We constantly get asked
"HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT VIDEOGRAPHER FOR OUR WEDDING?"
Well that is a loaded question. But we will try and answer it the best way we can.
Wedding Videographers come in all shapes & sizes. Experience, Quality, Cheap, Expensive, Old, Young, Part-time, Full-time
Many young couples who are planning their wedding day are doing all this for the very first time.
It can be a daunting experience.
You have decided you want a Wedding Videographer but don't know where to start looking.
While there are many aspects to consider. Here are a few hints to help you.
1/ Do some research. Use Google search to locate Videographers that service your area.
Don't simply scan page 1 on Google as most of those listings are from online directories that obtain those positions by paid SEO.
Look on pages 2,3 & 4. This is where you will start to find Professional Videographers that you can deal with direct.
Use your Facebook Forums. Chances are many have already used a Videographer or have already booked & they will be a good guide.
Do not let the location of a Videographer deter you from your selection. Most Professional Videographer not only travel the country, but also Internationally. Your Videographer don't need to be in your suburb to provide the best service
2/ A human trait is to seek Value for Money in everything we do. This should be the same when choosing your Wedding Videographer.
Once you have a short list of 3 or 4 Videographers. Scan their websites. Look at their past productions. Check their packages.
Find something that suits your requirements. Also my personal opinion is I do not bother looking any further at websites that do not disclose their prices. I believe this to be true of Professional Videographers as well. Price Disclosure shows a confident Videographer.
3/ Phone or Contact your short list. You can get a initial feel over the phone as to personality. How the Videographer communicates with you. Don't be scared to ask important questions. Camera Types, Editing process. Time frame for end product delivery. Is the person you are speaking with the actual person who will be filming your wedding. Remember. You are the customer. So ask the questions.
Important things to consider when making your final decision.
1/ Payment terms.
All Videographers will require a form of Deposit/Retainer to secure their services for your date. Again my personal opinion is to be wary of those requesting high Deposits/Retainers. This is money that you could be paying out up to 1 or 2 years in advance.
Additionally almost all Videographers just like every other Wedding Supplier will require full balance paid prior to your wedding date. This is normal practise so don't be detered by that. But again my opinion is be wary of those who require full payment too far out.
2/ One of the most important questions that must be asked is almost never asked.
PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE.
This is a MUST for your Videographer to have. Remember a Videographer has a lot more equipment set up around you Ceremony & Venue to record your wedding. Therefore a element of risk is in play. Children running about. Elderly guests . Videographers move around a lot & therefore are amongst your guests. Do not simply assume the Videographer is covered by the venue. They are NOT. NEVER. A hired Videographer is a 3rd party supplier. Ensuring your Videographer carries this most important Public Liability Insurance will also give you a peace of mind that your dealing with someone who takes pride in their business & are truly on a professional level. My strong opinion is. No Insurance. No Hire. If you wish. Ask to see a copy of the policy. Any Professional Videographer will happily do so. Requesting this will also allow you to seperate the Professionals from the Ametuers. Which in itself will give you peace of mind.
3/ Stay in communication with your Videographer. A quick call or a simple email every so often allows you to feel secure.
Keep checking their website of Facebook page for updates. All Professional Wedding Videographers will maintain a Website & Facebook page.
In closing. Remember your Videographer will be working closly with you on the day. So please place a importance on your comfortability with them. Get to know them. Form a working relationship with them. This will put you at ease on your day which will naturally be filled with Nerves, excitement & a little stress. Your Videographer can play a very important part on your day in making you feel relaxed. Not just pointing a camera.
I hope this blog post may help in your decision making.
Until Next Time
Regards
Neil Moralde