Believe it or not, your wedding will one day transform from an eagerly awaited event to a cherished memory. For this reason, photographers are high on every bride’s must-hire list. But while photographs are fabulous, they can’t capture heartfelt vows, a touching toast or your walk down the aisle in all their glory. For a real record of all the emotions that fill the day, live-action recording takes the cake.
“Video provided a dimension that our photos just couldn’t,” says bride Christina Sherwin, who celebrated her wedding at St. Paul’s Nativity of Our Lord church in October 2010. “The day flew by so fast, it’s amazing to be able to see our wedding in action again. We’ll watch it each year on our anniversary.” Many couples also value the video as a keepsake their children will one day love to view.
While videography is quickly finding its way onto many brides’ essential vendors list, others may still be foggy on the details. Read on for everything you need to know about saying, “I do” to a timeless memento of your big day.
Do we need a professional?
When faced with adding another vendor to an already stretched budget, many couples consider arming a friend or relative with a handheld camera or skipping video altogether. While an amateur’s take may be better than no video at all, be prepared for missed moments and questionable quality. If you want to ensure a complete chronicle that you’ll treasure long after the bubbly goes flat, it’s time to bring in the pros.
When should we start looking?
Six months to one year. Most professionals recommend starting your search around the same time as you start looking for a photographer.
How do we find a videographer?
Ask friends and family for recommendations or ask your photographer for referrals. Then review samples online. Once you’ve narrowed your list to two or three companies, set up face-to-face meetings. (You can also check out a list of local videographers here.)
Are there different styles?
Because there’s little difference in the technology used, the real variations come with guest interaction and final editing. Do you swoon for guest interviews or prefer a documentary distance? Do you like special effects (e.g., slow-mo, fades) or a classic cinematic approach? Whatever your leanings, the best way to pinpoint your personal preferences (and a videographer who shines in those areas) is to review demos until you find a style you love.
What should we ask?
Start with experience. Seasoned professionals will not only have the necessary technical ability and artistic talent, they’ll also be well-versed in dealing with unique weddings and venues, while remaining discreet and unintrusive.It’s also smart to request to see a full-length video in addition to demos. If the videographer has footage of your venue or a similar location, all the better.Also take time to learn about the equipment and crew. While additional cameras and people do affect cost, two or more cameras allow for greater coverage and a complete view of the day. Most pros will also provide small, wireless microphones to capture important audio. But Terri Kurita of in Excelsior notes that if their sample videos “look good, sound good and reflect the style you like, equipment specifics should be a non-issue.”Learn how they work with photographers. “The best situation is when the videographer and photographer become a team and work closely to capture natural moments,” notes Barry Peterson of in Deephaven. Good videographers will have a pre-wedding game plan for communicating with crucial venues and other vendors.Trust your gut. While a vendor’s video style and budget will be important factors in your decision, their personality is equally important. If you don’t feel a connection, move on.Services can range from $1,000 to $8,000 and depend on a variety of factors: number of cameras and crew, hours of coverage and final format.“Shop for a shorter edit,” suggests Matt Brue of in Minneapolis. “Find a vendor willing to film the day but deliver it in a lower-cost, five- to 10-minute film. If you love it, you can always upgrade later.” Feeling web-savvy? Ask for an online-only delivery option. In addition to substantial savings (no physical product means no sales tax), you may be able to snag the film a bit sooner. Willing to wait? Inquire about off-season editing. For some, the ability to shift time-consuming editing to their slower months is worth a meaningful discount.Typical deliverables include multiple DVDs, Blu-ray discs and/or online versions. Your preferences and budget will help you decide whether you go for a 10-minute package or an hour-long film with a mix of natural audio and music. Most vendors won’t provide raw footage unless requested.Many videographers aim to complete editing within one month, but that can stretch to as long as six months. Be sure to confirm in your contract what your final product(s) will be and when to expect delivery.Don’t worry about providing a list of must-shoot scenes—your seasoned pro will capture them. What you should give them is a heads-up about key people to shoot, a schedule of the day and any unique tradition or detail they might not anticipate. If you’re concerned about identifying special people, consider inviting the videographer to the rehearsal or groom’s dinner for introductions.More important, don’t be afraid to ask questions, dig for details and share your vision. Request multiple meetings and conversations. Through it all, just be sure to “get to know your videographer and allow them to get to know you,” says Capture Studios client Maria Patch, who wed in Burnsville on Nov. 6, 2010. Letting a videographer in on all of your wedding-day details is the most direct route to a film you’ll treasure for life.