What to Expect When Working with a Wedding Videographer 🎥
Oh, weddings! Aren't they the epitome of joy, laughter, and a bit of chaos? If you're planning one, you know that capturing these memories is as essential as saying "I do." So, let's chat about having a videographer present to capture every glorious (and occasionally hilarious) moment. Plus, we’ll dive into what you can expect from your video production company both before and after the wedding. So, grab a cup of coffee or perhaps a glass of bubbly, and let's get started!
Step #1: The Ice-Breaker
Picture this like a first date—but with less awkwardness (hopefully)! You'll want to ensure the professional you're considering is open to your ideas, themes, and concerns. Most consultations involve:
Discussing You and Your Fiance’s Vision: They’ll dig into what you want. Cinematic storytelling? Short snippet videos? A specific playlist blasting in the background (Beyoncé, anyone?)?
Budget Chats: Some videographers offer packages and others offer hourly rates. Understanding costs upfront prevents a post-wedding financial migraine.
Samples and Portfolios: A seasoned videographer will have a treasure trove of past work. Look for compatibility in style and flair.
And remember, this isn't a one-way street. You get to ask questions too!
Most importantly, this meeting should make you feel confident and excited about your wedding film! If you experience anything less, consider meeting with another videographer as a second option.
Questions You Might Want to Ask:
What is your filming style? Is it candid, documentary, cinematic?
Do you have experience with weddings similar to ours? Whether you’re having a specific wedding, destination wedding, or something else, every wedding is unique!
How do you handle unexpected weather changes? Here in Cleveland, you just never know... 😅
Step #2: Planning Your Love Story
Once you’ve picked your videographer—a decision akin to choosing your wedding shoes (both crucial and stylistic!)—it’s time to plan.
Storyboarding the Day: Just like a good movie, your wedding video will have a flow. From groomsmen shenanigans to tear-jerking vows, each scene is planned out. The video production company should handle this on their own, but if you have any requests you forgot to mention, this is the time!
Scouting Locations: Your videographer will likely want to check out your venue(s) to plan for lighting and angles. You don’t need to be there, just put your videographer in touch with the venue manager and they’ll take it from there!
Timeline Construction: Relay your full wedding day timeline so your videographer knows what's happening, when it’s happening, and where it’s happening.
Step #3: Capturing the Wedding Day
On the magical day, the videographer will typically arrive early to capture the anticipation bubbling beneath the surface—like the groomsmen trying to locate matching socks. They will direct things where needed, but as a bridge and groom you will not notice them for most of the day. Any time they do have suggestions, trust their process, they are the professionals!
There are three parts of the wedding where videographer’s typically get their best content.
Pre-Ceremony Footage: These snippets are often heartwarming, even Oscar-worthy. Vision depending, you and your bridal party may be mic’d up for this portion.
The Ceremony: Whether you have one or multiple cameras rolling, rest assured that every teary-eye moment and stuttered vow are immortalized.
Reception Shenanigans: From Uncle Bob's questionable dance moves to the bouquet toss, nothing will escape the cameras.
Common Client Concerns on the Day:
“What if it rains?” Fear not! Pros are equipped with waterproof gear and contingency plans.
“Do we need to stage anything?” Nope! Authenticity is key, just enjoy the day!
Step #4: Editing Magic
This is where your videographer dons a wizard's cloak and gets to work:
Footage Selection: Sorting through hours of content to find the golden moments.
Music and Mixing: Choosing tracks that resonate with your theme and style.
Color Grading: Adjusting tones to ensure every emotion pops out with vibrancy.
Delivery and Reviewing
After the polish is complete, you'll get to review your masterpiece. Happy with it? Perfect! Tweaks needed? Most videographers allow for one or two rounds of edits.
FAQs on the Editing Process:
“How long until we see the final video?” Editing usually ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on complexity.
“Can we request music?” Usually yes, but ensure tracks are rights-cleared.
What Makes Us Unique
We put A LOT of care into the weddings we film. Here are some things we do differently to ensure our clients get the best possible experience.
Fully-Customizable Deliverables: Looking for full footage of your first dance in addition to the highlight reel? Or just want to record the ceremony? We work with our clients to preserve the memories most important to them.
FAST Film Delivery: While most agencies take 4-8 weeks to send you your film, we guarantee delivery within 2. We have decades of experience and use the most cutting-edge technology to produce gorgeous edits in a short amount of time.
We Notice the Little Things: During our initial meeting, you’ll notice how much we pay attention to you and your future spouse. This is an important part of our storytelling process—we find the more we listen to our clients, the more perfect moments we catch on the day of.
Learn more about our videography process here!
Final Thoughts: Your Wedding is Your Blockbuster
In an epic journey with a videographer in Cleveland, Ohio, or anywhere else, transparency and open dialogue are your best allies. Remember, you aren’t just paying for someone to point a camera; you're investing in storytelling magic. A great video production company tailors this experience, ensuring your once-in-a-lifetime day is captured authentically and beautifully crafted.
By now, you're well-prepared to embark on this romantic journey. Whether your wedding is an intimate gathering or off-the-charts spectacular, trusting professionals ensures your memories are as vivid ten years later as they are now. So go forth, plan hard, live well, and capture every heartwarming laugh and unexpected dance break. Cheers to your happily ever after! 🥂💐
