Choosing a wedding videographer is an important decision for any couple planning their big day. Your wedding video will be a cherished keepsake that captures the magic and memories of your wedding day for years to come. To ensure that you choose the right videographer for your needs, it's important to ask the right questions before making a final decision. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most important questions to ask a wedding videographer to help you make an informed choice and ensure that your wedding video is everything you dreamed of and more.

Are you available on my wedding date?

This is a straightforward question that should be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" depending on whether the videographer is available on the date in question. If they are not available, they may be able to provide recommendations for other videographers who are available.

How long have you been filming weddings? How many do you do each year?

The answer to this question will vary depending on the individual videographer. They may say something like, "I've been filming weddings for 5 years now, and typically shoot around 20-25 weddings per year." This can give you an idea of their level of experience and workload.

How would you describe your style of videography?

Again, this answer will vary depending on the videographer. Some may describe their style as cinematic or documentary, while others may focus more on storytelling or emotional moments. They may also mention specific techniques or equipment they use to achieve their desired style. The key is to make sure their style aligns with what you are looking for in a wedding video.

Have you ever worked with my photographer?

The answer to this question will depend on whether or not the videographer has worked with the specific photographer in question. If they have, they may be able to provide insights into how they work together and any benefits of having both professionals on the same team. If they haven't worked together before, the videographer may assure you that they are accustomed to collaborating with other vendors and can work seamlessly alongside your photographer.

Have you shot at my venue before?

The answer to this question will depend on whether or not the videographer has filmed at your specific wedding venue before. If they have, they may be able to provide insights into the best locations for filming, the lighting conditions, and any logistical considerations. If they haven't filmed at your venue before, they may do research on the venue beforehand or arrive early on the wedding day to familiarize themselves with the space.

Can we see examples of full-day wedding videos?

Most wedding videographers will be happy to show you examples of full-day wedding videos so you can get a sense of what their work looks like from beginning to end. They may have examples on their website, social media, or on a demo reel. If you don't see any examples of full-day videos, don't hesitate to ask the videographer directly. It's important to make sure you like their style and approach before hiring them for your own wedding.

Also read: 7 Tips to plan your destination wedding in Italy

Are you the videographer who'll be filming on the day?

The answer to this question will depend on the individual videographer and their business practices. Some videographers work solo and will be the ones filming on the day, while others may have a team of videographers who work under their brand. If the videographer you are speaking with is not the one who will be filming on the day, they should be able to tell you who will be and provide examples of their work.

How do you operate on the day?

The answer to this question will give you a sense of what to expect from the videographer on the day of your wedding. They may explain their approach to capturing key moments, how they work with the wedding planner and other vendors, and any unique techniques they use to ensure they get the shots they need. They may also ask you questions about the timeline of the day, the location of the ceremony and reception, and any other details that will help them plan and prepare for the day.

Do you have liability insurance?

This is an important question to ask any wedding vendor, including videographers. Liability insurance can protect both you and the vendor in case of any accidents or incidents that may occur on the wedding day. The videographer should be able to provide proof of their liability insurance and any other necessary permits or licenses they need to operate. If they do not have liability insurance, it may be a red flag and you may want to consider looking for another videographer.

How do you handle changes to unexpected timeline changes?

It's not uncommon for wedding timelines to shift or change unexpectedly, and a good videographer should be able to adapt to these changes on the day. They may explain their process for communicating with you or your wedding planner, and how they adjust their shooting schedule to accommodate any changes. They may also assure you that they are flexible and accustomed to working in a variety of different situations.

How do you handle difficult lighting?

Lighting can be a challenge for any wedding videographer, particularly in outdoor or low-light situations. The videographer may explain their techniques for working with natural light, how they use additional lighting equipment to enhance the look of the video, or how they edit the footage in post-production to adjust for any lighting issues. They may also show you examples of weddings they have filmed in similar lighting situations so you can get a sense of their capabilities.

How many camera people and cameras will be operating?

This will depend on the individual videographer and the package you have selected. Some videographers work solo and may use multiple cameras to capture different angles, while others may have a team of camera people to ensure all aspects of the wedding are covered. They may also have multiple cameras set up to capture both the ceremony and reception simultaneously. The videographer should be able to explain their equipment setup and how they use it to capture the best footage possible.

Do you have backup equipment in case of any technical issues?

This is an important question to ask any wedding vendor, including videographers. Technical issues can happen at any time, and it's essential that your videographer has backup equipment on hand to ensure they can continue to capture the day's events. They may explain their process for ensuring their equipment is in good working order, how they maintain their gear, and how they handle any technical issues that may arise. They should also be able to reassure you that they have backup equipment available if needed.

What parts of the day will you capture?

This question will give you a sense of what to expect from the final wedding video. The videographer may explain their approach to capturing different parts of the day, such as getting ready shots, the ceremony, the reception, and any other key events. They may also ask you if there are any specific shots or moments you want to be sure to capture. It's important to have a clear understanding of what the videographer will be capturing so you can plan accordingly and make any necessary adjustments to the timeline.

Will you go to an additional location without an extra charge?

This will depend on the individual videographer and the package you have selected. Some videographers may include travel to additional locations as part of their standard package, while others may charge an additional fee for travel outside of a certain radius. The videographer should be able to explain their travel policy and any associated fees so you can plan accordingly. It's important to be clear about any additional locations you want to be included in the final video so the videographer can plan accordingly.

Will the video use dialogue from the day or just music?

This will depend on the style of video you prefer and the videographer's approach to storytelling. Some couples prefer a more cinematic approach with just music, while others want to include dialogue from the day, such as vows or speeches. The videographer may explain their approach to incorporating audio into the final video, and how they capture high-quality audio on the day. They may also ask you about your preferences and how you envision the final video.

Can you do aerial filming?

Aerial filming can add a unique perspective to your wedding video, and some videographers offer this service as part of their packages. The videographer may explain their approach to aerial filming, such as the equipment they use, any restrictions or regulations they must follow, and how they ensure safety on the day. They may also show you examples of weddings they have filmed using aerial footage so you can get a sense of the effect it has on the final video.

Are there any additional costs?

It's important to have a clear understanding of the costs associated with your wedding videographer so you can plan your budget accordingly. The videographer may explain any additional fees, such as travel costs, equipment rental fees, or additional editing time. They may also explain their payment schedule, such as when deposits are due and when the final payment is expected. It's important to be clear about any potential additional costs upfront so there are no surprises later on.

How long will it take you to edit the wedding video?

Editing a wedding video can be a time-consuming process, and it's important to have a clear understanding of the timeline for the final video. The videographer may explain their editing process, how long it typically takes to complete a wedding video, and any factors that may affect the timeline, such as the length of the video or the complexity of the editing. They may also give you a rough estimate of when you can expect to receive the final video.

How is the final film delivered?

There are many ways that videographers may deliver the final wedding video, such as on a USB drive, via a digital download, or through a private online gallery. The videographer may explain their preferred method of delivery and any associated costs or restrictions. They may also ask you about your preferred method of delivery and any specific requirements you may have.

Who owns the copyright of the final video?

This is an important question to ask any wedding vendor, including videographers. The videographer may explain their approach to copyright and ownership, such as whether they retain the copyright or if it transfers to you upon completion of the video. They may also explain any limitations or restrictions on how the video can be used, such as whether you can share it on social media or use it for commercial purposes. It's important to have a clear understanding of the copyright and ownership of the final video so there are no misunderstandings later on.

Is the film watermarked? Will we get a copy without?

Watermarking is a common way for videographers to protect their work and prevent unauthorized use or distribution. However, it's important to understand if the videographer will provide a copy of the video without a watermark for personal use. The videographer may explain their approach to watermarking and whether they provide unwatermarked copies of the final video. They may also explain any restrictions on how the unwatermarked video can be used or distributed.

How much is the deposit? When is the remaining balance due?

Understanding the payment schedule and deposit requirements is important when hiring a wedding videographer. The videographer may explain their payment schedule, such as how much the deposit is and when it's due, and when the remaining balance is due. They may also explain any consequences for late payments or cancellations. It's important to have a clear understanding of the payment schedule and requirements upfront to avoid any misunderstandings or surprises later on.

Key takeaways

By asking the right questions before making a final decision, you can ensure that you find a videographer who meets your needs and can create a wedding video that you'll treasure for years to come. Some of the key takeaways from this post include:

• Asking about the videographer's availability, experience, and style
• Inquiring about their approach to handling unexpected changes and difficult lighting
• Understanding their editing process and how the final video will be delivered
• Clarifying any additional costs or fees upfront, including the deposit and payment schedule
• Ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the copyright and ownership of the final video.

Keep these questions in mind and communicate openly with your wedding videographer and you will feel more confident that you've made the right choice and that your wedding video will be a beautiful and lasting reminder of your special day.