THE SAD FACT:

Sadly, wedding videography and the wedding videographer are often unjustly pushed to the bottom of many brides top priority list. And, it's often the misconception of what role the videographer and wedding video will play in the overall scheme of things, that has many brides putting this as a low priority. The videography also suffers from the fact that it is a relatively new service, say about 15 to 20 years or so, versus wedding photography, which has been around as long as we can remember.

POSSIBLY RECONSIDER?

Our goals with this page is to try and get brides who are sitting on the fence with regard to videography, to reconsider. We will do this by relating stories we have received from brides who regretfully did not do it, and the happy brides who did do it, and were thankful that they changed their minds. Our argument works with the assumption that you get a GREAT videographer! Not a shaky handheld video that a family member can do. But a professional videographer who has a great eye for movement, that has done many weddings, and that has all the equipment necessary to do the job properly.

SEE THE WORK:

When brides are given the opportunity to view a truly professional wedding video, often this is enough for them to change their minds. More often than not, it is the amateurish, home video that they have seen. And is often the reason for leading them to believe they do not want a video. The reality is, a professionally produced wedding video is a beautiful thing and often reflects the day as it was. Moreover, it is an opportunity for the bride to see the things that she missed or couldn't have possibly seen..such as parents being seated, or the ceremony processional.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS:

When it comes to videography, the most common thing we hear is that it is out of the budget. And of course this is true if we take into account our budget theory detailed on our budget page. The bottom line is, if the videography is not important to you then yes, it will be out of your budget. However, if it were at the top of your list, and you wanted a really great video, then you would find the budget within your overall wedding budget to be able to do videography. It really hinges on the fact of how important it is to you! If, after reading this page, the video is still a low priority, then you are better off not having a video.

WHAT TO AVOID:

It is important to choose a videographer who will work well within the given parameters of your wedding. First and foremost is the lighting. If you are having a gorgeous, formal candle lit dinner, the last thing you want is a videographer who uses 1000 w lights mounted on huge stands that stick out like an eyesore. These "10' o'clock news" videographers often use bright lights in guests faces, light up the dance floor and often ask guests to speak directly into the camera offering best wishes to the couple. This style has been heavily frowned upon, but is still prevalent among lower end vendors today.

Another important factor is how well your videographer will work with you photographer. Most brides will agree that photography is paramount. Therefore, if your photographer offers a professional videography service, then it's recommended to go with that. If your photographer offers video, but not as professional as you would like, seek out a videographer who understands that the photographer has priority over any particular shots and placements of cameras, tripods, etc. Along these same lines, do not get a videographer who will shoot over the shoulder of your photographer. Think about it....if your videographer is filming you getting your picture taken, who is covering the actual event? Wouldn't you much rather see your cocktail hour on video, rather than seeing you getting your photo taken?

A good videographer will fill in the gaps that the photographer is leaving (as mentioned above, filming your cocktail reception because you are off site taking pictures) and be your eyes and ears for the things you will not be present for.

A FEW MORE CRITICAL THINGS:

TURN AROUND TIME: Just like photographers, there are many 'weekend warriors' who do videography. This can slow your turn around time drastically. Make sure you choose someone who will complete your video within 4 to 8 weeks. A survey of videographers nationwide showed that that average turn around time for a quality wedding video is 6 weeks.

WIRELESS MICROPHONES: We recently read on a videographers website that 'for realism, we do not use wireless microphones'. To put it nicely, this is complete and utter rubbish. Wireless microphones are an absolute must have so be sure to choose a videographer who uses them. The reason being that, audio production is a huge part of video production. If the videographer doesn't think enough of the audio to use a wireless mic, chances are they are not true professionals and they are certainly not concerned with the audio portion of the program.

F.A.Q. For most reasons why a bride does not want a video and the explanation as to why the excuse is incorrect.

1. I can't afford it. It's simply not in my budget!

Our budget theory, click here to read it, states that whatever is important to you, must be at the top of your list! And, the things that are on the top of your list, you will put the biggest budget and place it as top priority for your wedding. If you come to the reasoning that the video IS important to you, then excuse will no longer exist.

2. I have family and friends who will be taking video so I don't need to hire a videographer.

Home video is great! So are still photos taken by family and friends. But for the same reasons, you wouldn't want your family and friends doing your wedding photography, is the same reason you need to hire a professional videographer who knows what it takes to make a professional movie based on good, solid video production techniques. With family and friends taking video, often what you end up with is an incomplete program, shot handheld, very shaky with absolutely no editing. This is far from what a true professional videographer will offer you.

3. I'm spending a lot on my photos on a really good photographer so I don't need a video.

Photography and videography are two totally separate art forms and industries. One does not negate the other. What the photography doesn't have is the sound and the motion. Let us give you one example. You have living grandparents that are coming to your wedding. In the future, when they pass on, would you rather stare at a picture, or see them move and hear them talk on a video?

4. I will just get a cheap videographer because I am spending so much on my photography!

You have to be really careful on this one! Many brides do not fully understand the impact a low level videographer can have on your wedding and on your wedding photography. If you get a low level videographer who interferes with your photographer with their unprofessionalism, bright lights and overall intrusiveness, then you are actually hurting yourself. If you do decide on video, make sure to get a vendor that matches the overall professionalism of all your vendors including the photographer. Don't get a videographer who will shine bright lights and stick a microphone in your guests putting them on the spot.

5. We are not video people and/or we don't want to see ourselves on video and/or we don't watch alot of television.

It really comes down to seeing all of your hard work on the big screen. A good videographer will get a great mix of shots, guests and the decorations. The video will not be a 90 minute close up of just the couple. And, with the proper pre planning with your videographer you can minimize that shots you don't want. For instance, if you are only doing one camera for the ceremony, have the videographer shoot it from the audience view to get an overall feel of the ceremony. Do not shoot it in front so that all you see in your ceremony is a close up of your faces. Instruct your videographer that your goal is to see all our family and friends on the video, not just yourselves.

Ok, so those are some of the excuses we hear! Now let's talk about some reasons to do videography! But not just do it, do it right!

The video will be your eyes and ears for things you won't see! How would you like to see your processional? How about being able to see the grooms reaction as you come down the aisle? When you are off taking photographs at the reception, the video can film the cocktails and do interviews at that time and show you what you missed there. How did the reception room look before guests entered? You see, there are many things that you will not see but would like to. This is the reason for the video.

LET'S GET EXCITED ABOUT THE VIDEO!

For those couples who want to do video right, you'll want to do your research and find out who is shooting High Definition (HD). You'll want someone to do multiple cameras and offer a DVD with a customized motion menu. You will want a long form video as well as a short form video with highlights. Slow motion sequences are also very popular. Wireless microphones are a must, as are low light HD cameras that can shoot in available light without having to bring spot lights that spoil the mood of your reception. If necessary, a soft-diffused on camera light can be used to fill in the flesh tones at a dark wedding venue. Find someone who will give you a fast turn around time (4 to 8 weeks) and offer all of the master tapes with the package.

now click here to start finding the top wedding videographers in your area!