4 Essential Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Wedding Videographer
Your wedding video has a huge potential of either being something treasured for decades or is so cringey that it’s watched once and then just collects dust on your computer hard drive. Hiring the right videographer ensures those memories are captured beautifully and timelessly. However, not all videographers offer the same services, styles, or quality. Before booking, here are four essential questions to ask to make sure you get exactly what you're expecting.
1. What Kinds of Videos Do You Offer?
Not all wedding videos are created equal, and every videographer may define their offerings differently. Be sure to ask:
Wedding Film: Is this a cinematic retelling of your day with music, vows, and speeches woven together like a movie?
Highlight Video: A shorter, more fast-paced version of the wedding film, typically 3 minutes long.
Documentary Style: A more traditional approach, often longer and less edited, including full ceremony and reception moments.
Same-Day Edit: A video that’s edited and shown at the reception.
Ask your videographer to define each video type they offer and provide examples. This will set clear expectations and ensure you receive the kind of film you’re envisioning.
2. What Does Your Package Include?
Every videographer structures their packages differently, so it’s crucial to know what you’re getting. Ask them:
What’s included in your base package? Does it come with full-day coverage or only a few hours?
Do you offer a full, unedited ceremony or speeches video? Some videographers only deliver highlight reels, while others include these essential moments.
Do you provide raw, uncut footage? If you want every moment captured, this may be important.
Is drone footage included? Some offer aerial shots as part of their package, while others charge extra.
Are there any add-ons available? This could include extra hours, additional shooters, or expedited editing.
Understanding what’s included (and what isn’t) will help avoid any surprises when you receive your final video.
3. What Lighting and Audio Gear Do You Use?
A beautiful wedding film isn’t just about the camera—it’s about the quality of lighting and audio. A professional videographer should be able to confidently answer:
How do you handle low-light situations? Do they bring additional lighting for dimly lit receptions?
What kind of microphones do you use? Lapel mics for vows? Wireless systems for speeches?
How do you capture backup audio? Relying solely on the camera mic can lead to muffled or distorted audio.
Great visuals mean little without great sound, so make sure they have a solid plan for both.
4. How Do You Backup Your Files?
One of the biggest nightmares in wedding videography is lost footage. A professional videographer will have multiple backup systems in place. Ask:
How do you store footage during the wedding? Dual memory card recording ensures footage is backed up instantly.
Do you have multiple storage locations? A reliable videographer will store files on multiple hard drives and cloud storage.
How long do you keep the footage? Some delete raw footage after a few months unless you request otherwise.
Ensuring they have a secure and redundant backup system will give you peace of mind that your wedding memories are safe.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wedding videographer goes beyond just looking at their highlight reels. By asking these key questions, you’ll ensure you’re making an informed decision and getting a video that you’ll cherish forever.
At Wyld Story, we’re passionate about creating timeless wedding films that tell your unique story. If you're looking for a videographer who prioritizes quality, storytelling, and reliability, we'd love to chat!