What should I ask a wedding videographer before booking?
Before you book a wedding videographer, ask five things: can I see a full wedding film (not just highlights), how do you capture audio, what exactly do I get and when, what happens if you can't make it, and how will you work with my photographer? Those answers tell you more than any portfolio reel. Here are the full questions, grouped by what they reveal.
Their work
Can I see two or three complete films from weddings like mine? Highlight reels show the best 90 seconds. A full film shows how they handle a dim reception or a busy morning.
Have you filmed at my venue? It's a bonus, not a must. A great filmmaker will scout or study a new venue.
How would you describe your style? Trendy, cinematic, documentary, or story-driven around real audio. Make sure it matches what you love watching.
Audio
How do you record vows and toasts? You want mics on the officiant and whoever is speaking, plus a feed from the DJ or band’s audio board. If the answer is "the camera mic," move on.
What if our ceremony is outdoors? Wind and Nashville summer heat both affect gear. Ask how they handle each.
What you get
How long is each film, and what's included in your videography collection? A highlight film, full ceremony, toasts, raw footage, or all of them.
When will we get it? Get the delivery window in writing.
Can we add things later? I’ve heard stories of videoographers not filming speeches on the wedding day, because it wasn’t in the couple’s collection. When the bride asked to buy a Speeches Film after the wedding, they were gone. Don’t let this happen!
Day-of logistics
Who exactly is filming? Some lower-budget brands will send a team member who you won’t meet until the wedding day itself. You don’t want a stranger to be one of the 4 people (planner, partner, photographer/videographer) who will be around you most on your wedding day.
What's your backup plan if you're sick or gear fails? Ask for a named backup and duplicate gear.
How do you work alongside our photographer? The best teams move around each other so neither ends up in the other's shot.
Do you fly a drone, and are you licensed/insured? Not every videographer can fly a drone, and almost all venues require insurance before the vendor can work at their property. These are things that don’t need to be missing the week before your wedding.
Their approach on the day
How much will you direct us, and how much do you let the day unfold? You may want a filmmaker who candidly documents your day, sets up many creative shots, or a combination of both. Ensure the videographer you book can accommodate what you’re looking for.
What do you typically wear? After 8+ years of filming weddings, I could write a whole blog post on this one…. Your videographer should match the dress code of your wedding to not only blend in better but also to respect the atmosphere and all the planning that went into the design/aesthetic as well.
Money and contract
What's the retainer, and is it refundable?
When is the balance due, and can it be split?
Are travel fees or overtime extra?
Red flags
No full films to show, only highlights
Vague answers about audio or backup plans
No written contract, or one without names and delivery dates
Pressure to book that day with a "discount that expires tonight" or continuing to add discounts/freebies
The question most couples forget
Ask: "What kind of couple is not a good fit for you?" A good filmmaker will tell you honestly. My answer: if you want a fast-cut, music-video style film, I'm probably not your person. My films lean on real voices and quiet moments, and that's not for everyone.
Keep reading
Bring these questions to a call with me. You can start the conversation below:
