5 tips for choosing the best wedding videographer for your big day
Your wedding is meant to be one of the happiest days of your life, so what better way to remember it than with a cinematic wedding video that captures all those special moments, so you can watch them time and time again.
It’s why so many couples now hire a wedding videographer for their big day, but like choosing your photographer, choose wisely otherwise you could end up disappointed.
We take a look at 5 tips to successfully choosing the best wedding videographer for your special day.
1. Think about the style of wedding video you like
Just like photographers, the best wedding videographers have their own style, so it’s really important that you think about what you like and don’t like. Do you want a journalistic style which documents your day in a linear fashion, starting with the wedding preparations through to the evening reception? Would you prefer a cinematic wedding video that is filmed more like a movie, focusing on the emotion and drama of the day? Or how about a Marryoke approach, where all the guests mime to a favourite song which is then edited into a music video?!
Take time to look through different wedding videos to see which style you prefer and then look at the portfolios of wedding videographers to see if their work matches what you’re looking for.
For me, a wedding film should be about capturing a couple’s love story, which is why I focus on the spirit and emotion of the day. This helps me produce heart-felt cinematic films which capture all the tears and laughter as it naturally unfolds.
2. Ensure your wedding photographer and videographer have the same styles
Your wedding day is all about you and your style as a couple, which is why it’s so important your wedding video captures this. But don’t choose your videographer in isolation, as a big part of your day will also be the wedding photos.
Remember both your wedding photographer and videographer will want the same shots, but if one prefers to pose everyone rigidly and the other has a more documentary style, they may struggle to work together. It’s why I have a number of wedding photographers who I love to work alongside. Not only do we know each other’s way of working, but we’ll quite often bounce ideas off each other, so our couples get the best possible results.
3. Make sure you like the wedding videographer!
While you don’t necessarily want to become bosom pals with your wedding videographer, liking them is a definite plus! After all, they are going to be a big part of your day, capturing some of the most special moments of your life, so some kind of rapport is important.
It’s why I always spend time getting to know my couples before their wedding. I like to see myself as a guest at your wedding, rather than a stranger. Don’t worry, I won’t be taking advantage of the free bar – my role is to be as unobtrusive and professional as possible, and getting to know you beforehand will help me create a cinematic wedding film that really captures the spirit of you as a couple.
4. Make sure your wedding videographer knows what they are doing
This might sound obvious, but you need to check that whoever you choose has the relevant experience and expertise to create a wedding video you’re going to love.
While letting Uncle Dave do the honours, may be a nice gesture, will he really give you the results you want? Wedding videography is an art form and is so much more than just capturing the moment you say, ‘I do’. It’s about capturing the essence and spirit of the day and those little details that otherwise will fade from your memory in years to come.
And don’t forget that recording the video is just the first step, as then it needs to be edited. Preparation and storytelling are key at this stage and, unfortunately, even the best footage can look awful in inexperienced hands!
Check out any awards (I was the Regional Winner at the 2018 Wedding Industry Awards and winner at the 2019 English Wedding Awards), previous work, and whether they are a preferred supplier at any venues. This will give you a good indication of the quality of their work.
And unfortunately, as with many things, if they are really cheap, then it might just be too good to be true.
5. Find out what other people say
If you’re looking for the best wedding videographer, then one of the most important things to do is to find out what other people say about their work. Were they happy with the finished wedding film? Did they like the way the wedding videographer interacted with their guests? Were they friendly and professional throughout?
If you would like to speak to any of my lovely couples, just let me know, as I’m sure they would be delighted to talk to you.
Find out more about my cinematic wedding videography services
Choosing the best wedding videographer for your wedding can be a bit of a minefield, but hopefully these tips will help you make the right decision. And if you would like to find out more about my wedding videography services, or talk to any of my lovely couples, please get in touch. I would be delighted to hear from you.
