Wedding Videographers – Get The Most For Your Money

When planning a wedding, there are so many services and amenities that can eat away at your budget.  One of those may be videography.  Some couples say that they can do without, while others say it’s a must! 

If you are one of those couples that must have a videographer but doesn’t have a big wedding budget, here are some planning tips that will help you find the videographer that’s best for you while getting the most for your money.    

• Ask your newly married friends or another one of your trusted wedding vendors (such as your photographer, caterer or florist) for recommendations.
• Look through the wedding section of your local newspaper or magazine, or look online at wedding directories, to find a videographer in your area.  If it’s an unknown videographer, look online for reviews and check the Better Business Bureau before contacting them.    
• Once you have narrowed down your search to a few possible videographers, schedule an appointment to meet them face-to-face.  It is important that you get along with your videographer (and their assistants) as they will be following you around the entire day of your wedding. 
• Make sure to be clear right up front about what aspects of the day are most important to you, and what type of budget you have to work with.   Most professionals will work with you to create a package that will fit within your budget.  Whether they create a special package for you or not, make sure that you know exactly what you are getting for the money.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure to take notes (the information can start to get jumbled if you are meeting with multiple videographers).  Find out who the exact person will be filming, and how long it will take for your video to be complete after your wedding day. 
• Ask if you can view footage from a recent wedding that they’ve shot.  Make sure the person who will be shooting your wedding is the same exact person who shot the wedding that you are watching (versus the owner, another partner, an assistant etc.).
• When watching the video look out for sound and lighting quality, smooth transitions in between scenes, and special effects.
• It may be helpful to know if they are part of any professional associations and/or if they’ve won any awards.
• Before leaving, ask them for references of couples that they have recently worked with.  Also, if interested in hiring them, ask what the next steps would be as far as a contract and/or deposit.  It is very important to get all of the details down on paper.  Make sure to read any and all fine print before signing.