10 questions to ask your wedding videographer before hiring.
1. Can we see a full-length wedding video from a recent wedding?
- This helps you understand their style and quality over an entire event, not just highlights! We love posting the best of on our socials because it catches eyes and is advertising! See a full film to judge if you like that videographer’s overall style. Any videographer would be happy to send you a full film over we always want you to know what you’re getting before you book so no surprises!
2. How do you handle audio?
- Good audio quality is essential for vows, speeches, and other significant moments. At each wedding, I have 6 different audio sources not counting the cameras I shoot on to capture the first look, vows, speeches, wedding ceremonies, wedding readings, interviews, and letter readings. It’s a lot and it’s important that you know your videographer will be able to capture everything.
3. What is your approach to filming a wedding?
- Some videographers are more discreet, while others may be more interactive or directive. I am a mix, I like to direct one out of every 5 -6 shots the photographer poses you for. I try and read that fine line of getting fantastic shots for your film, while making sure your wedding day is about you and not a photoshoot.
4. How do you work with the photographer?
- Ask how they coordinate with the photographer to get shots. I work very well with photographers and I have a few I recommend that really create fanststic images while working well with a videographer. @rachelelle @jennifersanders @patrickbetcher (most recent photogs I’ve worked with that I love working with.)
5. What packages do you offer and what is included in each?
- Understand what you are paying for, including the number of videographers, hours of coverage, and deliverables. All of this should be completely ironed out before you sign a contract.
6. Can you customize a package to fit our needs?
- Flexibility can be important if you have specific requirements or a unique wedding schedule. And if you were to ask me- yes, absolutely, let’s customize your wedding day to fit you.
7. What is your turnaround time for delivering the final video?
- This helps set expectations for when you will receive your wedding video. The turn around time for my studio is 12 weeks. I say that and hope to have it within 8 but the editing I do takes a lot of time, and it’s an art, not so much a factory process. I can’t just crank them out, they take a lot of love and time to get everything right.
8. Do you have backup equipment and a plan in case of equipment failure?
- Ensuring they have contingencies in place is critical for capturing your day without technical hitches. This is really important especially at one day events.
9. How do you handle post-production, and can we make edits or revisions?
- Understanding the editing process and your involvement can ensure the final product meets your expectations.
10. What is your cancellation and refund policy?
- It's important to know the terms in case your plans change or unforeseen circumstances arise. What happens if you move your wedding date? What happens if the wedding is called off? Know what you’re getting into before hand. This creates a more clear process so that if something goes sideways, everyone is clear on the expectations and what will happen.
Hopefully this helps! Share it with someone you know who’s getting married!
