Planning a wedding involves making countless decisions, and one of the most important choices is hiring a wedding videographer. While photography captures still moments, videography allows you to relive the memorable day with all its nuances and emotions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all the essential aspects of wedding videography, from understanding package options to the cost considerations and additional services. So, let’s dive into the world of wedding videography and learn how to make the most of this invaluable investment.
The Importance of Wedding Videography
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions and fleeting moments. Hiring a videographer ensures that you can relive those precious memories for years to come. As experienced videographer Daryl Thomen explains, “Nuances of speech and movement, captured on film, are the best ways to relive, or even see from a more present perspective, the details that made a special day extraordinary.” While photography freezes moments in time, videography adds a dynamic element that allows you to experience the day in motion.
Understanding the Cost of Wedding Videography
When it comes to the cost of wedding videography, there are several factors to consider. Most videographers offer packages with the option to customize based on your specific needs. The price can vary depending on the length of the video, the number of cameras used, the style of filming and editing, and additional services like raw footage or drone shots. Additionally, peak wedding season may affect the cost, with prices typically higher from June to October. On average, couples can expect to spend between $1,200 and $1,500 for nationwide coverage, while luxury shoots can reach up to $12,500.
What’s Included in a Wedding Videography Package
When booking a wedding videographer, it’s important to understand what is included in the package. Typically, a standard package offers eight to ten hours of coverage, capturing all the key moments from wedding day preparation to the cake cutting ceremony. The videographer will work alongside the photographer to ensure comprehensive documentation of the day. Additionally, the package should include necessary equipment, such as lavalier microphones for clear audio, and any enhancements like music beds. Licensing fees are typically not applicable, as the end video is for personal use.
Additional Services and Add-Ons
While the basic package covers the essentials, many videographers offer additional services and add-ons to enhance your wedding video. These extras can include hiring an assistant for more comprehensive coverage, adding formal interviews, incorporating photos or other videos into the footage, or even using a drone for dramatic aerial shots. Raw footage is also a popular add-on, giving you access to all the unedited footage from your wedding day. These additional services can be negotiated as part of your package or added on separately.
Choosing a Videography Style
Wedding videos can be shot in various styles, each offering a unique perspective on your special day. The most common style is a sequential, chronological video that captures the major points of the day in order. This style allows the videographer to be a “fly on the wall,” documenting the day as it unfolds. Another popular style is a more cinematic approach, with artistic shots and creative editing techniques. Some couples may prefer a documentary-style video that focuses on capturing candid moments and real emotions. Discussing your preferred style with the videographer is crucial to ensure your vision is brought to life.
Benefits of Hiring a Two-Person Videography Team
While a solo videographer can capture beautiful footage, hiring a two-person team offers several advantages. With two videographers, you can expect more comprehensive coverage and a multi-dimensional video. The second videographer can capture different angles and reactions from guests, providing a more immersive experience. Additionally, having an assistant allows the lead videographer to focus on capturing important moments between the couple, such as the ceremony, speeches, and formal dances. The collaboration between the team members ensures a seamless and well-rounded video.
Capturing Drone Footage
Drones have become increasingly popular in wedding videography, adding a unique and breathtaking perspective to the final video. If you are getting married in a large outdoor setting, drone footage can provide stunning aerial views of the venue and the couple. However, it’s important to note that the use of drones may be restricted in certain areas or venues, so permissions need to be obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Discussing drone usage with your videographer and checking if they have prior experience shooting at your chosen venue can help determine if it’s a viable option for your wedding video.
When to Book Your Wedding Videographer
Booking your wedding videographer in advance is crucial to secure their services. During peak wedding season, it is recommended to commission your videographer eight to twelve months ahead of time to ensure availability. However, if your wedding is during the low season or you are considering a less seasoned professional, you may have more flexibility in terms of timing. Keep in mind that popular videographers tend to get booked quickly, so it’s best to secure their services as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Tipping Your Wedding Videographer
While tipping is not mandatory, it is a gesture of appreciation for your videographer’s hard work. Unlike photographers, videographers are not typically tipped by the photographer, so it’s important to consider this when budgeting for your wedding expenses. A recommended range for tipping is $50 to $200, with $50 to $100 going to the lead videographer and $50 to $75 for the assistant. Tipping is a personal decision, but it’s a thoughtful way to show gratitude for the effort put into capturing your special day.
Conclusion
Hiring a wedding videographer is an investment that allows you to relive the emotions and details of your wedding day for years to come. Understanding the cost, package options, and additional services is crucial to make an informed decision. By choosing the right videographer and discussing your vision and preferences, you can ensure a beautifully captured video that encapsulates the essence of your special day. So, take the time to research, compare packages, and communicate with potential videographers to find the perfect match for your wedding videography needs.