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Web Article to help Brides Choose Wedding Videos and DVDs

Some of the most common remarks we get, when we are filming a wedding are:

“I wish we had had our wedding videoed, the photos are good but do not bring back the emotions of our day” or

“I wish we had our wedding filmed by a professional, uncle Joe did his best but it was rubbish” or

"...we didn’t want to pay for a videographer as we had paid so much for the photographer. So we asked somebody to record the service on our video camera for us. It’s a shame it was all wobbly and made you feel sick watching it!!"

Video cameras are relatively cheap to buy these days, however capturing the special moments of a wedding, takes years of experience and professional equipment – both filming and editing.

Most people do not like to be filmed; so being unobtrusive while filming during the day is key. After your big day the editing of your wedding video can take up to 40 hours to get it right!

There are many myths about filming a wedding, so below are a few hints and tips to help the bride to get the right videographer for her special day.

Research - Do your research and do not hire the first person you find. Search the internet for qualified professionals in your area e.g. www.apv.org.uk. Ask recently married friends for contacts and watch their DVD.

Quality - Do not rely on friends or relatives with a camcorder, as the results will never be as good as a professional and pictures are usually very wobbly and uncoordinated. Note: Many churches do not permit amateur camera operators into key positions to film the service.

Qualified - Make sure the videographer is qualified with a recognised Institute or Association when you are short-listing your wedding video / DVD supplier. Not all wedding videographers are equal, so how do you choose?
You should expect a high standard of filming, editing and presentation that wouldn't look out of place if broadcast.

Standards within the wedding video market have been raised significantly over recent years with digital technology. However the market still attracts hobbyist editors looking to make some money over a weekend. There is nothing wrong with this, but the best wedding videographers treat wedding videography as a professional business and are able to dedicate the resources required for a memorable wedding day edit.

DVD Sample - Ask to see a sample of their work or a full wedding DVD. Getting on with the videographer is very important, as you and the photographer will all be working together to capture those magical memories.
Ensure the person you meet will be one of the camera operators and always check that the Videographer, who is going to cover your wedding produced the video. Problems may occur when the Videographer sub-contracts the work to another who has a completely different style.

Style - Each Videographer will have his or her own particular style and no two wedding videos will be the same. Choose the style that suits you and one that will bring back those memories in years to come.

Location of Videographer - Choose a local wedding videographer as they will know the wedding venues and will make the most of filming opportunities. Larger national agencies often subcontract the work, so check this out during your-research. If the videographer has to travel a long distance, traffic jams may mean they arrive late for your wedding, let alone adding cost.

Packages - Find out what the complete package consists of before you sign the contract e.g. is backing music, goodwill messages and a montage included in the price? Ask the videographer if they are prepared to customise their packages if you require something a little different.

Optional Extras -Watch out for the optional extras, as they can add considerably to your cost.

Insurance - Anyone operating a professional wedding video service should have Public Liability Insurance, even though they are not legally bound to do so.
Ask the Videographer if they are covered and if possible, ask to see their policy.

Number of Cameras - Check how many camera operators are included with your chosen package, as more cameras means more special moments captured. Some companies web sites and advertisements say "we will do this...we will do that...etc", but in fact it is a one-man band.

Contract - The contract / booking form should state times and locations for the wedding along with details on the terms of engagement. A clearly defined contract will lessen the chance of disappointment in the finished product.

Copyright - The videographer should have the appropriate music copyright licenses to record the wedding service and any other copyright material that is included in the video.
Check to see what the company covers with the price.

Cost - The cost of the production is dependent on a number of factors. Some Videographers offer a range of services which vary in the extent of coverage, e.g. from the Bride's house to the first dance, or the wedding service only. Others base their price on time of attendance that does not take account of editing. Are you getting a well edited video?

The cost, therefore, is directly linked to the level of service and the expertise of the Videographer. Cutting costs may mean compromising on both, so never base your decision on price alone. If the Videographer charges more for their work there is usually a good reason. It is advisable to watch several DVDs covering a wide price range before making your decision.

Booking Advice - As wedding videography is a seasonal business most successful Videographers will become booked months in advance. The Videographer should be booked at the same time as other services such as photographers and caterers.

Testimonials - A videographers website usually has testimonials from happy customers, don't be afraid to ask for some references or to see the originals.

Some useful questions to ask:

  - What is included in your packages?

  - What optional extras do you offer and how much do they cost?

  - How many camera operators do you use?

  - What professional qualification do you hold?

  - What insurance cover do you have?

  - What music licenses are included?

  - What sound equipment do you use?
     I want to be able to hear the vows and speeches unlike my friend's video/DVD!

  - How long after filming do I get to see the video/DVD?

  - How long is your average wedding video?

There are many more questions you can think of, so why not make a list before meeting potential suppliers.

If you require any additional help in choosing the right videographer for your wedding, why not give us a call on 01908 239343.
We are always glad to help and make your special day even more memorable.

If you would like to discuss your wedding video requirements and find out how we can help capture your special wedding day moments simply click on Wedding Video or DVD or
call   01908 239343   /   07957 561001                                                   

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