First I have to address this question: 

Do I really need a videographer?

The answer is of course – no. However, I have never had a couple regret hiring one in all my years of planning. 

While I am a HUGE fan of splurging on your wedding photographer, and truly value wedding photography, I feel like wedding videography just takes the entire experience up one more level. 

Video provides additional depth to the day that photography cannot. Video allows your guests to come to life with movement and sound. Sometimes just having a recording of your guests voices will be very sentimental to you down the road. Imagine how it will feel to be able to hear your Dad’s voice during his dinner toast when he is no longer with you? 

A few years ago, I stumbled up a short video clip of my mother at my uncle’s (her other brother’s) wedding in 1965. My mom would have been about 18 at the time. There was no sound. It was just an image of my Mom dancing and laughing. While that seems basic, just that short clip made me completely reimagine my mother. In the video her hair was a beautiful blonde (I had only known her to have light brown hair), her light hearted movement was so fun to see – as I usually understood to be a professional, poised, more reserved version of this playful young girl. Just this short clip allowed me to see my Mom as a beautiful teenager that pictures just couldn’t portray.

I share this story just to impress upon you the power of video. While I know it isn’t in the budget for everyone. It is definitely worth the investment.

So now that I have convinced you to hire a videographer, let’s talk about how to do it!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding and hiring the perfect wedding videographer:

1. Identify Your Style

Before searching for a videographer, determine the style you envision for your wedding video. Here are the 4 main styles to consider:

• Cinematic: A film-like quality featuring storytelling, with dramatic shots and creative editing.
• Documentary: A straightforward, chronological account of your day, capturing genuine interactions and events.
• Highlight Reel: A short, high-energy video summarizing key moments, often set to music.
• Storytelling: A blend of cinematic and documentary styles, focusing on narrating your unique love story.

Understanding your preferred style will help narrow down your videographer choices.

2. Set Your Budget

Establish a budget for videography services. Videography can vary widely in price, influenced by factors such as duration of coverage, number of videographers, editing complexity, and package details.

If hiring a videographer is a definite stretch for your budget, consider looking at videographer packages that don’t have all the bells and whistles. Usually just a highlight reel with your audio will capture all the highlights you will need. Obviously if budget allows, the additional options can be fun to explore. My favorite splurges are guest interviews and drone footage.

3. Do Your Research

Gather recommendations from friends, family, and wedding planners. Explore wedding forums, videography websites, and social media platforms like Instagram or Vimeo to discover videographers whose work resonates with you. Make a list of potential candidates.

4. Review Portfolios

Carefully review each videographer’s portfolio or demo reels. 

Pay attention to:

• Style and Quality: Consistency with your vision and high production quality.
• Storytelling Ability: How well they capture emotions and weave them into a narrative.
• Versatility: Their capability to adapt to different settings and lighting conditions.
• Final Edit: Do you like how their final product looks?

5. Conduct Interviews

Arrange interviews with your top choices to discuss:

• Availability: Confirm they are available on your wedding date.
• Packages and Pricing: Understand what’s included in their packages, from coverage hours to post-production services.
• Experience: Inquire about their experience with weddings similar to yours in size and style.

Here is a short list of essential questions to ask to ensure they are the right fit for you:

• What is your videography style? – Do you have a preference for cinematic, documentary, storytelling, or a mix of styles?
• Can we view a full film or highlight reel from a recent wedding? – Are the couples and venues similar to ours in style or size?
• Are you available on our wedding date? – Do you have any other commitments on that day that might affect availability?
• What packages do you offer, and what do they include? – How many hours of coverage are included, and how many videographers will be present?
• How do you handle audio? – What kind of microphones or equipment do you use to ensure clear sound for vows, speeches, and toasts?
• How do you coordinate with photographers? – Have you worked alongside photographers during weddings, and how do you ensure seamless collaboration?
• What is your policy on travel and accommodations for destination weddings? – Are there additional fees for travel, lodging, or food?
• Can you accommodate special requests or specific shots we want? – How do you incorporate a couple’s unique style or needs into the shoot?
• When will we receive our edited video, and in what formats will it be delivered? – Do you provide a digital download, USB drive, DVD, or online streaming option?
• What is your payment policy and cancellation policy? – How much is the deposit, and what are the schedules for installment and final payments?
• Do you have insurance? – Can you provide proof of liability insurance covering your equipment and services?
• Can you provide references from past clients? – Would you be comfortable if we reached out to them for feedback about their experience?
• How do you handle unforeseen circumstances? – What steps do you take if equipment fails or if you have a personal emergency?
• Do you offer raw footage? – Is there an additional cost associated with this, and how do you typically handle requests for raw footage?
• Do you include any engagement or pre-wedding films? – Is there an option to include additional videos such as a love story or engagement shoot?

By asking these questions, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of each videographer’s capabilities, style, and professionalism, helping you make an informed decision for your wedding day.

6. Evaluate Compatibility

Ensure that you connect well with your videographer on a personal level. They will be closely interacting with you on your wedding day, so feeling comfortable and being able to communicate openly is crucial for a successful collaboration.

7. Check References & Reviews

Ask for references from previous clients and take time to contact them. Discuss their overall satisfaction with the videographer, their professionalism, and the final product quality.

8. Review the Contract

Before finalizing your decision, review the contract thoroughly. Key points to ensure are clear include:

• Services Provided: Details of coverage, editing, and deliverables such as full-length films or highlights.
• Payment Terms: Deposit requirements, payment schedule, and total cost.
• Cancellation and Change Policies: Understand the terms regarding cancellations or changes to avoid surprises.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a wedding videographer is a fantastic way to preserve the sights and sounds of your special day. By following these steps, you can make an informed choice, ensuring that your wedding video will be a cherished keepsake for years to come. Best of luck in your planning journey!

I hope this helps you find a videographer who beautifully captures your wedding day and all its precious moments!

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Casey Green Weddings, LLC | 2501 S Village Drive, Cottonwood, AZ 86326