What you need to know to Select a Reputable Videographer for your Wedding Day

Inspirational Wedding Video

Wedding videography is increasing in popularity every year, though it’s still not as popular as photography.

Now you have selected a wedding venue, and we hope you selected a beautiful wedding castle you need to pick a wedding videographer to capture those memories. 

Wedding videography in particular is best when it is discreet and observational - the equivalent of reportage photography. If the Videographer charges more for their work there is usually a good reason. It is advisable to watch several videos covering a wide price range before making your decision.

The digital camera is not the only thing that preserves moments. Every bride and groom will be making memories in a detailed way.

It may be a tricky decision on whether to choose to have your Big Day filmed or not, and most couples will rank wedding viedoegraphy much lower on their lists than other wedding day essentials - however, failing to find the cash to fund one may be a decision you regret later.

Almost as important as the camera and the format is how good the videographer is. Its also nice to see sample here they are at “just the right place at just the right time” to catch a magical moment.

A few good samples should be enough to get a sense of their style and professionalism. Be especially aware of companies that over-use effects – this can often be to compensate for poor camerawork and stylistically your video could look very dated within a few years.

 If you are satisfied with the samples you see online, the next thing to do is ask for a sample DVD.

Any reputable videographer will be able to send you at least 2 complete  for your appraisal that are relevant to your type of event.

The commonest weakness in ‘home video’ is the cameraperson constantly panning the camera left to right and back again, zooming in and out, all in one shot, from one location. After a short while you get dizzy watching it, and the result is almost impossible to edit or watch. Instead ask them to take a series of static shots, from a variety of angles (following the 30° rule) and without breaking the 180° rule.

You must read the small print of the contract in order to determine exactly what you will get for your cash as this does vary greatly, but on the whole you can expect the presence of a skilled and qualified videographer at your ceremony and your Reception, with a fully edited and professional movie supplied on the format of your choice.

It is also important to know what format the video will be shot in. You want to see something like Hi8, MiniDV, DV, or even digitally on a hard drive or other mobile storage device.

Anyone operating a professional wedding video service should have Public Liability Insurance, even though they are not legally bound to do so. They should also have the appropriate copyright licences to record the wedding service and any other copyright material that is included in the video.

The wedding videography industry for example is relatively young and there is a huge variation in individual methodology. You could easily find your wedding day turned into a movie set as your videographer orders guests where to stand and how to ‘act’ for the camera. Whilst it is appropriate for a photographer to guide guests for formal shots, for a videographer to do this will only result in a contrived ‘home movie’.

If you can arrange to meet the videographer in person to assess their professionalism, interest and commitment to producing your film project. This is also the best time to ask questions about their experience, working methods and what is included in the price (see separate notes). If a meeting in person isn’t possible due to distance or timing, then you should at least have a chat over the phone.

Preliminary Questions:-
Are you the person who will be videotaping my wedding?
Will you have an assistant or other videographer with you on the day of my wedding?
Are you familiar with our ceremony and reception location?
(If No to above) Do you visit the ceremony and reception sites before the actual wedding date?
What is your style of video production? Documentary or cinematic?

How many years of experience do you have as a videographer?
Approximately how many wedding videos have you videotaped?

Cost Questions:-

What type of packages do you offer
Can you add in a photo montage, if so, what is the cost?
Does the package include titles for the video, if not, can it be added, and at what cost?
How many hours does this package include?
How is overtime calculated?Are ceremonies and speeches filmed in full?
Are video messages or interviews allowed?
Do they offer a choice of music?
How long will the finished film be?
Exactly how will be DVD be presented?
How many copies of the DVD are supplied?
Do they include highlights of the event?How much are additional copies?
How many cameras & operators?
Does the price include full editing?
How many hours attendance is included?
What sort of preparatory planning is provided?
Are travel costs included?
Do they have public liability & professional indemnity insurance?
Is VAT included?
What is your payment policy?
What is your cancellation policy
Do you offer a money back guarantee?

Equipment
What format with the film be in? (e.g. 4:3 PAL, 16:9 Widescreen)
What type of equipment do you use?
Do you bring back up equipment with you to the wedding?
Do you have a wireless microphone?
Do you have liability insurance?

Most importantly on the day enjoy yourself and let the wedding videographer do his job.  Hopefully you did your research and selected a good one - so trust him and try to forget that he is there and enjoy your wedding day. If you selected a wedding castle you will have a magnificent back drop for your wedding video.  We hope you have a fantastic castle wedding.