HINTS & TIPS

Red Flags to Look for When Booking a Wedding Videographer

Booking a wedding videographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make while planning your big day. A wedding film captures the magic, emotion, and little moments that can easily get lost in the whirlwind of it all. But how do you make sure you’re trusting the right person to tell your story?

Here are some red flags to watch out for when choosing a wedding videographer, along with tips to help you feel confident in your decision.

1. No Contract

A contract is essential when booking any wedding vendor, especially a videographer. It outlines what’s included, when and how your film will be delivered, and protects both you and the videographer. If a videographer doesn’t offer a contract, that’s a major red flag.

What to look for instead: Make sure the contract includes specifics like coverage, deliverables (highlight film, full ceremony, speeches, etc.), and payment terms. A clear agreement ensures there are no surprises.

2. Pricing That Seems Too Good to Be True

Wedding videography requires skill, experience, and professional equipment, all of which come at a cost. If the price seems significantly lower than others in the industry, it could be a sign of inexperience or cut corners.

What to look for instead: Compare prices across a few videographers in your area and ask why their pricing is set at a certain level. A professional should be transparent about their value and what’s included.

3. No Reviews or Testimonials

Reviews and testimonials are invaluable when assessing a videographer’s reliability and quality. If there’s little to no feedback from previous clients, or if the reviews seem overly generic, take caution.

What to look for instead: Check for consistent positive feedback about their professionalism, communication, and quality of work. Also, ask to see full films, not just the highlights in their portfolio.

4. No Video Call Before Booking

A good videographer will want to get to know you and your wedding plans before committing. If a videographer doesn’t offer a call or meeting, it may suggest a lack of personal service.

What to look for instead: A video call gives you the chance to see if your personalities click and ask questions about their approach. It’s also an opportunity for the videographer to understand your vision for the day.

5. Unclear Who Will Film Your Wedding

Some companies operate as a network of videographers and may not tell you who will show up on the day. This can lead to inconsistency in the style and quality of your wedding film.

What to look for instead: Always ask who will be filming and editing your wedding. Ideally, you’ll work with the same person or team from start to finish.

6. Lack of Interest in Your Vision

If a videographer doesn’t ask about your plans, what’s important to you, or the story you want your film to tell, they might be treating your wedding like just another job.

What to look for instead: Look for someone who listens to your ideas, offers creative suggestions, and makes an effort to understand your story as a couple.

7. Inconsistent Portfolio

A strong, consistent portfolio is a good indicator of a videographer’s style and expertise. If their work looks inconsistent or lacks cohesion, it might mean they’re inexperienced or outsource editing to different freelancers.

What to look for instead: Ask to see several full wedding films, not just the highlights, to get a feel for their storytelling abilities and editing style.

8. Minimal Communication

Your videographer should be responsive and proactive in their communication. If they take weeks to reply or seem vague in their responses, it could indicate how they’ll handle your booking.

What to look for instead: Prompt, clear, and friendly communication is key. You want someone who makes you feel like a priority.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right wedding videographer is about more than just the price or style of their films. It’s about finding someone you trust to tell your story, someone who’s professional, experienced, and genuinely cares about capturing your day in a way that feels personal to you.

By keeping an eye out for these red flags and knowing what to look for instead, you’ll be well on your way to finding a videographer who’ll deliver a film you’ll treasure forever.