Hello there! it's Dalton from Spark Cinema, your trusted wedding videographer in St. Louis, Missouri. As you plan your special day, one of the most important decisions you'll make is who will capture those precious moments. Choosing the right wedding videographer can make all the difference in preserving your memories in a way that truly reflects your love story! I'm sure you've seen terrible wedding videos, and sad stories where couples ended up hating their own wedding video.
In order to make sure that's not you, I want to help you navigate this crucial decision, I've compiled a list of top questions you should ask potential wedding videographers. And unlike other articles out there, this is from the perspective of a professional Wedding Videographer who knows all of the right questions to ask! These questions will not only help you understand their style and process but also ensure that they're the right fit for you. I skip the typical "What packages do you offer" questions because most likely Videographers are going to let you know this anyways. So, let's get down to the nitty gritty and find you a Videographer for your big day.
What is your videography style? Every videographer has a unique style, whether it's cinematic, documentary, traditional, or a mix. For Spark Cinema, I start off slow with getting ready, first look, the ceremony, etc. Then after the first kiss, the music ramps up and it turns into more of an upbeat and party feel for the reception and the rest of the video. Of course, ask to see samples of their work to ensure their style aligns with your vision. If you don't like their style, don't go with them anyways because they are more affordable! It will only cause you headaches later on.
How do you handle the audio? Good audio is crucial for capturing vows and speeches. Ask about their process for recording audio and any backup plans they have in place. If they don't have any backup plans, that is a concern!
Will you be the one filming our wedding? This may seem like a basic question, but it is a SUPER important one. Some videography companies have multiple videographers. The big ones contract out Videographers. Why is this a bad thing? Well, you might get someone amazing, or you could get someone terrible. And you won't know fully until your wedding day. They may say they vet every one, but as someone who has worked with these companies, there are definitely unprofessionals who slip through the cracks. Make sure you know who will be behind the camera on your big day.
How do you coordinate with photographers? Videographers and photographers need to work in harmony to capture your day without getting in each other's way. Ask about their experience working with photographers. This also goes for making sure your photographer is good at/okay with working with Videographers. If one isn't, both could suffer!
What's your policy on providing raw footage? Some videographers, like us at Spark Cinema, offer raw footage as an additional option. This can be a treasure trove of moments that don't make it into the final edit. However, some videographers, do not offer this at all.
How long after the wedding will we receive our video? Post-production can take time. Having a timeline will help manage expectations. For us, our timeline is 6-10 weeks. However, some are a lot longer.
Are our speeches included? I seem to be in the minority here. But, I believe if you're paying thousands of dollars for a wedding highlight video, a separate video of the full speeches should be included. And at Spark Cinema, it is. However, a lot of Videographers only offer speeches as an "Add-On" where you're charged more, so definitely best to check beforehand.
Remember, your wedding videographer will play a key role in preserving your special day's memories. Take the time to ask these questions and choose a videographer who aligns with your vision, understands your needs, and makes you feel comfortable. After all, they'll be capturing one of the most important days of your life.
As always, if you have any questions or want to learn more about Spark Cinema's wedding videography services, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help make your special day unforgettable!
Happy Wedding Planning!
Dalton Masterson
Spark Cinema
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