Weddings are meant to be cherished for a lifetime. After all, not everyone gets to say “I do” with the person they love. Still images used to be the mode for capturing wedding memories. Technology has allowed videography to take capturing wedding memories to the next level. Whether you want to hire a professional Freelance Cameraman or you’re just looking for a photographer, make sure you have some photos of your big day. It will only happen once!
But choosing a wedding videographer is not easy. Hiring a wedding videography company can be a major investment. $1.9 million is the average spend of couples for a videographer in 2017. For this reason, it is important that you find the right wedding videographer to work with. Here are 10 tips on choosing a wedding video company.
1. Take finding a videographer as seriously as finding a photographer
If you are serious with finding a photographer, similarly you should be when looking for a videographer. Not everyone has a talent in creating a flawless video because it takes a huge amount of experience and skill. You need to invest time in researching for the best wedding videographer you can find.
The fees for a wedding videographer isn’t cheap. Depending on the credentials of the videography company, the price could go up significantly. Finding a videographer is a major investment so you want to make sure that it is of high quality.
2. Seek out reviews
Do you already have a online video editing in mind? Have any of your friends or relatives worked with the videographer already? They would be the best people to give you information about the wedding video company. It is best to talk to them about their experience before deciding to hire them.
Ask for the contact details of their clients so you can ask them some questions about the videographer. There are certain qualities that a good videographer should possess and hearing it from someone the videographer had worked with is a good way to gauge whether they possess such qualities.
3. Meet them in person
Meeting the videographer in person will help gauge whether or not you will be comfortable working with them. They may have a great portfolio but if you will not be able to connect with them, it does not make any sense investing your time and money on them. The more comfortable you are with them, the better they will create a wedding video that suits your needs.
4. View their portfolio
Most videographers post their best videos on their website but it is important for you to see their entire portfolio before signing on the dotted line. Some will only post their highlight videos so request for the full video if possible. By checking their previous work, you will be able to determine if their videos will work for you.
The videographer’s portfolio of work will showcase their shooting style. You will be able to see the kind of shots they take. Ask for an edited and completed version of wedding videos they took. This will allow you to check if their shooting style is the one you are looking for.
5. Set your goals for creating the video
While your general goal is to capture the special moment, you must have other goals in mind. Do you want same day edit, full video, summary video, or a drone covering the event? Do you want the end product to look vintage, like in a DVD, or do you want it digitized by the likes of EverPresent or similar companies? Or maybe both? By setting your goal, you will have an idea of what you want the prospective videographer to do. You will also be able to assess if they can meet all your wedding video needs.
6. Decide if you want audio in advance
It is recommended that you integrate audio into the wedding video as this will help capture all the special motions during the day. Aside from that, it will add a more personal touch to the video. Capturing the wedding vows, the interaction between the bride and bridesmaid, and the reception speeches will enhance the wedding video. Make sure that the videographer will coordinate with the venue DJ about the audio.
7. Discuss expectations and timelines
Before hiring the videographer, set expectations and timelines. How long is their turnaround time to finish the video? What will be the finished product? Will you be able to make edits after the production? Make sure that you understand the deliverables and timelines before signing on the dotted line.
8. Check if you need filming permissions
Filming permissions are generally not needed as it is part of the contract with the venue and considered part of the wedding. However, it is still best to confirm with the venue if you need to seek filming permission. If you will be using a drone in shooting the video, filming permission is definitely a requirement.
9. Ensure that you and the videographer are on the same page
Before hiring a videographer, it is important for them to fully understand what you want to see in the video. You don’t want to find yourself canceling at the last minute just because the terms of the contract were not met. The bottom line is to read the terms of the contract and know your rights as well as that of the videographers.
At the onset, you should know your rights. Will you own the right to the videos taken? Will the company use your videos in promoting their company in social media? You can ask it from the videographer during the face-to-face meeting.
10. Don’t micromanage
Once all your plans for wedding day has been laid out, the next thing to do is relax. Although you can make some late revisions, let the videographers do their job. Micromanaging them will make them veer away from what was planned and pull them away from their style. You can give your inputs but don’t overdo it.
Your wedding videos is something that you would watch over and over again. Videographers are your partner in ensuring that every moment of your special day is captured. Take these tips into consideration and rest assured your wedding day will not only be memorable to you but also the people who witnessed your celebration of love.
