To Video or Not to Video that is the Question

Many brides seem to throw Videography to the last possible moment - is it in the budget is it not in the budget, do we really need this, is it something we'll ever watch again - those are the questions weighing heavy on my clients minds, and I am sure yours as well.

Videography is not cheap, and it shouldn't be - especially for a good Videographer. I mean think about they work on your wedding day, and then editing afterwards takes at least double the amount of time they spent actually doing the wedding day work....There are some things to keep in mind. And please check out the sample at the end from one of my very favorite videographers! Jeff Stoner - funny name, seriously awesome work! Some guys shoot well and the final product is terrible - but Jeff is phenomenal - all around!

• What is the videographer's style? Is it documentary, including interviews with guests, or sophisticated, with an editing process that uses only the best parts of your wedding?

Keep in mind this is one of those vendors that is going to be "in your face" throughout the wedding, so make sure they get along with you and your personalities mesh.

• Hove many other weddings is the videographer doing on your wedding day/weekend?

First, we recommend working with vendors that are only doing one function on your wedding day. Some vendors, such as DJ's will work with more than one client in a weekend, or even on the same day. We'll leave that up to you. (I mean what if one event runs late....)

• Will the videographer you are speaking with be the one who will film your event?

Keep in mind this is one of those vendors that you want to know their style up front - and if there's a presto-change-o of the personalities or shooting styles this can mess up your final product.

• How obstructive is the style/crew?

You probably don't want an in-your-face videographer, so if you can, go 'crash' a wedding they are working, and see how they interact with the client, that might help your decision making process.

Once of my very favorite videographers is Jeff Stoner - check out this fantastic Wedding Trailer - he has this live within 48 hours of the wedding, sort of as a sneak preview- his style of videography is fun, and he's got a great eye, and he knows what his clients want - his work really shows that! Those are qualities to look for - OH, and he travels ANYWHERE!