Guide to Booking Your Wedding Videographer
Hints & Tips
Booking a wedding videographer can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different styles, prices, and packages to consider. A couple who recently booked me said, “we were overwhelmed with all the different styles, prices and what you got, we barely knew where to start.”
But don’t worry, I’m here to help! Booking your wedding videographer is an important decision, and I’m excited to share my guide with you to help you get started.
Here are the key points to consider when booking your wedding videographer
- Style
- Budget
- Deliverables
- Personality
- Working with your Photographer
- Restrictions
- Contract
- Final Notes
So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to dive into my guide to booking your wedding videographer!
STYLE
Choosing a style that resonates with you is key to creating a video that you’ll love for years to come. So, let’s dive into the different styles to consider!
The filming style is the first aspect to consider. Do you want a videographer who is discreet and minimal, capturing candid moments without interrupting the flow of the day? Or would you prefer someone that uses equipment like gimbals to create a more dynamic look? Perhaps you’d like a very set up and posed style? There are videographers who offer all these different styles to suit what you’re after for your wedding film.
Editing is the other critical aspect. Some couples prefer a storytelling approach that incorporates soundbites and key moments from the day to create a narrative. Others might prefer a music video style of edit that focuses on visuals and music. There are different styles for colour grading, music selection, and even the vibe of the final video.
The key is to find a videographer whose style aligns with your preferences. Take the time to watch their portfolio films and even ask to see a complete wedding to get a better sense of their overall style. In my case, I specialise in a discreet and static filming style that emphasises artistic framing and lighting. I’m a creative storyteller in my editing, using carefully selected audio and moments from your day along with music that complements the feel of your wedding and the film I’m creating for you. I go for a more natural colour look rather than dark, moody or warm – however, the venue and vibe of your day will have an effect on the final look and tone of your film.
BUDGET
Budget is an important consideration when booking a wedding videographer. How much you value your wedding film is entirely up to you, and videographers are priced across a wide range. Just like with anything else, from cars to pizza to clothing, you get what you pay for.
While you may be able to find wedding filmmakers for under £1K, it’s important to keep in mind that their deliverables and experience may not be of the highest quality. To ensure you get a high-quality film that captures your special day in the best way possible, you should be looking to spend at least the same budget on a videographer as you would on a photographer. That means anywhere from £1500 to £5000, depending on your overall wedding budget.
For example, if you’ve paid £2500 for a photographer and value your wedding film, then you should expect to look at a videographer who is around the same price range. Keep in mind that this investment will pay off in the long run, as you’ll have a beautiful video to treasure and share with loved ones for years to come.
I take pride in producing artistic cinematic wedding films that are on par with the quality you’d get from a photographer in my price range. My goal is to capture your day in the most beautiful and authentic way possible, and I believe that investing in a high-quality videographer is well worth it for such an important occasion.
What does go into the cost of your wedding film? :-
- Experience – this will include working at multiple venues with different photographers and dealing with different scenarios that occur on the day.
- Equipment – The level and cost of equipment, including backup gear
- Admin – Marketing, sending quotes, replying to emails, zoom calls, planning the day, travel, accommodation, insurance…
- On the Day – Generally 10-12 hours (sometimes longer) of work on the day
- Editing – Anything from 3 to 5 days of work on the films post-wedding, which include colour grading, sound mixing, sending you the final films, paying for music licences and deliverables (online platforms or USBs)
DELIVERABLES
Regarding wedding film packages, what’s included can vary greatly from videographer to videographer. Some things to consider include the amount of time you’ll have the videographer on the day of the wedding, the number of videographers and cameras, the length of the film, and whether you’ll get the full ceremony and speeches included.
It’s important to carefully review what’s included in your wedding film package so that you’re not surprised after the wedding. For example, you may expect a 20-minute film that includes your ceremony and speeches, but end up with only a 5-minute short film. Make sure you communicate your expectations and desires with your videographer so that they can tailor a package that meets your needs and provides you with a beautiful video that captures all of the special moments from your wedding day.
PERSONALITY
It’s important to remember that you’ll be spending your entire wedding day with your videographer (as well as your photographer), so finding someone you feel comfortable with and get along with is just as important as all the other factors we’ve discussed in this guide.
To ensure that you and your videographer are a good match, I always recommend scheduling a Zoom call before booking. This way, both you and the videographer can get a sense of each other’s personalities and communication styles, and ensure that you feel comfortable working together on the day of the wedding.
Ultimately, your wedding videographer should be someone who you trust to capture all the special moments of your big day, and who you feel comfortable communicating with. By taking the time to find the right fit, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your wedding day knowing that your video is in good hands.
WORKING WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
It’s important when booking your wedding videographer to find one whose style matches your photographer’s, or vice versa if you’ve already booked your videographer. Matching styles will ensure that both professionals work well together on the day. A discreet documentary videographer may not work well with a photographer who takes hundreds of posed shots. In contrast, a documentary photographer may not work well with a videographer who spends all day setting up shots. It’s a good idea to ask for recommendations, but it’s also important to do your own research. Additionally, some photographers may offer videography services, and some videographers may offer photography services or frame grabs from your film. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting from any package, especially if you decide to book a combination package. Both professions are full-time jobs on the day, so make sure you have at least one person dedicated to each job.
RESTRICTIONS
It’s essential to know about any restrictions that may be placed on your wedding, especially when it comes to photography and videography. If you’re having a church wedding are there restrictions on where a photographer and videographer can be during the ceremony – or even is there a ban on photo and video in the church – yes some churches still have this – we don’t know why! Therefore how important are capturing these moments to you versus the restrictions if there are any? Make sure you’re aware we may not get those moments captured to the best of our abilities if we have to film from a balcony and nowhere else.
Do you want some filming done somewhere that may require a permit that you have to obtain? These are rare but it does exist especially in National Parks and Royal Estates.
If you want drone footage, does the venue allow it? If you’re getting married near an airport, prison or military base then the chances are there can be no drone flying. If you’re getting married in the middle of a city then chances are there is no drone flying.
Additionally, it’s important to note that some venues may require your videographer to have certain insurance or liability coverage. Make sure to check with your venue and your videographer to ensure that everything is covered and that there are no issues on the day of the wedding. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
CONTRACT
Make sure to review all the terms and conditions in the contract before booking your wedding videographer to ensure that you fully understand what you are agreeing to. If there are any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask your videographer for clarification. It’s always better to have a clear understanding from the start to avoid any misunderstandings or issues later on.
FINAL NOTES
Hopefully, this guide will help you find the right videographer for your wedding. If you’d like to enquire with me about your date, then get in touch.
COMING SOON
Guide to Planning an Awesome Wedding Day!
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READY TO
CONNECT?
For the free spirits who dance to their own rhythm, the introverts who treasure genuine connections, the geeks and nerds who find solace in the worlds of their favourite shows – your quest for a kindred wedding videographer ends here.