A wedding videographer is one of the details which can make a great wedding perfect. It may not occur to every couple to book a videographer for their big day. However, it is something which you should absolutely consider when wedding planning.
Videographers are especially important during the Coronavirus pandemic, when many of your friends and family may not be able to attend your wedding. They'll create a beautiful, lasting record of your special day, not only for you to cherish, but for you to share with your loved ones. They can also help you live-stream your wedding ceremony and reception to connect with those who can’t be there in person!
There are lots of advantages to booking a wedding videographer, and lots of different ways in which they can help you capture those memorable moments. Here is your ultimate guide to wedding videography.
Looking for something in particular? Use the headings below to find the information you’re searching for.
- Top wedding videographers
- Why should I have my wedding day filmed?
- What is a wedding videographer?
- How do you choose a wedding videographer?
- What wedding videography styles are available?
- What happens when you book a wedding videographer?
- Should I have a wedding photographer and a wedding videographer?
- How much does a wedding videographer cost?
- How far in advance should I book a wedding videographer?
- How long will it take to receive my wedding video?
- Top tips for choosing a wedding videographer
- Are there wedding videographers near me?
Why should I have my wedding day filmed?
How wonderful would it be to experience your special day from another angle or relive those precious moments? The opportunity to do so is the main reason why couples choose to have their wedding filmed.
A wedding video is a lasting memory of your day, capturing real reactions, tear-jerking moments, and the atmosphere; something you can’t always feel from photographs. Getting your wedding day filmed will mean that you and your partner can relive your day and experience moments that you may not have been able to see in person. You will also have something you can show guests and family members who couldn’t be there to experience the day for themselves.
What is Live Streaming?
Live streaming has become an important part of Covid weddings and allows friends and family to be more involved by joining in or watching the ceremony or parts of the reception. Live streaming your wedding will give a "fly on the wall" view. You can keep it simple by using a mobile phone or ask your videographer to do this for you using professional equipment. However, live streaming your wedding is very different from Wedding Videography and should definitely not be considered a replacement for it!
What is a wedding videographer?
A wedding videographer is, quite simply, someone who makes wedding videos. Usually, they work alone or in small teams, and they tend to oversee every aspect of the production. They will attend and film any parts of the wedding or reception that you wish them to, as well as anything they think will add to the end product. They will then take the footage away, edit it, and send the finished product through to you as a lasting memento of your big day.
What do I need to think about when booking a wedding videographer?
There are a number of things to keep in mind when you are booking your wedding videographer. You will need to have a good idea of what style of wedding video you want, in order to make sure that you are choosing a videographer who can meet your requirements. You might also want to think about whether there is going to be any overlap between your photographer and your videographer, or whether you prefer them to work on different parts of your wedding.
Also, you will need to keep your budget in mind, as your videographer will likely offer you different packages when you are making the arrangements. The differences between packages include timescale and added extras, but also cost. So, keeping an eye on the budget is essential.
What wedding videography styles are available?
There are a number of different styles of wedding videography which you can choose from. Look at examples of wedding videos and see which style you like best before making any decisions. Choices include:
Cinematic
This is where the video tells the story of your wedding, using creative and narrative techniques, which are often directed by the videographer. They will have a certain element of control over what they film, which means that they will get a bit more hands-on during your wedding day.
Documentary
This is where the videographer is merely a fly on the wall, capturing your wedding without getting involved. If you wish to have a more organic record of what the day was like, this is the option for you.
Montage
This is where the videographer makes a video with all the best bits from your wedding, sort of like a highlight reel. This is often set to music.
Fusion
This is where the videographer collaborates with your photographer and combines video with still images to create a montage.
What happens when you book a wedding videographer?
As with most suppliers, you will have meetings with your videographer before the wedding. These meetings will be when you discuss your wants and needs to establish which package would best suit you. Elements to decide upon include when, where, and how long you want the videographer at your wedding. For example, do you want them to cover just the ceremony or the reception too?
Also, you’ll need to decide what outcome you are looking for. You will already have chosen a style before you picked a videographer that did it! However, there are often different packages as to the finished product, for example, whether you get a digital or physical (DVD) copy of your wedding video. You might also want multiple copies, for example, if there were close relatives who couldn’t make your special day.
You may also have a post-wedding meeting to be shown the rough cut of your wedding video. A rough cut is a basic edit of all of the footage which the videographer has filmed at an event. It usually doesn’t include any of the fancy transitions or titles which you can expect in the final, polished version of your wedding video. The idea is that you can look at the rough cut and give the videographer some feedback, identify any bits you particularly want (or particularly don't!). Then they can produce a final version based on that feedback.
Should I have a wedding photographer and a wedding videographer?
The two roles usually won’t clash, especially not if you plan carefully. You can have one or both present at your wedding, it’s really up to you. Often a photographer sticks around after the official wedding photos have been taken in order to capture some of the best bits of the reception. However, you might feel that the videographer has this covered.
Alternatively, you could even have them work together. This helps create the fusion video style. By doing this, you can make sure that more of your reception is covered, and you are less likely to miss anything. Bear in mind that this will, of course, cost more, as you are paying both professionals for their time.
Top tip: if you are looking for a ‘Fusion’ video, when you have chosen one supplier, ask them if they recommend anyone for the other side or if there is someone they regularly work with. This is a great way to ensure your suppliers are able to work together well.
How much does a wedding videographer cost?
The cost of hiring a videographer for your wedding will vary, depending on a number of factors. For example, the area of the UK which you are in can have a huge impact. There is also the quality of the video, the timescale, and whether you have chosen a basic package or something more advanced. The average cost for a wedding video is around £1000. However, it’s worth speaking to the videographer about prices and different packages to see what works best for you.
How far in advance should I book a wedding videographer?
Videographers tend to cover a variety of events, often working one event for the whole day, which means the best options can get snapped up quite quickly. This is especially true during the height of the wedding season or close to Christmas. Booking as early as you possibly can is the best bet, especially if your wedding is during one of these busy periods. If you are concerned about a budget, you can always book a more basic package initially, and then upgrade if possible closer to the date.
How long will it take to receive my wedding video?
This depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of footage the videographer has captured, and whether multiple cameras have been used. Also, it can be affected by how busy the videographer is, and how much there is to do based on your feedback from the rough cut. The lengthy part of the process is the editing of the video. So, the more complex the film is to edit, the longer it will take to produce.
There’s a lot of variation in the amount of time it takes to get a final version of the video. So, the best thing to do is to discuss timeframes with your videographer when you make the arrangements.
Top tips for choosing a wedding videographer
When you’re choosing a wedding videographer, there are a few different things which are important to consider to help you make the best choice.
1 - Plan ahead
First of all, have an idea of roughly what you want for your wedding video before you meet with any of the options. You can look at other wedding videos on the internet to get an idea of what style you like, as well as any elements you wish to include. It’s also worth looking at examples of work from the videographers you are considering. However, make sure you watch whole videos if possible - not just their ‘best bits!’
2 - Think about your budget
Finding a preferred style will also help you to think about your budget, another important consideration. Get quotes for different packages and styles from a few different videographers, and compare them to find the best match for you. You should also think about whether you need a more advanced video package, or whether a basic one is sufficient. If you don’t want an advanced package, you can save some money there - plus you may get the video back sooner.
3 - Videographer or photographer?
One of the other things which can save you some money is having a clear plan for both your photographer and your videographer. Unless you’ve chosen a fusion wedding video, you might not want them to be capturing the same thing at the same time! So, coordinate them and make sure you’re getting the most out of both of them.
4 - Get the inside scoop
The internet is a powerful tool. Why not use it to your advantage? Read reviews of the videographers you are considering, look for recommendations from other couples. You can even see whether you can get in touch with any of the prospective videographers’ clients to find out how they operate and whether there’s anything you really should know before you make your final decision.
5 - Communicate your wishes clearly
This is one of the most important things to remember when you’re booking a videographer. They have the expertise but don’t forget that it’s your wedding and you’re hiring them to capture the best of your day. If you want something from them, ask for it! If you’re clear and open about what you want, they will be able to help you find a solution and give you one less thing to worry about.
Are there wedding videographers near me?
It should be fairly easy to find wedding videographers near you. Videographers can specialise in weddings, or have weddings as one of their subjects. So, even if they are not dedicated to weddings, they may well still cater to your needs. As well as this, videographers are usually a bit more willing to travel than other suppliers might be. So, even if they aren’t particularly local, it’s worth contacting them to see if you can book them.
Top wedding videographers
Video Studio Alex
In Their Own Words: We keep things simple and with one main objective; to tell your story as it unfolds and to leave you with amazing memories from your big day.
We use only the best technology to capture stunning visuals and videography. All the footage we capture is professionally filmed and edited to ensure the finished product surpasses expectations.
Style: Fresh and relaxed, natural and creative
Location Covered: We cover the whole country
Review: “When asking my friends and relatives for a bit of advice when it comes to planning our wedding the most common thing that was said was 'get a videographer' and I am so happy that we did, and I very happy we chose Alex from Video Studio Alex to do our video for us. The booking process was very straightforward, I spoke with Her a few times to make the arrangements and it was very hassle free. We booked last minute so this is exactly what we needed! Alex was fantastic on the day, she sat very much in the background and did not bother anybody. Alex stayed until after the first dance, which was 10.30pm which I think is fantastic and she did not charge an additional fee for this day. The wedding DVD was delivered a few weeks later with our choice of music as the backing music. We are so pleased with the DVD it is something we can treasure for many many years! We were so pleased with the DVD we ordered some more copies to hand out to the family! The overall experience with Alex from Video Studio Alex was GREAT!! Thanks again!” Karina and Martin
Mike Savory
In Their Own Words: Hi, I’m Mike Savory, a Videographer who covers the whole of the UK and beyond. I create bespoke wedding films to tell the story of your big day with a cinematic edge, and take the time to get to know you so that your wedding film reflects you and your relationship.
All my wedding films are authentic and natural with a sprinkling of fun creativity. My favourite couples to work with are those who aren’t afraid to be themselves, laugh a lot and let the memories flow.
Style: Natural, Epic and Stylish
Location Covered: I cover the whole of the UK and beyond
Review: “If you’re looking for a videographer - you know, one that will deliver a proper Hollywood quality product, make you look and feel like a movie star, capture all the very best bits of the best day of your life with endless enthusiasm, a constant smile and a brilliant sense of humour - then stop now. Message Mike immediately and if he’s still free on the date of your wedding then (a) book him immediately and (b) thank your lucky stars! Mike, thank you so much for everything you did to not only make our day so awesome but also provide us with a film that will allow us and our family to relive and enjoy our amazing wedding day for decades to come. We absolutely love everything you did for us and we won’t hesitate in recommending you to everyone we know!!” Kasie + Jonny
Gaetano Di Giacomo Media Production
Professional wedding videographer and founder of Gaetano Di-Giacomo Media Production, Gaetano, believes creating the perfect video is about capturing the moments you expect, with the details you don’t – a look of love, a beam of pride, a glimpse of the life you can’t wait to start. Because every great video deserves a moving soundtrack, Gaetano writes original scores hisself with clients telling him it’s this finishing touch that’s the icing on the wedding cake.
Based in Buckinghamshire but travels around the world.
W4 Wedding Films
In Their Own Words: We want your wedding video to be a prized investment, one that you are proud to show and captures perfectly the essence of your day.
We don’t pose you or push you into awkward positions, we film 'as it happens' capturing a true reflection of the day.
Never intrusive, we are respectful of your guests and plans, shooting discreetly, but at the same time capturing those cherished moments.
Style: Cinematic
Location Covered: Surrey, Hampshire, West London, Berkshire and UK Wide
Review: “If you are looking for a quality wedding videographer...STOP! You've found them! Chris and Amy are absolutely fantastic; they're discreet, professional and have produced a beautiful wedding video that we will cherish forever. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone, we are so, so pleased with the finished result! Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Emma Ironmonger