Finding the right wedding videographer should be one of the biggest decisions you make in the lead up to your wedding. Sure, the cake is important, but after several glasses of champagne will anyone really remember what it tasted like? Your video, on the other hand, is something that you’re going to re-watch hundreds of times. You’re going to share it with your family and friends and you’ll even show your kids one day. You want to get it right.
With so many wedding videographers in Perth alone, it can feel overwhelming, but fear not! Here’s my comprehensive guide to help you find the ideal wedding videographer for your special day.
1. Define Your Style
Before you start trawling through websites and find yourself down an Instagram rabbit hole, take a moment to think about what style speaks to you. Do you want a romantic and cinematic feel, or are you more into a documentary-style approach that captures the day as it unfolds? Maybe your vibe is fun and upbeat with lots of candid shots. Once you have a clear idea of your desired style, it will be much easier to narrow down your options. Next, you can start browsing portfolios to see if you can find a videographer who you feel can capture your vision. My only warning: steer clear of videographers whose videos all seem to look the same. You want to work with someone who can capture your own unique essence as a couple, not someone who has a cookie-cutter style and only one aesthetic.
2. Do Your Research
Now that you have a style in mind, it’s time to dig deeper. When landing on a website of a videographer who looks like a good fit, go through and find testimonials from couples they’ve worked with. This will give you a sense of not only what they were like on the big day, but in the lead up to and even after the wedding. Were they quick to reply? Did they listen to what the couple wanted? Did their big personality take over the show on the day itself or did they fade into the background and capture content from afar? These are all the things you can ascertain from their reviews. And if they don’t have any testimonials? Well, that’s an immediate red flag.
3. Watch Their Work
It goes without saying that once you have a shortlist of potential videographers, it’s time to watch their work! Many videographers will have highlight reels, but you want to make sure you’ve seen some of their wedding films in full before you commit. Pay attention to their storytelling technique, editing style, and how they capture emotions. Do they focus on the little details that make your day unique? Do their videos make you feel something? This is an important step because your wedding video should evoke the same feelings you experienced on the day.
4. Schedule a Call
If you feel like you’ve been able to find all the information you need from a videographers website or social media, you can skip this step. However, I always recommend having a chat before the big day. Remember, hiring a wedding videographer is a really big decision and it’s personal. This is your opportunity to see if you gel but, most importantly, if you’ll feel comfortable having this person be a significant part of the best day of your life. You’re not judging whether or not this person will become your best friend and if you’ll regularly catch up and socialise together. You don’t have to be besties. But you DO have to be comfortable and trust that this person will listen to you and try to understand your vision.
5. Ask About Packages and Pricing
Once you’ve found a videographer you love, it’s time to discuss packages and pricing. Be upfront about your budget and ask about what’s included in their packages. Do they offer different lengths of final videos? How many hours will they be on-site? What about travel fees? Understanding what you’re paying for helps you decide if it’s the right fit. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best; invest in someone whose work you adore.
7. Read the Contract Carefully
Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure to read the contract carefully. Look for details about what happens in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or emergencies. Understand the payment terms, cancellation policies, and delivery timelines for your wedding video. A reputable videographer will be transparent and willing to answer any questions you have about the contract.
8. Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, trust your instincts. Choose someone who makes you feel comfortable, excited, and confident about your decision. If you connect with a videographer who truly understands your vision, you’ll be setting yourself up for a seamless experience on your wedding day and one less thing for you to worry about.
Choosing the right wedding videographer is about finding someone who aligns with your style, understands your vision, and makes you feel at ease. Take your time, do your research, and enjoy the process of finding the perfect match for your special day. After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and you want to make sure it’s captured perfectly!
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