Once upon a wedding day, pictures were all you needed. Hire a photographer to get the important shots before, during, and after the ceremony, put them into an album and you were all set. Then came video, and many a new couple was bequeathed a grainy VHS tape, shot by a friend of a friend, to gather dust in their entertainment center. Boy, have times changed.
Now one of the fastest growing categories of wedding expenses is hiring the wedding video editing services. Family members, friends, and the happy couple themselves expect to see a captivating and professionally produced video that captures the spirit and joy of the day. And it’s not a category where you want to skimp on quality. After all, this may be one of your most memorable keepsakes for that special day and something you’ll likely post to social media so all your virtual friends can share the moment too.
But thehigh-quality professional weddingisn’t cheap. And if you’re operating on a budget, it may seem like a stretch to shell out the money for professional wedding videography. But don’t fear – here are a few tips to help you stretch your dollar while still getting professional results that you’ll treasure in later years.
Shop around at bridal fairs
Bridal and wedding fairs are always held during the offseason when videographers are trying to line up work for the season. Talk to as many as you can and compare prices. Then don’t be afraid to bargain a bit to drop the price down. Most videographers won’t mind dropping their fee down a little bit to lock in a job ahead of time. Remember that money talks, too – if you’re willing to pay money up front, they may be even more willing to drop their rate.
Look for package deals
Some videographers and photographers work as a team to capture your wedding footage and photos. While this price may be higher initially than the cost of only hiring the videographer, you’ll probably find that you’ll save significant cash compared to hiring both of them separately. And there’s another bonus too – since the photographer and videographer are used to working together, they won’t be competing with each other for your time and attention on the big day. That’s potentially a major stress relief!
Bargain for (or cut out) the extras
A videographer sometimes will charge more for line items, like extra copies of wedding DVDs, or for posting the video onto YouTube. Making extra DVDs is a simple process – just ask that techy nephew you know – and the same can be said for posting your video onto YouTube or other social media platforms. Don’t assume that you need to pay for something that you can do yourself.
Keep it simple
The essence of good videography and filmmaking doesn’t rely on special effects. If you’ve seen wedding videos with lots of special effects and sound effects, you probably understand how these tricks can distract from the overall effect of the production and end up making the video look cheesy and dated. Beyond the aesthetic considerations, adding special effects adds time to the video editing process. Don’t forget – Time is Money!
Keep your eyes on the clock
When getting a quote from your videographer, remember that you’re paying them for their time. In some cases, in fact, they may charge an hourly rate for the time they spend shooting and editing the video. Think carefully about how much you need to make an effective video of your special day. Not coveringthenot so important events – like the backstage shots before the wedding can keep the price lower. When you’re discussing your video with the videographer, hold firm on what you want in your video to keep the price lower.
Strip out the unessential
As a businessman, a videographer will naturally try to sell you his best product, with the greatest number of camera angles, and greatest number of locations. Remember that every time something like that is added, the price of the video will go up, simply because the videographer needs to spend more time, use more assistants, and employ more gear on the shoot. And with more footage, editing will take more time as well. Dig into the details and see if the price can be lowered by using fewer cameras or assistants. A good videographer can still produce an excellent video, even if it isn’t the “deluxe model.”
Scout for young talent
Do you live near a university? Good;One with a strong film program? Even better; Film students are often looking to gain experience and don’t mind making some extra money on the side, too. Call the school and get recommendations from the faculty. Of course, you’ll want to talk to your budding Spielberg and see some examples of their work. But if you get the right person, you can save a lot of money (and say that you gave them their first big break, too!)
Do it yourself
If you’re confident in your abilities, and you have the time to do it, consider editing the video at your own, and just have the videographer supply you with the raw footage. Editing is a major part of the expense of producing a wedding video, so you could conceivably save hundreds of dollars by taking on this task. Be realistic, though. Balance the expense of buying good editing software, like Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut, and the time you’ll need to spend learning to use it.
It’s your call
Remember, as the customer you’re the one who’ll set the parameters for the product you want from your wedding videographer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, bargain a bit, and find something that fits your budget. You’ll find that the vast majority of video pros are happy to work with you to get you what you want while helping you stay within your budget.