A professionally composed wedding video is the best way to experience all the moments you missed.
The most amazing thing happens the day of your wedding. Your feet never touch the ground. You can't stop smiling, and by the following day you can't remember half of what happened. It's true. Of course there's good reason for not remembering certain things - like watching the flower girl inch her way down the aisle with ring bearer in tow, or catching the groom's nervous glance as he takes his walk up the aisle. Simply put, the bride isn't there for these priceless moments. She's at the back of the church on her father's arm, awaiting her grand entrance. What better reason could there possibly be for hiring a videographer? Nothing captures this moment in time like moving sight and sound. A professionally composed wedding video is the best way to experience all the moments you missed. In addition, it allows you to share the day in detail with loved ones unable to join you in your day of celebration. Like your wedding photographs, you'll want to place this treasured keepsake in the hands of a professional. As capable as a favored aunt, uncle or other family member may be, a seasoned professional will have the time, equipment and experience to deliver a sensational product.
FINDING A VIDEOGRAPHER Begin the search for a professional videographer four to six months prior to your wedding date, up to a year if the wedding is in the peak months of May through October. As in most cases, the best in the trade are hired quickly. Start by contacting your candidates via the phone, asking about basic services and packages. While some may be willing to mail you a demo, we recommend meeting them in person. After all, you'll be spending a large portion of your day with this particular vendor. Be sure you "click."
View a sample tape that has been shot by the professional you intend to hire. We recommend asking to view a video that was actually delivered to a client. This allows you to see their consistency and impact with the material from one wedding, as opposed to a series of "best shots" woven into a demo. It is not uncommon for some videographers, especially during the peak wedding season, to hire "stringers" or "tapers." If so, ask to meet these subcontractors and view their work; if you like it, hire them. If they can't provide samples of their work, it might be wise to request someone else. When reviewing such tapes or DVD's, it's important to pay attention to colors, camera angles and clarity of sound. You want images that are bright and clear, music that is sharp and voices audible, smooth and steady panoramas, close-ups and no jarring jumps from one scene to another, or scenes that linger too long on one certain person or event. It's equally important to observe their eye for catching meaningful moments and interactions.
THE COST Fees depend on how complete a service you desire and upon the number of cameras used, assistants, editing time and other special production costs. Videographers often charge per hour or per camera, though you may inquire about a flat fee or packages. A package typically includes the taping, editing of the master and delivery on DVD. Expect to put down a ten to twenty-five percent deposit for an experienced videographer's services. If you choose to work with a less established company, you shouldn't have to put down a high-ended advance.
Most videographers will offer detailed information about the types of cameras and equipment they use, which can be quite daunting to the average consumer. Don't be intimidated. Camera quality can definitely impact the end product, but your true criteria should be whether you like their style of taping and editing. As long as you are happy with the quality of the demo and confirm that the same type of camera used for the demo will be used at your wedding, you should be fine.
SHOOT LIST Once you've decided on which videographer to hire, schedule a session to discuss exactly what you want videotaped - who, what, where and when. For example, besides the actual ceremony, will you want footage of the bridal shower or rehearsal dinner? Do you want an engagement collage? Who are the guests you simply must have on tape, and who will be responsible for pointing them out to the videographer? Consider all the moments you want captured and relay that information to your videographer.
STYLES While every videographer has their own unique style, there are basically two methods of videotaping: documentary and cinematic. The documentary is typically a two hour version with a ten to fifteen minute highlights piece. Expect to invest anywhere from $2,500 to $3,500 for this style of video. Cinematic is usually thirty-five to forty-five minutes long. It is edited throughout in much the same way of the highlights piece, creating an entertaining movie. The shorter and tighter the video, the more time it takes to create it. This can take up to one hundred hours to create. The price is commensurate with the effort, closer to the $4,000 to $7,500 range.
Having your wedding on video affords you the opportunity to relive the most precious moments of your wedding day again and again. And, although it may be hard to imagine now, one day you'll want to share this moment in time with your children and grandchildren - what better way than in moving sight and sound, on video or DVD.
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