5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Videographer Before Booking
5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Videographer Before Booking
Having a wedding videographer capture your big day ensures that you won't be in the statistical 98% of brides who regret not having one.
But if you truly want to avoid regret, finding the right videographer is just as crucial.
Price, hours of coverage, and final deliverables are important things to consider, but when it comes to wedding video, there’s a lot beneath the surface.
As a wedding videographer with over a decade of experience, I can offer some insight on a few things you might not think to ask before trusting someone to capture your once-in-a-lifetime moments. Having crafted hundreds of wedding films myself, I understand what goes into creating exceptional films. Films that makes you actually feel something.
I'm about to give you five essential (but often overlooked) questions that will help you make an informed decision, ensuring your wedding film is everything you want it to be.
1. “How Long Have You Been Filming Weddings?”
Although this might sound like some getting-to-know-you chit-chat (and it can certainly be asked that way), it’s actually a crucial question that you should be asking everyone.
Why? Because experience matters.
Filming weddings is a nuanced art, and an experienced videographer brings not only technical expertise, but also the ability to pivot and be flexible. They understand the ebb and flow of a wedding day and can anticipate moments, ensuring that nothing is overlooked or missed.
An experienced videographer can also be a huge asset in the planning process. Think about it - we are in a unique position to not only have a watchful eye on how things are playing out on the day, but also have the footage to look back on.
Pro Tip: I also recommend asking if the videographer is full time. A full time wedding videographer has invested fully into their equipment, processes, approach, and client experience because it is their livelihood. A part time videographer may be a more affordable option, but might not have as much skin in the game when it comes to your precious wedding day moments.
2. “What's Your Approach to Filming the Wedding Day?”
Finding the right videographer is about more than just style and price; it's about understanding how invested they are in you - and how they will approach every aspect of your wedding day.
Don’t be afraid to dive deep here. Ask additional questions like: How early do you arrive? Do you incorporate a lot of poses, or do you focus on candid moments? What is your approach to filming the ceremony?
The answers can provide a clearer picture of the videographer's process and help align their approach with your vision for the day, but also allow you to gain valuable insight into the videographer's philosophy.
Do you get the warm and fuzzy feelings that you will be a good fit for each other based on their responses? I hope so.
3. “How Do You Capture Audio?”
I cannot stress this enough; for a wedding film that truly aims to tell your unique story, audio is key. The spoken words captured throughout the day will become the heartbeat of your film, narrating the emotions and moments that make your day extraordinary.
Imagine watching a movie with the sound off – do you think you could truly get everything that's happening?
Without the dialogue, the narrative is lost. In the context of a wedding film, audio captures the vows, laughter, and heartfelt speeches – the elements that breathe life into your memories. It transforms your wedding film from a visual spectacle into a narrative that you can feel, rekindling the emotions of each moment.
When discussing audio with your potential videographer, inquire about their plan for capturing clear and crisp sound. Who will be mic’d up and when? Will they capture a feed from your entertainment? What is the backup plan? This is a crucial part of capturing the wedding day and arguably the most important.
Remember, there are no second takes.
4. “Do You Have Liability Insurance?”
Not the most exciting question, but it can easily be the most costly if you don’t ask.
Your peace of mind on your big day is paramount, and one way to guarantee that is by ensuring your videographer is properly insured. Many venues require your vendors to carry liability insurance, and finding out your videographer isn't insured after booking could be a stressful surprise.
The importance of insurance extends beyond covering unexpected mishaps. A videographer with insurance is demonstrating a commitment to delivering a seamless and worry-free experience for you and your venue. The investment alone speaks volumes about who you are working with.
By delving into these details, you're not only ensuring the security of your own investment but also gaining insights into your videographer's level of professionalism and preparedness.
5. “Who Will Edit the Wedding Film?”
The editing process is where the magic happens. It's not just about compiling footage; it's about bringing the vision to life. If your videographer is also the editor, there's a seamless continuity from filming to editing, ensuring your film stays true to the narrative crafted on your wedding day.
Personally, as I'm filming, I'm already envisioning how shots will come together to create impactful scenes. These nuances get lost when outsourcing the editing process, emphasizing the value of having a single, cohesive vision from start to finish.
The editing phase is where your wedding film transforms from a collection of clips into a captivating narrative. It involves not only selecting the best moments but also crafting a story that resonates with the emotions of your day.
As you discuss the editing process with your potential videographer, inquire about their editing style and creative choices. Ask about how they approach the storytelling aspect during editing. Understanding the editing process also provides clarity on delivery and when you can expect to relive your wedding day through the finished film.
Bonus: “How Do You Coordinate with Other Vendors?”
Your wedding day should be a collaboration of various vendors working in perfect harmony. From videographers and photographers to entertainment and coordinators, effective and timely coordination is essential. I refer to this collaboration as the ‘wedding day dream team.’
A skilled videographer understands how to seamlessly integrate with the team, ensuring that every moment is captured without disrupting the flow of your special day. Smooth communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, creating a seamless and stress-free experience for you.
Ask specifically how your videographer navigates collaborative efforts with other vendors. Do they reach out to other vendors before the wedding day or hope to do that after they arrive? For instance, I always make a point to reach out to the photographer, coordinator, and entertainment point person the week of the wedding. I will be working closely with these folks on the wedding day and I want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to remove any potential issues or friction.
Understanding a videographer's approach to communication with other vendors ensures that your wedding day unfolds with precision, and each vendor contributes to creating a memorable experience.
Conclusion
I want to leave you with one last tip.
While email is a convenient way to exchange initial information, there's no substitute for direct, face-to-face conversation. That's why I encourage you to get on a Zoom or FaceTime call with your potential videographer. Asking these questions in a live conversation allows you to gauge not only their responses but also the enthusiasm and passion they bring to your discussion.
If a videographer is reluctant to engage in a live conversation, consider it a red flag. Your wedding day is too important to leave anything to chance. Direct communication allows you to build a connection, ensuring that your videographer not only understands your vision but also becomes a true collaborator in bringing it to life.
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and your choice of videographer plays a pivotal role in preserving its magic. I'm here to be your storyteller, collaborator, and guide on this unforgettable adventure. Let's chat about what's most important to you and how we can make your wedding film truly exceptional.