Common Issues With Hiring A Wedding Videographer
There’s reasons couples choose to skip videography, but many of them are fueled by generalizations that don’t apply to all wedding videographers. Let’s debunk a few problems couples may have with the idea of hiring a videographer.
Problem: “We don’t want a bunch of lights setup during the reception.”
Solution: Let them know beforehand. Hire a videographer who uses a natural look with low-light capable cameras and “fast” lenses. Ask how “fast” their lenses are and they may be caught-off guard by your knowledge. Lenses with “f-stop” numbers lower than 2.0 (fast ones) are a must for weddings because they can let in more light to the camera for moody receptions. If this is an area of concern, you might want to ask about the low-light capabilities of their camera too.
Problem: “We don’t want high maintenance production, such as guest interviews.”
Solution: Hire a videographer who knows how to maximize the storytelling-capacity of the ceremony audio and speeches to edit an emotionally compelling video. Bonus points if they can pick up small, natural moments of dialogue while getting ready, during a first look, etc.
Problem: “We don’t want someone constantly getting in the way.”
Solution: Check out the reviews for your potential wedding video company. Are they being complimented for being incognito? There’s a balance between stealth and quality that few videographers can successfully manage on your wedding day.
Problem: “My photographer says they prefer to work without videographers.”
Solution: Talk to your potential videographer and ask how they handle the photographer relationship. A respectful videographer gives the photographer space to lead (and let them capture their centered ceremony shots). A perceptive videographer knows how to sneak in for a clip and sneak back out, all while avoiding the field of vision of photographers. A solo videographer—as opposed to a duo—may also aid in reducing visual collisions, depending on priorities.
Problem: “Our vendor list is getting too large and difficult to manage.”
Solution: A great wedding video company is low-maintenance and keeps communication efficient.
Check out what these brides and planners have to say about wedding videography. 👇
“It's alway tough trying to decided where the money would be best spent in your budget. We each have different priorities as to what's "worth it". Personally the photography and videography were extremely important in our budget. I still don't have my video yet, they said it can take up to 4 months so I'm not freaking out, but I'm DYING to see it. I can't wait to hear us say our vows to each other, see all we missed during cocktail hour, our first dance and more. The photos are great but they only take you so far in your memories of the day… We had big discussions about how important the video would be to us. When we decided on having a yearly tradition of watching our video while toasting with our champagne flutes from the wedding on our anniversary, we knew it was worth it to us to have it done right.” - Laura Kaschak
“We are coming upon 10 years of marriage, and I can say that hiring a videographer was the BEST thing we did for our wedding! None of my brothers and sisters hired one, and they really wish they did!” - Michelle Powell
“As a planner, I used to say skip the video if your budget cannot afford it since there are alternatives. But, four years ago my father passed away suddenly. While going through the attic, my mom found some old VHS tapes she figured were vacations, graduations, etc. To her surprise, one was their wedding video that a friend had shot as a favor. She converted them to DVD and played it for us (I have three siblings) and we all just sat quietly, staring at the screen, watching my dad come back to life. It was priceless to see our father the way he was, they way he held my mothers hand and laughing on their wedding day. A picture is worth a thousand words, but hearing your husbands voice who has since passed is like music to your ears. So now, I tell all of my clients, if you can't afford a pro, find a friend or family member to film for you and have it edited later.” - Jennifer Pearl
A video helps you remember your day more vividly than photos alone. It may be one of the few pieces of media in your lifetime that capture the sound of your grandmother’s voice or your brother’s infectious laugh. If you can find a way, invest in an unforgettable family heirloom that will last for generations.
Why video? Video endures. The combination of color, motion imagery and sound sweep you back to the most important day of your life. Photos freeze a moment in time, but video plays it back for you, your kids, and their kids. Video retains voices, mannerisms, and personalities!
According to HuffPost, 35% of couples’ biggest wedding day regret is not hiring a videographer for their wedding day. Of the couples who do hire a wedding videographer, 25% wish they spent more on it. Although wedding videos feel like a recently popularized luxury item, older surveys suggest even greater numbers of couples wishing they had a video.
How your day is captured is the most vivid way it lives on. Memories and photos provide nostalgia, but video is a different kind of copy of your event that memorializes the whole range of emotions. Because your wedding might be a once-in-a-lifetime meeting point of all your favorite people, a cinematic videographer encapsulates the love you have not only for for your partner, but your community as well. Don’t skimp on it! Most couples agree—especially after the fact—it’s a must.
Need to hire a wedding videographer? We create stunning cinematic videos for destination weddings.
