These days, your wedding videography is just as important as your wedding photography. However, many couples are unsure of what they're looking for in a wedding videographer, and how their video will be captured and delivered. We spoke to the lovely Rachel from Veiled Productions, who explained what to expect from your wedding videographer before, during and after the big day. Here's what to expect when booking your videographer...
What to expect from your wedding videographer before the wedding
You're engaged - congratulations! As a bride-to-be myself, I often feel a bit overwhelmed planning our own wedding so I thought I'd share what I know most about - filming the big day! I’m here to explain what you can expect from your wedding videographer throughout the process. That means before your wedding day, on the day itself and after the big day.
A chat prior to booking
It’s so important to get to know the videographer you are considering before you book. This is an opportunity for you to ask lots of questions and share your wedding day plans.
During this chat I also like to get to know you and ask questions - the more details the better! I love hearing how you met, fun facts about your families and what you have planned for the day itself.
Example films
Your wedding videographer should have example films available to watch online, but these may be trailers only. If you ask, your videographer may be able to show you examples that aren't available to the public. For instance, we have lots of our highlights films on our website but our full length films aren’t available in the public domain. This is due to restrictions by music copyright law.
I send a private link with an example full length film so you can see the style of all the edited films you’ll receive before you make a decision.
Consider how they make you feel. Imagine it’s your own wedding film. If the example films get you excited, then chances are you’ll have found the right wedding videographer for you. I also recommend assessing the quality of the audio as well as the way the videos are edited together. It’s important to get your vows and speeches recorded really clearly.
A quote
If you’re confident you’ve found the right videographer for you then it’s best to request a quote in writing. It will detail what is included in all and when payments are due. Having this upfront means there will be no misunderstandings. If something doesn’t look right you can ask for clarification without being tied into a booking.
Image credit: Veiled Productions
A contract
This is really important. A contract will outline everything that’s included in the service provided. It should include the times your videographer will be filming on the day, the edited films that will be sent to you and how long it will take to edit them. Most importantly, it should also include terms and conditions around cancellation by either party.
Invoice
Like the quote, it’s important to get an invoice in writing. It will include details of the agreed package, how to pay and the payment deadline. It sounds obvious but it’s amazing how often couples get caught out by scams on Facebook or other social media sites. I strongly advise against Facebook pages who ask for money upfront without a contract in place.
Pre-wedding meeting
If you haven’t met your videographer yet then this is a great opportunity to chat and get to know each other better before the wedding day itself. It’s also a chance to finalise all the details and for you to be reassured if you have any concerns. I always check the schedule of the day at this point, often it can change slightly in the lead up to the wedding.
Your videographer will be with you all day and the films will keep your memories alive as the years go by. Choosing a videographer who follows these steps means you can feel confident they will film the day as you’d like and create films you will love forever.
Thanks to Rachel for her advice! What to expect from your wedding videographer on the day and after the wedding will be coming soon to our Wedding Ideas section...