10 THINGS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE A WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER

1.        What style do you like?

Every wedding videographer has their own style. Typically, there are two approaches – a video with just music over the top and the more documentary-style approach which uses the audio from the speeches as a narrative running through the video. But at the end of the day whatever you prefer is the style to go for. Have a look around at wedding videographers’ websites and see if there’s a style you like.

2.        What can I expect to receive from a wedding videographer?

In the world of wedding videography there’s a standard package which comprises of four films. The ceremony, the speeches, a 5 minute highlights film and a main 15-20 minute feature film. Wedding videographers may also offer add-ons such as drone footage or selling you the raw files. But these four films are considered the norm.

3.        How much do I need to budget?

You can spend as much or as little as you like. There will be wedding videographers out there who are starting out and will film your wedding for free. Of course, you’re running a risk as you don’t know what the finished product will be like. But the typical price range is anything from £1000 up to £10k. There are a handful of top end videographers who are into five figures, but the majority are £1200 to £2500. However, price has no bearing on quality. A £1200 wedding video could be a far better finished product than a £2,000 film, it’s just the more expensive one is better at selling themselves.

4.        How early do I need to book?

Quite simply, the earlier the better. Wedding videographer’s will book 12-18 months in advance, and some will close their books once they have a certain number of bookings. If you have a midweek wedding you’ll increase your odds of finding a wedding videographer as weekends are the busiest days.

5.        What are their testimonials like?

Reviews from other couples speak volumes. If a wedding videographer has a string of 5 star Google reviews it will certainly give you confidence that you will be getting someone with a good track record. Of course, if you don’t like their films then the reviews are irrelevant!

6.        What equipment will they bring?

This might not sound that important but it might end up being an issue. Firstly, if they turn up with a crate load of gear are they going to stand out like a sore thumb? If you were after subtle and discreet filming you booked the wrong people! The guys at the top who command five figures use the most minimal of equipment. If you want relaxed and discreet filming, make sure you book someone who travels light.

7.        Can you let the photographer film it?

Yes you can but if they are taking photos as well they can’t do both very easily. Wedding videography is a different discipline and set of skills to photography. You’re better off booking them separately.

8.        Do I pay extra for drone footage?

Everybody loves a bit of drone footage but don’t get drawn into it too much. If it’s used too much it can take over your wedding film. It’s only used a few times at the most in the main wedding film. Some wedding videographers will charge you extra so just ask the question so you know what to expect. Some will include it for no charge. Also bear in mind that a drone can’t fly in high winds or rain, or within restricted areas so if you paid extra and the drone wasn’t used, will you get a refund?

9.         Is it better to use a local wedding videographer?

To reduce any problems with traffic or a car breaking down it may be less stressful to book a videographer local to your wedding venue. If you book someone who has to travel a significant distance there is a risk they might get stuck in traffic. They may travel down the night before and stay in a hotel but are they passing that cost on to you? Its often cheaper, and less risky to book a local wedding videographer.

10.     How does it work with music for my film?

Using music in a wedding film is to do with copyright. If you want to use, for example, an Ed Sheeran track in your film you can only do so for personal use. You can not use that film on any social media channels or You Tube as it will be taken down for copyright infringement. This is why wedding videographers subscribe to specialist audio libraries to give them access to thousands of tracks with copyright permissions for use on wedding films and social media. Your wedding videographer will choose the most suitable tracks from their audio library to use in your film which will come with all the legal copyright permissions.