In today's high tech world, weddings are joining the technical revolution. Emerging as the new essential, videography is rapidly becoming a necessity. Capturing your ceremony and reception on celluloid may not be as easy as simply handing Uncle Joe a camcorder. Careful planning and pre direction are necessary to capture the moments you'll want documented. As this field continues to grow, your choice of professionals is also on the rise. Selecting the right videographer can mean the difference between a cherished heirloom and a lot of wasted dollars. We have compiled a list of Do's and Dont's to help keep things on track. But the biggest tip that we can offer is to make sure that all involved know the director is YOU!
The Do's
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Visit at least three videographers before making a decision.
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Compare not only the costs but also the services they provide.
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Ask each one for references from couples they have filmed.
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Insist on seeing examples of their work, preferably view an entire wedding video they have done.
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Ask in advance how many cameras will be used and how many individual videographers they will send to your wedding.
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Talk to your clergyman or officiate about their policy for using video's in the church, synagogue etc.
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Find out their time frame for delivering the final edited version and insist on having it in writing.
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Notify the videographer of special requests like getting a filmed comment from each guest prior to their departure.
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Arrange in advance to bring in pictures that are to be included in the introduction part of the tape.
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Politely request that they try to be as unobtrusive as possible.
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Make sure that someone other than the wedding couple is available at the venues to inform the videographer of people that should be included in the video, like grandparents, god-parents and immediate family.
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Insist that they provide a "backup" copy in case something happens with the original.
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Provide the videographer with a "script" of things that you don't want them to miss, like the final moment of Bride and father before they walk down the aisle, or candid moments of the wedding guests.
The Dont's
- Don't assume that your videographer and crew automatically know exactly what you want filmed, they do attend many weddings and have a great general idea of the moments you want to capture, but they may not know that you'd love to document on tape, Aunt Zelda's rendition of the Macarena!
- Don't assume that a list of references is all the checking you need. Actually call those on the list and ask questions about their satisfaction and also ask if there was anything that they would change if they had the chance.
- Don't be intimidated to ask if they can cut the price. As any savvy business person, they will initially quote you "high" to see if you will take the bait. Go armed with quotes from other competitors and try to know in advance what your bottom line price is and make it clear that you don't plan on changing your budget plans, they may balk at first but will often come around rather than lose a sale.
- Don't forget to be very specific about the time that you want the videographer at your venues, make sure they are aware of when to arrive for "makeup" shots etc. and that they know the start times of both the ceremony and reception so that no confusion will ensue.
- Don't wait until the last minute to book your videographer if you're going to be a June bride then there might be some competition for services, so start early to ensure that you have the upper hand in the negotiations.
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