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The Basics |
Getting started |
Book your videographer as soon as possible. The best ones can be booked months in advance.
As always, begin by surveying family and friends with recent wedding experience. Trusted, firsthand experience is always going to be your best bet! Other good sources include your photographer, local wedding consultants, bridal show exhibitors and any others you can think of in the wedding industry. Most have worked with a variety of videographers and should be able to offer names to consider - or avoid. You can also find prospects in your local listings, on the Web, and by contacting the Better Business Bureau.
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Screen your choices |
| Start by calling the most promising candidates. You'll be able to narrow your list rapidly by eliminating the ones who won't be available on your date or who live too far away. Ask the rest for references in advance. Former clients can give you a good idea of what sort of service you can expect. Also ask what they would do differently if they had the chance. Based on their feedback, you can start making appointments. |
When meeting prospects |
Review your list of What to Look For and carry a hardcopy of Questions to Ask with you. Look at completed wedding videos rather than a demo tape with highlights. You'll get a much better idea of the videographer's style and ability. Pay close attention to details. And don't hesitate to ask questions at this point! You're goal is to find the RIGHT person for YOU.
Your prospects should ask a lot of questions as well. Answer them as honestly and completely as you can. You'll get a far better product if the shooter understands your needs and expectations.
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Get it in writing |
| Schedule another meeting as soon as you've settled on a videographer. This is the time to finalize all details - in writing! Check out The Contract to be sure you've covered all your bases. Review it carefully and question ANYTHING you are unsure about. Also expect to secure the booking with a deposit at this meeting. |
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What to Look For |
This is another time to trust your eyes. If you don't like what you see, it's time to move on. If you do like what you see, then start taking notes! |
Ask yourself the following when judging videos: |
- Style - Does the video capture the look and feel that you want? Can you picture your wedding being taped in the same style? Do the people on the tape seem overly aware of the camera?
- Technical - Are the subjects fuzzy or in focus? Is the camera work shaky or smooth?
- Editing - Does each scene progress naturally? Does the video seem to flow, or is it choppy?
- Composition - Are the images attractive and well-balanced? Is there good use of space and shadow?
- Lighting - Does the video reflect a lot of glare? Does it seem dark? Are details easy to distinguish?
- Sound - Can you hear the vows and music clearly? Is there too much background noise? Overall, does the sound seem natural or does it give the impression of coming from a distant cave?
- Color - Does the video appear vivid or dull? Do skin tones look natural?
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Questions to Ask |
Are you the person who will be shooting my video? |
| Make sure that you are meeting the actual shooter. Insist on seeing that person's work and listing their name on the contract. Otherwise, you could end up with someone completely different on your wedding day. |
How long have you been shooting weddings? |
| The whole point of hiring a professional videographer is to ensure against amateur mistakes. Don't be afraid to ask for credentials, or to walk if you don't like what you hear. |
Are you familiar with my ceremony and reception sites? |
| Your videographer will need advance warning of any lighting or sound challenges. Unless they are quite familiar with your sites, they will need to scout the locations ahead of time. Find out if there will be additional charges for this service. And check with your site's management about any restrictions or rules covering videotaping. You'll want your shooter well-informed. |
What's your preferred style of taping? |
| Share your ideas and ask about theirs. Be as clear and specific as possible when describing what you want and don't want. Find out how your candidates organize their taping. Do they shoot multiple tapes that require post-production editing or do they stick with in-camera edits? One style permits more artistic expression and the other allows quick turnaround and (usually) a lower cost. Be sure to ask - and get all quotes in writing! |
What about multiple cameras? |
| You'll also want to discuss the number of cameras to be used. If possible, ask to be shown sample tapes made from the footage of one camera versus that of two or three cameras so that you can see the difference. Be aware that the price increases with the addition of each camera. Also ask about the number and experience level of any crew a videographer works with. |
Are there any photographers in town that you have had difficulty working with? |
| It's important that the photographer and videographer work together well. And it's much better to find out about any problems before you get too far into the process. Be sure to check with your still photographer as well. You may have to pick your favorite in one specialty and go with your second choice in the other. Once you've selected your photography professionals, have them coordinate their efforts by phone before the wedding. You'll also want to ask your shooter to get some video of your photographer in action on your big day and vice versa. |
Do you have questions about my ceremony? |
| Offer the basic details about your ceremony and traditions. Find out how they want to work around your schedule. And do your best to respond to their questions and concerns. This is also a good time to raise the questions of whether they do interviews and how they visualize the progression of events. |
Can you give me a price range for an event of this size? |
| Determine which candidates are within your price range. You may have to cut back in other areas so you afford the one you want. |
When do I make the deposit? Pay off the balance? |
| It's important to get a break-down of all costs - in writing - ahead of time. Know that most deposits are non-refundable and that there may be additional charges for any overtime work. Remain aware of what is owed and what additional charges and restrictions there might be. |
How much video will be taken? |
| A professional will record between two to six hours of tape, using one or more cameras. Depending on the package you choose, you should receive a 60- to 120-minute final or "master" video. Many believe that in this case, less is truly more. Be sure to discuss all the options with your videographer to determine what will work best for you. |
What will the finished video look like? |
| You need to know if there will be post-editing done or if graphics and music will be added. Special effects are usually offered at an additional price. Be very clear and precise as to what you want your finished tape to look like. And get all price breakdowns in writing! |
When can I expect final delivery? |
| The delivery date will depend on the style of video you choose. A simple, one-camera shoot could be complete at the end of your day. A multi-camera shoot that requires extensive studio editing can take months to complete. This is another detail to confirm up front and spell out in The Contract. |
What is your policy on the master tape? |
| The master is the final product. Most videographers will keep this tape and provide you with the agreed-upon number of copies. Ask how long the tape will be stored and about the cost of copies or "dubs." You may also be able to purchase the master after a period of time. |
What type of equipment do you use? |
The most modern and preferable video equipment is digital. This format can be transferred to other digital formats easily and will make the best dubs. It's also the most expensive type of equipment and might mean higher prices for you.
Betacam SP is a high-quality alternative that is still used by many studios and television outlets. The copies will not be quite as crisp as the digital ones, but either format should provide an exceptional master tape and excellent dubs.
Many wedding videographers shoot in the "near broadcast-quality" formats of SuperVHS and Hi8. They can offer very good results and are significantly less expensive. When viewing samples, always ask what format they were shot in. A careful look will help you decide which one is right for you. Check out our list of What to Look For before you begin evaluating tapes.
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Do you offer music? |
| Copyright laws can make the selection of popular music both complicated and expensive. Many videographers and studios stock a licensed generic music library to select from. Some will agree to use your favorite music, but only if you sign a special release relieving them of any liability. Others will only include the tunes played at your event in the form of ambient sound. Discuss the options with each of your candidates. |
Do you carry back-up equipment? |
| Competent videographers always carry back-up equipment on location. You don't want to miss any important moments because your shooter's battery expired. |
What sort of satisfaction guarantee do you offer? |
| You need to know how a videographer will handle any problems. Most will gladly explain their policies and spell out all guaranties and liabilities in The Contract. |
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Costs Involved |
Professional videography can be a significant investment for you. Count on spending a minimum of several hundred dollars on a professional wedding video. In-depth pieces with lots of post-production can run as high as $5,000 or even more. The majority average around $1,500. |
Camera Count |
| The number of cameras used may or may not affect quality, but it can have a real effect on your bottom line. Many weddings can be shot with one camera while others really do need more. Make sure any shooter who wants multiple cameras can explain their reasoning to your satisfaction. |
Shooting and Editing |
| The way your video is shot can also have a lot to do with the final costs. If you want a documentary-style record, make sure the videographer is willing to start early and stay late. Be sure to discuss all overtime expenses. Numerous tapes from multiple cameras will need a lot of expensive editing time. Be sure to ask for the most cost-effective ways to achieve the look you want. |
Lights and Sound |
| You might think the addition of crew such as a lighting or sound assistants to be excessive at first. But ask to see video examples with and without the crew to determine the right option for your big event. You might just find that the added quality is well worth the extra $100 or $200 cost for each assistant. |
The Location |
| Non-religious settings usually translate into better videos for the simple reason that they have fewer lighting restrictions. But a good videographer should be able to work around your location. Just make sure they are familiar with the site as well as any restrictions that it might have. |
Personalizing |
| Special effects are not the only way to personalize your video. Adding photos of the two of you as children or while dating can provide some special moments. You might include engagement or wedding announcements, love letters or a list a favorite songs. Keep in mind that each addition will raise the price of the final product to some degree, but your videographer should be able to work with you to get the most for your money. |
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Ways to Save |
Sure you want the best video for your investment, but that doesn't mean you can't use some ideas for saving time, money and stress! |
- Consider taping just the ceremony. You could save up to 60% off the cost of a full package. The reception might be the place to ask the amateur videographers among your friends and family to help out.
- If you've opted for full multi-camera coverage at the ceremony, consider scaling back to a single camera for the reception.
- Ask about any package deals offered. You can usually create one of your own if you don't see one you like. But be sure to have everything covered by a set price written into The Contract.
- Keep your video simple. Fewer special effects and less post-editing can save you a bundle.
- Ask about a volume discount for dubs. Many videographers will offer to make an economical 30-minute "highlight" version to be given as gifts. Some people prefer videos to photo albums, so be sure to compare costs and preferences. And don't underestimate the number when you do order. You won't get that great price when you want to buy just a tape or two later on.
- Negotiate for lower fees if you have an off-season wedding date.
- Go with digital video recording when possible. Your dubs will be better quality and can be transferred easily to other digital storage modes.
- Plan on feeding your videographer and any crew at the reception. Depending on the type of menu and schedule, you can tell them to eat with the guests or have the caterer prepare a light snack. Your expense will be minimal and you won't have to worry about your crew leaving the site for a meal break.
- Tipping is usually accepted, but NOT expected by any means. If you do want to tip, plan on giving around $20 to $25 per crew member.
- If you plan to keep the master, save yourself some heartache by making dubs right away. You don't want to risk an accident with your only copy!
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The Contract |
Remember, if it's not in writing, it might not happen. Make sure that all details are covered in the contract. This will protect you and the videographer by making sure that everyone's expectations are spelled out.
There is no such thing as a standard contract. Be prepared to spend time reviewing all of its provisions. Ask if you are unsure about something. And point out any discrepancies. The contract is not binding until you sign it.
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A thorough videography contract will include: |
- Exact time and date of the shoot
- Special requests and fees
- Estimated hours of work
- Provisions for overtime hours
- Approximate length of video
- Estimated cost of any post-production work
- Payment schedule
- Contingency clause to cover emergencies such as illness or equipment failure
- Cost of video dubs including any volume discounts
- Disposition of master tape
- Guarantees and liabilities
- Names and contact information of any crew members
- Name, contact information and signature of videographer
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For delivery by Saturday, May 10th, follow the shipping guidelines below.
