If you’ve decided you’re keen for a videographer, then let’s make sure you find one that is perfect for you. Like your photographer, they are going to be working in close proximity to you on one of the most important days of your life, so you want to make sure you like their style and them! Catching your wedding day on film is an amazing memento and one you will get teary over for years to come! Before you hire one, let’s make sure you ask the right questions and find the best one for you…
You will want to make sure that the person you hire is experienced enough to convey the atmosphere and emotions of the day on film – creating something Oscar worthy!
2) How would you describe your style?
Styles primarily divide into documentary (filming as the day unfolds) or cinematic (weaving the episodes of your wedding into a story). Both are absolutely great to look at, so choose whichever style you like best! Also discuss whether your video will be music based or dispersed with speech and wooping from guests – again this is completely your preference!
3) Have you worked with our photographer before?
Would you be open to meeting with them if not? The photographer and videographer work very closely on the wedding day and therefore need to get along and know how the other operates.
4) Have you worked at our reception venue before? If not, would you be up for visiting it with us – would this cost extra?
If your videographer is familiar with your wedding venue, they will know the best angles to film from and the best lighting opportunities.
This may seem like a silly question if you don’t know a lot about cameras, however, this will give you an idea about how large the video equipment is, how the microphones will work and what sort of lighting the videographer intends to use.
6) How long do we have to wait to see the final result?
While you can get the raw footage, or the highlights video fairly soon after the wedding, the full film may take up to six months in editing, so make sure you’re happy with this.
7) What will the final result be?
One 10 minute video? Or a feature length with all of the full length speeches?
8) Can I choose the music for the film?
Many videographers are more than happy to do that, so have a discussion with them and have a list of favourite tunes at the ready. If they can’t use your exact song selection they might come up with great alternatives along the same vibe.
9) Who will own the copyright?
This is important as any additional copy will have to be paid for separately.
10) How many copies of the film do I get? And how much does it cost if we want to buy extras?
If you want to distribute the video to all your relatives abroad, you may want to find out how much an extra video costs before you make any promises!
A wedding photo album is a wonderful thing! It captures the moments of your special day that can instantly be re-lived via a physical album or on-screen photos. For this reason, almost everybody books a wedding photographer. Without one, there would be no record of your day and you would be solely reliant on your own memory. Not so many people, on the other hand, book a wedding videographer. Many still do, but it’s not seen as a necessity. Here are 4 reasons why we think you should book a videographer.
1. Film trumps photo in capturing the moment
A picture speaks a thousand words. But a film speaks ten thousand. Capturing the sounds and movements of your day is a priceless treasure. The sounds of talking, music and laughter may seem insignificant, but they really do add an extra dimension. In the same way, facial expressions, hugs and dancing all come to life in film in a way they never could in a photo. The best way to demonstrate this is to look at a video on your smartphone and compare it to a photo. Which one captures the moment better?
2. Ceremony
The most important part of your wedding day! You don’t want to miss a moment. Guaranteed to be emotional and joyful all at the same time. A photo will capture this moment beautifully, but to capture the words, tears and wobbly voices, a film is the only option.
3. Speeches
You may or may not want to remember the speeches depending on whether you are the one who is giving one. The speeches however are often filled with lovely moments. Not just the jokes, quotes and touching sentiment, but also the unexpected moments of participation from the guests. A film of the wedding speeches is not something you would watch every day, but it is a beautiful memory to keep a record of. And in this case, a photo just won’t cut it!
4. First dance
The first dance includes many aspects that your photographer won’t capture: The first dance song, the cheers of your guests and…..the actual dancing. The first dance is one of the most intimate parts of your wedding day and this is reflected far more effectively in a short 3 min film.
Your wedding day is jam-packed with moments that you want to remember. You will of course be able to capture these moments in photos…..and you definitely should! Don’t do away with the photographer! But strongly consider booking a videographer too! Sure, it’s an extra expense, but this is a purchase that you benefit from for the rest of your life. If you need to cut costs with your decorations to make the funds available to book a videographer, it’s probably worth the sacrifice. Many wedding purchases last only 1 day(your wedding day), but a film of your wedding is a pleasure you can keep for life.
Are you convinced? Read our videographer checklist before booking.
We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce the Winners and Highly Commended suppliers of the Bridebook.co.uk Wedding Awards 2017!
With so many incredible and talented suppliers across our Bridebook family, picking the final winners was difficult to say the least. So we’d like to extend our sincerest warm wishes and thanks for all of those who participated – the wedding industry wouldn’t be where it is today without you!
Now, without further ado – the 2017 winners! Huge congratulations to all! (And if you’re an engaged couple, there’s no better place to start your wedding supplier search than with this fabulous list of award winners!)
Congratulations to all the winners and highly commended! If you’re an engaged couple, there truly is no better place to start than with this fabulous list of Bridebook suppliers. Be sure to check out their profiles to book these award winners for your own wedding!
Whether you decided to ask an amateur filmmaker friend, your younger brother, or even one of the waiters to film some of the essential moments form your wedding, here are our best tips selected exclusively for your helpers to ensure they create the perfect film:
1) First, conduct the necessary research. Sit down with the couple and ask them what they are expecting from their wedding film, which moments they want to be filmed. Visualise these requirements as clearly as you can and focus on capturing them on the day.
2) It is a good idea to intersperse the traditional film-worthy moments with some messages from the attending guests. This creates an effortlessly flowing film and some surprising and touching messages that the newlyweds may not have had the chance to hear on the day itself.
3) If you can find a partner in crime, amazing! The two of you working seamlessly together will provide even coverage, especially if one of you shadows the married couple and the other films the guests.
4) Take advantage of “cutaways”. These are beautiful shots of flowers, decorations and other small but important details. Make sure to have a steady hand and zoom out slowly. With a soundtrack, these will look gorgeous and guarantee that one moment flows into another with ease. Bonus point: the newlyweds will really appreciate the little details eternalised on film!
5) For the clearest audio possible, especially of the vows, try asking the officiant if they will let you pin a microphone to their lapel, if not, pin the mic to the groom’s lapel, but never to the bride’s dress. Other cool alternatives include hiding the mic in the bridal bouquet!
6) Film the guests during the drinks reception and as they take their seats, taking in all the decorations and table settings. The couple will appreciate being able to see the events as they unfold! Please don’t film the wedding guests as they eat! Switch off, enjoy the food and tune in again in time for the speeches.
7) As you film, make sure you aren’t in the way of any observing guests, after all, they came to see the newlyweds!
8) Always leave a few seconds after each shot before you stop, so that the editing process is made easier for whoever will be editing the finished product.
9) Teach yourself the VIP face sheet: AKA the list of all the important family members and friends, so that they definitely appear in the wedding film! We also strongly recommend you introduce yourself to the wedding photographer, as they are guaranteed to be photographing the same people and moments and you want to make sure that the two of you work in sync.
Once you have chosen your Oscar-worthy wedding videographer (loud applause please), there are a few useful things that you might want to tell them, so that the entire filming process goes off without a hitch – see what we did there?:
1) Provide them with the contact details of your venue and if you have one, your on the day co-ordinator. They can help your videographer if there are any problems setting up.
2) If you feel very passionately about a particular song being included in your wedding film, let your videographer know early on, so that they can adjust accordingly.
3) It is always a good idea to provide your videographer with a face sheet, with all the important people that you would like to see in your wedding film. This way, your videographer won’t accidentally leave someone out. The Mother of the Bride might not be too happy about that!
4) Let them know the dress code. Think of your wedding videographer as a guest; he or she will have to blend in seamlessly with everyone else at your reception! You can pass on dress code advice here.
5) Introduce them to your photographer. The two of them will be working in tandem so it’s best if they meet before the big day. This way you can make sure they will get along and work together to provide you with the best footage you can get.
6) Introduce them to the Best Man and/or the Maid of Honour, to whom they can direct any questions on your wedding day. (Trust us, you won’t want to be distracted!)
7) If they want to use a drone (which looks absolutely epic), check if your wedding venue has any restrictions in regards to this.
8) Provide them with an order of service, so that they know where they should be and when for all the important moments of the day.
9) Lastly, if there is any aspect of the wedding that you have prepared in advance (and in secret), and really want it to be captured on film, let them know in advance!
More than 90% of couples in the UK hire a wedding photographer, but only one in three couples hire a videographer. Wedding photographs are a wonderful keepsake that the two of you will come back to again and again, and your wedding album might even become a family heirloom that will be passed down through generations.
The same might not necessarily be the case when it comes to a wedding video. However, a third of couples do still choose to capture their wedding on film, which is a more candid way of immortalising their big day.
Whether or not you hire a videographer for your wedding will likely come down to budget, with the average cost of a photographer being more or less the same. When it comes to one or the other, most couples choose to hire a photographer. However, there are ways to save money on a wedding videographer so that you can have the best of both worlds.
In this post, we’re going to explore how to save money on a wedding videographer and still have a lovely video you can watch again and again.
So, with couples paying an average of £1,300 – £1,500 for a wedding videographer, what exactly are they getting for their money and why are they so expensive? Videographers’ rates are based on:
High-quality equipment, including cameras, computers, edit equipment, stabilisers, microphones and even drones
The amount of time they spend shooting on the day, which could be during peak times
The amount of time post-production can take, which can range from less than a day to several days depending on the level of complexity
Skills and expertise which may have been refined from years of experience
Team and assistance, such as if they have a second camera operator and a dedicated editor
This is on top of other costs the videographer might have, including insurance, travel, software, equipment maintenance and more.
As we’ve already highlighted, only 33% of couples choose to hire a professional videographer for their wedding, so you shouldn’t feel pressured to hire one if it’s not something that suits your style, preference or budget. With the cost of many weddings reaching £20,000 and above, another £1,500 for a videographer can be difficult to justify. However, videographers will capture your special day in ways that photographers can’t, and a wedding video is a fantastic complement to your wedding album.
If a wedding video is important to you but you don’t want to pay costs anywhere close to the average, there are ways to pay less. Below are 12 ways to save money on a videographer and still have a fabulous wedding video.
While some couples prefer to have an hour-long feature that documents all the happenings of their wedding day, others choose a more budget-friendly version by asking for a shorter film. After all, the really important elements will all be there, only in a much more condensed format. So, instead of the wedding equivalent of The Lord of the Rings, something smaller will cut the cost at the same time as cutting the length.
The ceremony is arguably the most important and emotional part of your wedding day. This is when you make lifelong promises to love each other, as your nearest and dearest watch on. This is when all the dads get a bit teary giving away their daughters and when you share your first kiss as a married couple.
It’s also likely that you won’t have much other footage from the ceremony (as opposed to the Reels and stories you’ll see of the breakfast and evening reception) – especially if you ask your guests to adhere to an unplugged ceremony.
Ask your videographer to record just this part of your wedding day, saving you some precious pennies and giving you a wonderful keepsake.
Just like photographers, videographers tend to have package offers when it comes to wedding films. Instead of choosing all the extra editing and special effects, go for the most basic package, which will simply follow the wedding day and generally avoid the more complex filming and editing techniques (as well as extras like a trailer and highlight reel).
For example, Affordable Wedding Videos in Oxfordshire offer a basic ‘Carnation Package’, which costs just £700 and includes filming from the moment guests start arriving until the completion of the speeches.
A lot of professional wedding videographers will attend industry fairs and many of them will offer great deals to the couples who meet and chat with them there. So make sure you go, ask plenty of questions and secure yourself an awesome deal.
Another quick tip is to make your booking early – if you find yourself hiring a videographer at the last minute you might have to pay rates that are higher than normal.
If you’re something of a wannabe-Spielberg, you could have a go at editing your wedding video yourself. Your videographer will have hours of priceless, beautifully-shot film from the day that will practically speak for itself. If you’re a tech-savvy couple (or have techy friends), you may be able to do the editing yourselves and save on post-production costs, which is one of the most time-consuming (and expensive) parts.
The good news is, decent edit software is readily available and fairly affordable. Professional edit software such as Adobe Premiere offers a subscription service, so for around £50 you could subscribe for one month, edit your film, and then cancel. Or, there are plenty out there that are free, too. iMovie might not have the functionality of paid programmes, but it’s hard to argue if it saves you cash. Plus, iMovie can be downloaded on a smartphone or tablet, so you can edit on the go.
Do note that if you have no prior knowledge with editing software or any experience in the videography field, you might struggle at first. If you want high-quality results fast, hiring a professional videographer, with years of experience, is the way to go. Turning the raw footage from your wedding into an emotional film set to music, which perfectly tells the story of the day, is no small feat! So, be prepared to compromise on the quality of the final product if you go down the DIY video editing route.
Some videographers have an assistant who helps them film on the big day, which ensures they get plenty of coverage of your wedding. While this will give you a greater variety of shots and options in the edit, it will also add extra pennies to the overall cost.
You can still have a great wedding film with just one videographer. There’s even the option of setting up multiple unoperated cameras, too. Have a word with your videographer and see what they’re able to do without the need for an assistant.
The videographer you hire may charge you more if they have to travel a long way to get to your venue, so try to hire someone who makes it clear how far their catchment area covers.
The only exception to this may be if your wedding is taking place in London. Videographers based in the capital can have higher rates than those based outside of the M25, so make sure you get several quotes and weigh up the better option for your budget.
Know what the best thing about most of your friends and family members having a smartphone is? You in theory instantly have dozens of guests with relatively high-quality cameras at your disposal.
Consider asking one or two trustworthy guests to whip out their phones and record the ceremony. For a little extra professionalism, you can pick up a tripod that will hold a smartphone and allow for remote operation for around £20. That means your chosen friend or family member can record your wedding without having to miss out on actually watching you exchange your vows. That sounds like the perfect solution!
But again, as with the DIY video editing route, there are drawbacks to forgoing professional videography services. As we outlined above, there’s so much more to putting together a wedding film than simply pressing ‘play’ and letting the events naturally unfold. If you just want the simplest possible footage, and are prioritising minimising costs at all costs, then this could be the best choice for you. However, if you want a beautifully-shot and expertly-edited video which truly captures the story and spirit of your big day, then there’s nothing like that professional touch.
9. Don’t agree to pay extra for unnecessary extras
It’s 2023: high-definition should always be the absolute minimum standard for a wedding video. If HD isn’t offered as part of a standard videography package, we recommend either insisting upon it or finding a videographer who does offer it at no extra cost.
You may also want to think twice about whether or not you want a DVD or Blu-Ray copy of your film. In the age of streaming, fewer and fewer people have a Blu-Ray player, anyway. A USB stick, or even just a download link, should be more than enough. Then, if you change your mind later and realise you do want a DVD copy, you can use your home PC to create one without much trouble.
The more experience with shooting wedding videos a videographer has, the more they’re likely to charge. Of course, this experience will help them produce a fabulous video, but a videographer with less experience should still be capable of creating something magical.
It’s also worth remembering that less experience isn’t the same as no experience. If you hire a videographer who has never made a wedding video before, you’re unlikely to get a final product that meets your expectations. Then again, even the most skilled and experienced videographer had to start somewhere.
But, it’s about balance, and while an inexperienced videographer might not have a huge portfolio, they’ll have loads of enthusiasm and will want to impress you – and if they can do that while making sure you pay less, it might just be worth the gamble.
11. Avoid using drones and other expensive equipment
If you hire a videographer who uses a lot of technical and expensive equipment, like drones, then that can seriously add to the cost. Of course, sweeping drone shots will look stunning, cinematic and romantic in your final film, but it’ll likely cost a small fortune.
So, if you’re on a tight budget, speak to your videographer and let them know you want to keep things simple to help keep costs down.
The date your wedding takes place will have a big influence over the cost of your videographer, as it will over many other aspects of your wedding. If you get married on a Saturday during the summer, you’ll pay much higher rates than you would if you got married on a Tuesday in winter.
If you can, try to plan your wedding during off-peak times. Not only will you pay less for a videographer, but for your venue, your catering, your transport and more, which will help your overall wedding budget.
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Most couples opt to hire a photographer to capture their wedding. In fact, our data shows that 9 out of 10 couples hire a photographer for their big day. However, far fewer couples hire a videographer, with just a third choosing to immortalise their wedding on video.
But, documenting your wedding by using the skills of a videographer is a unique and highly personal way of capturing the magic. Video is different from photography because it can be a lot more natural and encapsulates those special moments as they happen. Your photographs are wonderful, but nothing can replicate the beaming smiles and happy tears that happen in the moment.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at the average cost of a wedding videographer, what can influence the cost and what level of skill and experience you might expect for your budget.
What’s the average cost of a wedding videographer?
The average amount couples spend on a wedding videographer in the UK is £1,300-£1,500, which is very similar to the average cost of a photographer. These are average costs for hiring an experienced, professional videographer, rather than going for a more DIY approach.
However, there are several different factors that can affect this cost, including the videographer’s experience, the technology they use, the venue, the post-production, and the videography package. For the majority of UK videographers, the average package value is far closer to over £1,500. After all, a camera operator alone charges £450-£650 per day on average, editing £350 per day, let alone the cost of the use of equipment, plus marketing, sales, preparation and general admin time. That’s why the cost of a wedding videographer can seem so pricey – a lot goes into producing gorgeous wedding films!
Unlike a wedding photographer, a videographer is someone who won’t spend a portion of the day ‘directing’ you – instead, they’ll blend into the crowd and naturally capture your wedding. In some ways, you could compare it to a documentary as it tells the story of your wedding day, from the moment you start getting ready to the moment the two of you are whisked away together at the end of the night.
What’s included in the cost depends entirely on the package you choose, but can include:
You and your other half getting ready
Your guests arriving
Footage of the ceremony (some videographers may offer just this as a basic package)
Footage of the wedding breakfast (including speeches)
Footage of the evening reception (including cutting the cake and the first dance)
Video editing and post-production
A USB or DVD of the finished film
If you’re on a budget should you hire a videographer instead of a photographer?
While a videographer is generally more affordable than a photographer, you may want to think twice before choosing video in place of the more traditional photographs. Videography is a lovely way to complement your photographs rather than replace them, so don’t let the cost be the deciding factor. Remember, even though the average cost of a photographer is more than the average cost of a videographer, there are options available. There are even vendors who will be able to offer a package that includes both photography and videography.
While our ultimate wedding budget breakdown found that £1,439 is the average amount couples in the UK spend on a wedding videographer, there are plenty of factors that can affect the cost:
The date: Expect to pay more than the average costs if your wedding is taking place during peak times, such as during the summer months or on a Saturday.
Venue: Where your venue is located – as well as how far your videographer has to travel – can impact the cost. For example, videographers in London will be more expensive than those outside the capital.
The style: The price will vary depending on whether you want the videographer to cover the ceremony alone or the entire day.
Experience: The more experience a videographer has, the higher their price will be. On the flip side, you’ll likely receive a far more professional and polished video.
Time: How long do you need the videographer to be there? Is there footage needed before or after your wedding? How long will post-production take to get the final product you’re after?
Additional crew: If you’re keen on the more dynamic style that multiple cameras allow, then a second camera person will bump up the cost.
Additional equipment: Are lights, additional cameras, or even drones needed to get the look you want?
Multiple copies: Your package may include a limited number of copies of your final film on USB or DVD.
There may also be optional extras that can bump up the cost, such as:
Expedited post-production and delivery
Video messages from friends and family
Montages set to music
Unedited footage
What should you be aware of before you book your wedding videographer?
Every videographer will have their own unique style and way of documenting your wedding. Before hiring them, make sure their style aligns with your vision – if you’re looking for something cinematic but they don’t have the skills (or equipment) to do so then you want to avoid disappointment. Just because they shoot weddings (and fit your budget), it doesn’t mean they can meet your needs.
If you’re hiring a videographer that can include drone footage, ensure they have the relevant documentation so they’re able to do so legally, including a flyer ID and operator ID. The last thing you want is for your videographer to get caught out halfway through shooting your wedding.
Finally, is the videographer insured? This may be something the venue wishes to see before the wedding, so make sure it’s something they can produce if needed.
What experience level can you expect for your budget?
Your budget will determine the level of experience, and therefore skill, your wedding videographer has. Check out the below table to get an idea of what your budget might get you.
Budget
£3,000+
£1,500-£3,000
£1,000-£1,500
Under £1,000
Level of experience
You’ll get an industry-leading videographer who will produce a stunning wedding video. They may also have a second videographer working with them to ensure a variety of high-quality footage.
You’ll get an experienced videographer who has documented many weddings and will produce a fantastic video.
You’ll get a videographer who is finding their own unique style and has documented several dozen weddings.
You’ll get an up-and-coming videographer keen to grow their portfolio.
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Your wedding day is one of the biggest days of your entire life – and you’ll want to remember every detail! One way to do that? Hiring a wedding videographer to capture absolutely every moment in a gorgeous wedding film that you can watch back for years to come. But that’s a big responsibility – so here’s how to find the wedding videographer that’s your perfect match.
Start off by sitting down with your partner and working out what you want from your wedding film. Look on Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube to see what other couples have done, or check out other events videography if you want to cast the net a bit wider. What style of wedding film do you like? Every videographer has a different style so give some thought to whether you want something with more of a “documentary” or “fly-on-the-wall” style or something that feels more like a narrative.
By Ross Harvey
2. Ask For Recommendations
Recently married friends will be more than happy to share their wisdom – and show off their wedding film too! You could also ask your wedding photographer if they’ve worked with any fantastic wedding videographers.
When you put together your shortlist of videographers, don’t be swayed by just their showreel! We recommend watching three complete wedding films from each videographer to really get a feel for their style and standard. Think about how each film makes you feel too. Does the videographer capture the emotions of each couple’s big day? The mark of a good videographer is being able to truly transport you back to that wedding day – and make you wish you’d been invited!
Once you’ve found two or three videographers you love, meet them in person and make sure you get along. On your wedding day, your videographer (and potentially their assistant too) will be following you from dawn to dusk – so it’s important you like them!
5. Pin Down The Details
Take some time to clarify exactly what you want from your videographer, whether that’s on your big day or in the finished film. For example, if you don’t want your videographers moving around during the ceremony, make sure to let them know you’d prefer it to be filmed statically.
You’ve spent months planning and pouring over every little detail of your wedding day, making sure everyone invited has a fantastic time. Once it’s all over your memories of the day might be a wee bit blurry. Have no fear the videographer is here! We find that nothing can quite convey the mood and atmosphere of the day as much as a wedding film that you can keep watching over and over again. In fact, 75% of newlyweds say they regret not hiring a videographer for their wedding, so here is our introduction to why we think it’s a no brainer!
A videographer will capture your personal story, the expressions of the wedding guests (which you definitely won’t have seen) as they witness all the important moments of the day, the exchange of the vows and the unique and wonderful mood of the whole day.
As the newlyweds, you will be the constant centre of attention, chatting to friends and relatives, listening to the speeches and having lots of fun. However, in the midst of all the entertaining you might miss certain moments, or some of the speeches may fade from your memory. A videographer will make sure that all the important moments are captured on film, so that you can refresh your memory (and everyone else’s) any time!
Consider this; if you had the option, would you watch your parents’ or your grandparents’ wedding video? Your children will definitely love the opportunity of seeing you on your wedding day, as well as their grandparents and family friends having fun!
Having a film of your special day could signal the start of a new tradition! The two of you could re-watch your wedding on every anniversary, reflecting back on the first day that started your life as a married couple and toasting your achievements with some bubbles.
The only real disadvantage of a videographer is the price, which may stretch your budget, as the average price tends to be around £1000 for a fully edited wedding video. However, even if your budget will not reach the target, no matter how much you stretch it, Bridebook is here to offer you some great tips and potential alternatives.
Videographers tend to have a number of packages (the amount of hours they are hired for, the editing, the number of DVDs offered), available at different prices. Making sure you choose the right package for you could mean saving the necessary money and still creating a beautiful time capsule of your day.
Another, slightly more risky, option is going to a film school and hiring one of the students. Film academies have a lot of talent, so make sure you choose the right one for you by looking through their portfolio.
It is always a great idea to involve your guests in filming – maybe allocate certain parts of the day to certain people. Mobile cameras are so advanced and so clear that they may be a great alternative, as well as providing you with endless viewpoints. Similarly, you can use a GoPro; a savvy bride attached hers to the bouquet, which resulted in a creative and unique film of her special day. This may not have the polished result of a professional videographer, but it can always be perfected through free tools like iMovie, which allow for a soundtrack to be placed over the film, giving you all the control over the footage of your special day.
Whatever option you choose, you will end up with emotional, hilarious and special footage from your big day and that’s worth having – in our minds.
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