Ask any couple who was married more than ten years ago to recall what the best man said in his toast or what the train on the gown looked like as it flowed down the aisle and most people could only give you impressions.
What most couples will tell you is that all those days, weeks and months of planning or fretting about the smallest details fly by in what feels like only a few moments.
While photographers are still consistently at top of most brides’ checklists, videographers are becoming just as commonplace at weddings as their still photographer counterparts.
While a photograph may capture a magnificent moment during the ceremony, a picture will never be able to play back your vows exactly as they were spoken. Memories can only be fully captured through videography. So, how do you choose the best videographer?
Just as with any other aspect of planning for your wedding, doing homework is the most important step. Research, look at lots of samples, and conduct in-person meetings.
The first thing to do is to watch sample videos. Most videographers have short demo videos on their websites, and if not, you should be able to request that they send you a copy on DVD or by email. Cook some popcorn, and give yourself time to watch at least ten different videos.
You should be able to find a few that you like, even if you can’t explain why. It’s similar to the same reasons you like certain movies.
A Spielberg-directed movie is going to look much different than a Tarantino film. You could ask two different videographers to film a wedding and you’d probably get two very different wedding videos.
If you interview a videographer that is really expensive, but you aren’t impressed with the samples you see, you’re most likely not going to be pleased with your final product.
Also, when watching the samples, look to see how often they use video effects. A videographer may have some really neat tricks they added while editing, but ask yourself if that’s what you want to watch in ten years. A good example might be a special effects movie from the mid-1980’s – it probably blew audiences away back then, but watching it now looks really dated.
Once you’ve narrowed down a few choices, compare their packages and pricing. Most videographers offer pre-packaged deals, but almost all should be willing to work with you to create a package that fits your needs. In other words, don’t consider the packages you see to be the final price or the only options you can purchase.
Wondering how much of your wedding budget to set aside for the videography? Most videographers will cost you between $500 and $4,000. Many factors affect this price, from how many videographers are used to the type of equipment employed to how much post-editing work will be required. Again, determine what you want out of your wedding video as well as what you like from the samples you watch.
If a simple video with the audio of your wedding vows is what you have in mind, the less expensive options may be the right choice but if you want it to look like a movie, you will likely need to spend a little more.
Next, you should request an in-person meeting. Just as with any other vendor or service you’re buying, you should feel comfortable with your videographer. In fact, the relationship you have with them may be more important than any of the others – a videographer will be around you for close to an entire day.
An important question to ask is how many cameras they employ and how many videographers they’ll use. While a company may say they use four cameras, they may only have one operator; a static camera setup on a tripod will look much different from a camera manned by a videographer.
Be sure to ask to view an extended example of their work. The samples you watched before arriving are going to be the best of the best of the videographer’s work, and often times are only a few minutes long.
A videographer should have no problem pulling a DVD or file out to show you clips from a ceremony they shot recently. Other important topics to discuss include attire, how much shooting time each package provides, travel fees, payment options, and timeline for delivery of the final product. Don’t be surprised if a videographer quotes delivery three months after the wedding; in fact, some videographers may require more than eight months to return the final product.
Once you’ve selected your videographer and the big day arrives, remember why you’ve hired them. The day will feel stressful at times, and having both a photographer and videographer in the same room might not help the situation. If necessary, ask them to give you a little breathing room, but don’t send them away; the less the videographer is around to capture those small details that makes your big day so special, the less impressed you will be with your final product. As you spend the day surrounded by your own personal “paparazzi,” try to forget the cameras are around. You needn’t smile, do something phenomenal, or stop acting silly with your bridesmaids every time the camera is rolling – sometimes those candid moments will end up being your favorite parts of the video.
Wedding videography is a must-have service for every couple. Many years from now you’ll enjoy the opportunity to see grandpa doing the “Macarena” and showing your children how you looked as you walked down the aisle.. Your wedding video will capture all the moments you’ll never want to forget.
Pin ItJordan Meserole is the owner of Rock Cottage Media. Questions can be directed to him at jordan@rockcottagemedia.com
