Hiring A Production Company For Your Wedding: Is It Possible?

Wedding videography is a popular way to capture the special moments of your big day and relive them forever. It's an added expense, but it can be worth it to have a cinematic keepsake to treasure for a lifetime. The average cost of wedding videography in the US is $1,658, but prices vary depending on the package and location. When choosing a wedding videographer, it's important to do your research, ask about their experience, and discuss pricing and packages. You may also want to consider the benefits of hiring a second shooter to capture additional footage.

Wedding videography packages and pricing

Wedding videography packages vary in price depending on the services included. The average cost of a wedding videographer largely depends on where you live, how many hours of coverage you want, and the level of experience of the professional. While it's possible to find a videographer in the $1,200–$1,500 range, with high-end packages starting at $7,000, the average cost can fall somewhere in between. Grech, who works in the luxury wedding sector, says you can expect to spend $7,000–$12,000 on the lower end and up to $20,000 or more on the higher end. The range can often run between $1,200 and $1,500 nationwide or as much as $12,500 for a luxury shoot.

Basic packages typically include:

• A three- to five-minute highlight video
• A 20- to 30-minute full wedding video with the wedding ceremony and speeches
• Two cinematographers
• An assistant to the videographer

These videos will be professionally edited and set to music, delivered via USB or an online platform.

Factors affecting wedding videography costs:

The number of hours of coverage will have the biggest impact on the total cost. Most packages include 8–10 hours of coverage, and additional time can cost up to $500 per extra half-hour. Having more than one or two cinematographers can also significantly increase the price by thousands of dollars.

Other add-ons and extras:

• Drone footage: $2,000–$3,000
• Travel costs for destination weddings: accommodations, meals, air travel, and destination fees
• Extra edits in post-production: $750 per extra edit
• Additional filming besides the wedding day: rehearsal dinner, bridal shoot, etc.

When choosing a wedding videography package, it's important to consider your budget and what is most important to you. If you have a tight budget, you may opt for the most basic package or hire someone less experienced. If you value videography highly, you may choose to allocate more of your budget to this area and consider add-ons to enhance your package.

It's also essential to research and compare different videographers' portfolios, experience, and packages to find the best fit for your needs and style. Asking for referrals from friends and family or your wedding planner can be a great way to find a reputable videographer.

Ultimately, wedding videography is a valuable investment that allows you to relive your special day and share it with those who couldn't attend.

Pros and cons of hiring a production company

Hiring a production company to shoot your wedding can be a great way to ensure that your special day is captured and preserved for years to come. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to hire a production company:

Pros of Hiring a Production Company:

• Continuity in Style: One of the significant benefits of hiring a production company is ensuring continuity in the style of your wedding photos and videos. A single company will have a consistent vision and concept for your vintage, rustic, or contemporary wedding theme across both mediums. This can be more challenging to achieve when hiring separate photography and videography teams.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Opting for a combined package deal from one production company is likely to be more cost-effective than hiring separate vendors for photography and videography. This allows you to save money without compromising on quality.
• Convenience and Communication: Weddings often involve managing a long list of vendors, which can be tiresome. By hiring a production company that offers both photography and videography services, you streamline communication and make it simpler to keep everyone in the loop. A combined team is typically smaller and easier to manage than dealing with two separate teams.
• Teamwork and Experience: A production company offering combined services will have an established team that is used to working together. Their familiarity and experience working as a unit can promote better teamwork and communication, leading to a smoother process on your wedding day.

Cons of Hiring a Production Company:

• Limited Variety: Sometimes, a single production company may not offer the variety of styles you are looking for. You might prefer one company's photography style but not their videography style, or vice versa. In such cases, hiring separate teams for photography and videography might be a better option to meet your specific style preferences.
• Expertise and Post-Production: Not all production companies are equally skilled in both videography and photography. It is essential to review their portfolio and ensure they have the necessary expertise to capture all the important moments in both mediums. Also, consider their post-production skills, as good editing can elevate your wedding pictures and videos to the next level.
• Potential for Higher Costs: While hiring a production company can sometimes be more cost-effective, this is not always the case. In certain situations, you may find that hiring separate vendors for photography and videography results in a lower overall cost, especially if you can find vendors who offer competitive rates or customized packages.
• Potential for Overlooking Details: A production company, particularly one that is less experienced, might overlook certain details or moments that a specialized photographer or videographer would capture. This could be due to a lack of focus or familiarity with the specific requirements of wedding photography or videography.

What to look for in a wedding videographer

Wedding videography is a great way to relive your special day and share it with friends and family who couldn't attend. When looking for a wedding videographer, here are some key things to consider:

Style

There are many different styles of wedding videography, from documentary to traditional to cinematic storytelling. Some videographers may focus on cinematic shots, creating a visually driven film with time shifts, effects, and music. Others may opt for a more candid, minimalist approach, resembling a professionally shot home movie that captures the natural interactions and emotions of the day. It is important to view a videographer's portfolio and choose one whose style aligns with your vision and preferences.

Experience

Experience matters when it comes to wedding videography. An experienced videographer will have the knowledge and skills to capture the best shots from the best angles and compensate for lighting or audio challenges. They will also be more likely to have backup equipment and understand the flow of the day, ensuring a smooth and seamless filming process. Inquire about their experience, especially at your wedding venue, and ask for references or reviews from past clients.

Communication and Rapport

Effective communication is essential when working with a wedding videographer. Pay attention to their responsiveness and level of professionalism during your initial inquiries. Choose someone who addresses your concerns, answers your questions thoroughly, and is open to your ideas. It is also crucial to have a good rapport with your videographer, as they will be spending a significant amount of time with you on your wedding day. Ensure you have phone or in-person meetings to get a sense of their personality and compatibility.

Contract and Deliverables

Review the contract carefully to understand what is included in the package. Ask about the final videos you can expect, the length of the film, and any opportunities for add-ons or extras. Inquire about the turnaround time for receiving your film, as this can vary significantly among videographers. Be sure to get clarity on the format for delivery, as some may offer USB drives or online downloads, while others may still provide DVDs or Blu-Rays.

Licensing and Legal Compliance

Ensure that your videographer is licensed and compliant with any relevant laws and regulations. For example, if they plan to use a drone for aerial shots, confirm that they are a licensed drone pilot and that your venue allows drones. Also, inquire about the music they plan to use in the video, as not all songs are available for licensing.

Wedding videography styles

There are many different wedding videography styles to choose from, and it's important to find one that fits your wedding-day vision and personality. Here are some of the most common styles:

• Cinematic: This style mimics the angles, transitions, and filters of movies, with a focus on capturing the overall themes and emotions of your wedding day. Cinematic videographers often use moving voiceovers, aerial shots, and slow motion to create a Hollywood movie-style film. They may also use tools like gimbals and drones to capture sweeping shots and create a floating feel.
• Documentary: Documentary-style videographers take a hands-off approach, capturing moments as they happen naturally without any direction. The final video may be less polished and more off-the-cuff, with handheld camera work and a shaky feel. It may also be less story-driven and more sequential, presenting the events of the day in the order they occurred with natural audio and minimal editing.
• Traditional: Traditional wedding videos have fewer frills and an old-school vibe. They focus more on the ceremony and reception and tend to have basic editing, minimal music, and no flashy transitions.
• Storytelling: Storytelling videographers create a comprehensive video that tells the story of the couple's relationship, not just their wedding day. They often include elements beyond the ceremony and reception, such as pre-event interviews, speeches, letter readings, and vows, to craft a narrative-style film.
• Vintage: Vintage-style wedding videos use retro film techniques and equipment, such as Super8mm film, 16mm film, or camcorders, to capture the wedding day. This style adds nostalgia and a genuine, charming quality to the final video.
• Highlight: Highlight videos are short clips, usually seven to nine minutes long, that focus on the most emotive and special moments of the day. They are set to music and can be easily shared on social media or with friends and family.
• Editorial: Editorial-style wedding videos feel like a photo shoot, with an emphasis on high fashion techniques and breaking the fourth wall by making eye contact with the camera. The focus is on the couple and the gorgeous details and design of the wedding.
• Hype: Hype films are usually short, high-energy videos with fast cuts and editing effects added in post-production. They often focus on the reception dancing and are perfect for couples who want something fun, surprising, and full of energy.
• Elopement: Elopement-style videos are commonly shot in beautiful destinations and highlight the natural beauty of the location. They focus intimately on the couple and their love story, including the wedding ceremony and editorial-style portrait sessions or adventurous excursions.
• Teaser: Teaser-style wedding videos are short, epic clips designed for sharing on social media. They pack an emotional punch and stunning visuals into 60–90 seconds, leaving your followers wanting more.

How to find a wedding videographer

So, you've decided to hire a production company to shoot your wedding video – a great way to relive the day's memories for years to come. Now, it's time to find the right videographer for you. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find a wedding videographer who fits your style and budget.

When to Book a Wedding Videographer

Firstly, don't leave it until the last minute. Jordan Roepke, a professional wedding photographer, recommends hiring your wedding videographer at the same time you book your wedding photographer, around five to eight months before the wedding day. By planning ahead, you'll have a wider range of options and ensure you don't miss out on stellar choices.

What to Look for in a Wedding Videographer

When searching for a wedding videographer, there are several key factors to consider:

• Style: Just like wedding photographers, videographers have different approaches, ranging from documentary to traditional. Browse their websites and social media platforms to see visuals of their work and find one that closely matches your style.
• Reviews: Reading reviews from past clients will give you an idea of what to expect. Take note of how personal the review sounds, as this will indicate the kind of relationship you can expect with the videographer.
• Experience: Ask about their credentials and how long they have been in the business. An experienced videographer will be familiar with your venue and know the best angles and lighting to capture the best shots. They will also have a proven track record of producing high-quality videos.
• Communication: Pay attention to how responsive they are. A videographer who replies promptly and communicates effectively is likely to be professional and address any concerns you may have.
• In-person Meeting: It's important to have a good rapport with your videographer, as they will be spending a lot of time with you on your wedding day. Meet with potential candidates in person or via video chat to ensure you get along and ask to see a full video of their work, not just clips.
• Contract: Read the contract carefully to ensure it includes everything you want. Find out what final videos you can expect and if there are any opportunities to add on after the wedding. Ask questions about the length of the final film and what parts of the day will be included.

Where to Find a Wedding Videographer

• Referrals or preferred vendor lists from your wedding photographer, planner, or DJ.
• Online marketplaces like The Knot Vendor Marketplace, where you can filter by price point and location.
• Social media platforms, especially Instagram, where you can search for wedding videography or wedding film along with your wedding location to find experts in your area.

Coordinating with Your Videographer

Even after you've hired your ideal videographer, there are a few more steps to take:

• Ensure the videographer and photographer are aligned by sharing the shooting timeline with them and asking for their input.
• Connect with your videographer at least once before the wedding, whether in person or via phone or video call, to go over the flow of the day and any preferences or surprises.

Now you know how to find and coordinate with your wedding videographer, you're ready to start your search and capture your special day forever!

Frequently asked questions