to relive it all through video truly enhances the preservation of this milestone. Personally, being a wedding videographer means making the bride and groom happy and providing quality service and products. It also means trying not to be disruptive, and working well with other vendors. In short, a wedding videographer is there to play a role in saving these exciting memories.
2) Styles May Vary
Every wedding videographer has their own style, and this may or may not correspond with yours. It's crucial that you view examples of their work before you book with them to make sure you know what you're getting. Styles range from cinematic to playful to documentary-style, and can vary in length from thirty seconds to over an hour. Wedding videos can be bright and airy, or dark and moody. It's up to you to decide what you're looking for. Browse wedding videos on Youtube or Vimeo to get a sense of what you like, and make sure to discuss your own vision for your wedding video with your potential videographer.
3) Resources, Research, & Reviews
A great place to start when looking for a videographer is with your other vendors! Chances are one of them, especially your photographer, has worked with a videographer who they can recommend. (Pro tip: Asking your vendors for recommendations in other areas of wedding planning is a great way to go. They have first-hand experiences with dozens of other wedding professionals.) Ask your married friends who they used, and whether or not they were satisfied with their wedding video. Otherwise, sites like WeddingWire the The Knot can help you find videographers in your area, and will most likely show reviews for their services, which you should definitely take into consideration. You can also check a videographer's Facebook page for client reviews, special offers, and every day postings.
4) Personal & Professional
Do you "click" with your videographer? Are they personable and communicative? Do they exhibit professional and timely behavior? You should be able to build a good rapport with them and have an environment where your comments, questions, and concerns are taken seriously. Beyond being prompt and accommodating, I personally love connecting with couples and finding some common ground. It makes it even more fulfilling for me when I get to share their personalities and love story in my work.
5) Packages & Payment
This is another area that will vary greatly between professionals. Price can vary from mid-hundreds to mid-thousands and takes into consideration several factors. You get what you pay for. You should also keep in mind what their contract entails, and when you will receive your product(s). Packages include a variety of things - hours of coverage, number of shooters, editing, delivery, etc. Some videographers even have elopement packages, priced to only capture an hour or two of a simpler union. Delivery of your wedding video can come in many forms – full length features, short films, highlight reels, raw files, etc – and on a variety of platforms like DVDs or USB drives. Remember to weigh quality with quantity when it comes to getting the most bang for your buck.
