Hi guys,
Welcome to the second installment of my wedding professional series! I am talking with wedding vendors who will make your entire engagement and wedding experience 5 stars! A few weeks ago I featured Photowalk Nashville and today we are talking with Patrick, the owner of Relive Studio. He’s going to walk us through the importance of hiring a wedding videographer and how to pick the best fit for you.
Hi Patrick! Thank you for chatting with us! I think a great first question to dive into for couples is why they need a wedding videographer?
Patrick: To me, video isn’t a luxury for a big day, it’s a necessity. Of course, I’m a bit biased. But, the truth is that I personally didn’t have a videographer for my wedding. I canceled on the one we booked to save money. Looking back, it was a huge mistake. My kids often ask about our wedding and instead of showing a video, we show them photos. Pictures are great, but I want them to hear the laughter, the birds and the planes that were flying over during the ceremony. The small stuff. I want them to be completely engulfed in the experience that we had on our big day.
You simply need a videographer because you might regret not having one 5 or even 10 years later. When the dust settles after the wedding is over and you end up growing your family, you will want to share the memories with them and video is the best way you can share something.
I agree, I’m biased but I think photography and videography are things you’ll never regret investing in! So what should a couple look for when hiring a videographer?
Patrick: A videographer isn’t just another vendor. They’re constantly with you on the wedding day and sometimes before. I like to think of it as a photographer’s shadow. We like to capture the moments in between the poses. When selecting a videographer, you want to make sure they feel like a friend that you would have over to meet your other friends and family members. We are around you for the majority of the day and having someone that makes you feel awkward or shy isn’t going to create the footage you want. Have a coffee with them beforehand. Or a phone call at the very least.
Look for other reviews. You want to make sure others have vouched for your videographer. Chances are if they have done well with other couples, they will do well with you.
Look at their pricing. Try to understand their packages and most importantly understand the time they anticipate being with you. Some packages might be cheaper but equate to less hours of coverage. Pricing per hour after the packaged time might get expensive. Add ons can be unexpected costs too. Want a drone shot? Some videographers charge extra for that. (They come standard with my base package).
Make sure their style matches what you have in mind. We all have a specific style of shooting. I call my own documentary style. I focus a lot on storytelling. If you want them to try something for your video, make sure they feel comfortable with that style of shooting. Provide them with inspiration and ask if they can get close to what you want.
Ok, you’ve convinced everyone they need a videographer, what’s next?
Patrick: Have friends or family that have recently gotten married? See if they had a videographer. If they did, now see if you like the style of that video.
Facebook is a great resource too. Find a wedding group and ask for suggestions on videographers. About 50 will throw themselves at you. Now you have homework on watching samples, looking at reviews, etc.
Have a wedding planner? They know videographers. Specifically ones that they have enjoyed working with. Ask for their recommendations.
Have a big budget and want your video to look like it was made in Hollywood? There are incredible videographers all over the world. Best place to find high budget videographers is to get on youtube and search the term Destination Wedding Videos. Jaw dropping footage coming your way.
Well thank you so much for talking with us! How can people get a hold of you?
Patrick: Have more questions or are looking for a videographer? Find me on FB (facebook.com/relivestudios) and IG (@relivestudiotn) or my website www.relive.studio
