FAQ
Choosing a wedding videographer can be a tough decision. It is important you know all the facts before choosing a company that is right for you. Here are some questions and answers, based on our experience, which can help you with some questions you may have…
You absolutely should! In fact, if your videographer does not offer one, make sure to request one. The contract is as much for your protection as it is theirs. It is highly inadvisable to hire a videographer, or any vendor for that matter, without one.
That is not advisable. In our line of work, too often we see this and what you get is shaky camera movements, not just once or twice, but throughout the entire video, bad or no audio, blurry shots, etc. Sometimes entire moments are missed because your friend was busy dancing or eating cake. This can be nearly impossible to fix even if you give it to a professional editor.
A professional is always a wiser choice. They are trained to anticipate what will happen next and be able to capture every moment clearly and beautifully. Bad weather, poor lighting or acoustics can be tough hurdles to overcome, and hiring a professional can make the difference between getting the shot, or not. A professional has the proper equipment, technology and training, and can also offer a professional finished product. Just as you would not ask a friend to DJ for you just because they have access to iTunes and a laptop, you should not entrust your wedding video to anyone but a professional.
Aside from the obvious- still images vs. live motion, there are many advantages to having video in addition to still photography. Let's put it this way, if a picture is worth 1,000 words, just imagine what video is worth! On an important day such as a wedding, there is so much going on that photography alone cannot capture. With video you not only can relive the scenes, moments and people, but you can hear the vows, the speeches, and any other critical words and sounds throughout that special day. Video captures emotions and the personalities of loved ones in a way that still photography simply cannot.
In our experience videographers can charge anywhere from $600 to $6,000. These prices will vary based on the quality of the production equipment, the package, the experience of the company and several other factors. Most likely, you will wind up paying between $1,500 and $3,500 for your videography package.
That is no problem whatsoever. Since this video is distributed to you, and not the general public, none of the music you choose needs to have a copyright release. To help comply with these regulations, we ask that you provide the music for us on a CD format so we can include it in your piece. It's YOUR music going on YOUR video. If you want specific songs played at specific times, just let us know!
We always recommend at least two cameras because, simply, more cameras mean more coverage. But the main benefit of having two cameras is that it allows the event to be covered simultaneously from multiple angles.
Just imagine being able to see your parents' reactions as you say your vows, or getting those candid moments from your friends and family while the second camera is focused on the bride and groom. But this is entirely your decision. This day is about what you want and what will work with your budget.
A good videographer must walk a fine line between getting the shots they need, and being as discreet as possible. Our style is pretty laid back. We tend to stay out of the way and not take the focus off your day. We also take requests and accommodate to the client if they prefer one style to another. Make sure to discuss this with your videographer prior to the event.
Going with the assumption that any event you want photographed will be a formal one, we will be dressed for such an occasion. We try to blend in with the guests, and not be overly conspicuous.
Generally speaking, we require 60-90 days to deliver the final product to you. If you have a particular deadline, we can work with you to meet your specific needs.
In our experience, this is something that people either love or hate. If this is something you feel strongly about one way or the other, you should let your videographer/editor know.
Some videographers will interview you and your guests during the party/reception if you do not specify. This can be a good technique because it can always be cut out of the video later if you decide you do not want it. However some people do not like this because they feel bothered by being interviewed on camera and do not want that for their guests either. So make sure your videographer knows where you stand on this.
We do not force anyone to speak on camera if they do not want to and we do not put anyone on the spot. If you have requested that certain people (i.e. bride and groom, guests) be interviewed periodically, we will wait for an opportune moment instead of disrupting the event. We are accommodating to our clients' wishes as to whether they do or do not want this feature.
There is no rule or law that says that you must do this, but general wedding etiquette dictates that you definitely should. The majority of brides and grooms will feed their vendors. Generally speaking, any vendor that works at your wedding for a full day's worth of work (6-8 hours) and/or who will be attending your reception to work (videographer, photographer, DJ, planner, etc) should be provided with a meal, as long as doing so does not interfere with the job they were hired to do. Even if your vendor eats prior to your event, in an 8-hour work day, it is understandable that they will need to take a short break for rest/food at some point. Just as you do not work a full day of work without taking a lunch break, your vendors should be extended the same courtesy.
All professionals will take a short break at some point during the day. They will take a few minutes to sit down and eat and then get right back to work without missing anything important! Dinner time is the best time for that break because it is when everyone else is eating and not much else is going on. Keep in mind that if your wedding is in a remote location your vendors will not be able to go anywhere to eat, so it is probably easiest for everyone if they were provided a meal at the reception.
While you are encouraged to feed your vendors, you should also know that you are not required to feed them the same meal as you feed your guests! Most caterers/reception halls offer cheaper meals specifically for your vendors. You are also not obligated to seat your vendors with your guests. Most brides and grooms will have a separate table just for vendors! Whether you are having a buffet style dinner, or a served meal, generally speaking it is polite to offer a meal to your vendors.
