A guide to wedding videography
It’s a common complaint among newlyweds – the wedding flew by too quickly, and you weren’t able to truly take it all in. Luckily, there’s one vendor who can help ensure you can replay every moment for years to come.
“I would recommend hiring a videographer because you’re capturing lifetime memories that will only happen once in your lifetime. Not only that, it is something that with video can be shared for generations to come,” says Skip Skipper, owner and filmmaker for 148 Films in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “The day will fly by, and our job isn’t just to serve well, but also help capture everything and you relive your biggest moments over and over again.”
Never booked a videographer before? No problem! Here’s a quick guide to what to expect when hiring a videographer for your wedding.
Do I need a photographer and videographer?
While videographers are often seen as an “extra” rather than a “must-have” for a wedding, it’s becoming increasingly common for couples to have both. Some larger studios even offer both services.
Can I just have a friend or family member record the wedding?
This is very much a case of you get what you pay for. So, unless you have a professional videographer in the family who offers their services as a gift, stick with an outside vendor.
“You’re taking a risk when you hire ‘your cousin with a camera’ to just to save money. Hiring a true professional to capture your day helps keep your peace of mind. Their experience will help your day go smoothly,” says Skipper. Also, “photo, video, DJ and planners all work so closely together during the day, and when a friend is in charge of one of those, it can be tough to work together as an all-star team.
How much does a videographer cost?
Skipper advises budgeting at least $2,000 to $5,000 for a quality videographer. However, depending on where your event is located and how much of the day you want to be captured, costs can get up to $10,000 and more.
What is typically included in the cost?
Most videographers will provide 8-hours of labor in a standard package and include highlight film and a documentary edit or “behind the scenes” footage from the day. Typically, this involves a team of two filmmakers to ensure they’re able to capture as much as possible in that time frame.
“If I could do my wedding video again, I would absolutely add on any letter/vow reading, wedding interviews with guests during the reception, a fully edited ceremony, and of course, drone footage whenever it is available,” adds Skipper.
How soon should I book a videographer?
Like many parts of wedding planning, the earlier you book a videographer, the better. Eight to 12 months in advance of the wedding is a good rule of thumb since that’s when many studios start to book up. Six months is often cutting it too close for many videographers, so don’t wait!
What should I look for when hiring a videographer?
“Experience, people skills and good track record,” says Skipper. “You need someone who can serve well and create a fantastic product at the end of the day.”
Some good questions to ask when vetting potential videographers include:
• How long have you been the lead filming weddings?
• Have you worked with any of the other vendors we’ve hired? Could they give us a referral for you?
• Can we see some testimonials or speak with former clients?
• Can we see examples of your work for a similar wedding (size, style, location, etc.)?
• What would you recommend we get in a package based on your experience?
• What is your process from the initial inquiry to the final delivery?