15 Key Things To Tell Your Wedding Videographer For Success

Couple Discussing things about what to tell your wedding videographer.

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Working with your wedding videographer is something that outcomes where communications play a very key role. But, what to tell your wedding videographer?

First things first, talk to them about what you want to achieve. Setting such expectations helps to create a good working atmosphere and understanding between the parties involved. Then, listen to their suggestions and also provide feedback during the planning session.

But that’s not all. If you want to make your wedding video perfect, you need a complete guide for your videographer. Hereby, read on to know what you should keep in mind!

What To Tell Your Wedding Videographer: 15 Key Details

videographer checklist for wedding to Discuss with the Wedding Videographer    

There needs to be more than just choosing the right wedding videographer to ensure the perfect wedding video. You must discuss certain useful factors with the professional. If you’re new to this scenario, let us be the guide. 

  • Video Style

The very first thing that you need to be very clear about is the style and feel of the video. If you want a movie-like video captured in dramatic angles and styles, go for the Cinematic video style.

Cinematic has to be the most popular style nowadays. Other than that, there are traditional, documentary, and highlight reels. If you want to film the whole day naturally without any interruption, documentary video style should be your pick. 

  • Key Moments

It’s very crucial to specify all the key moments you want to be highlighted in the video. So, tell your videographer the essential ceremonies or rituals you don’t want to miss. For instance, exchange of rings, vows, and first kiss.

Also, if you’re doing anything exceptional or something different from traditional rituals, consider giving a heads-up to the photographer beforehand.

  • Special Plannings

Have a proper conversation with your videographer about unique ideas for the wedding. Share your thoughts with them to avoid any sudden mishap on your special day. Also, videographers are more likely to come up with creative ideas to make your wedding video spectacular. 

  • Introduction

If you’re hiring a photographer and a videographer from two different associations, make sure you introduce them to each other. The equation between them has to fit right.

And videographers might need some special shots or information on the big day. So, introduce him to the best man or bridesmaid as well. They can direct him.

Lastly, tell the videographer the dress code of your wedding. You must treat them as a guest. 

  • Choose Your Video Style: Cinematic or Documentary?

Let’s start with cinematic. A cinematic wedding video will let you tailor the video with artistic storytelling, music, creative perspectives, high-quality visuals, etc. If you want a film-like experience, go with cinematic.

On the contrary, if you want the video to flow naturally, without filmy edits, consider the documentary style. However, this style requires the video to be quite lengthy. 

  • Preferred Vibe: Romantic, Fun, or Traditional?

Explain to the videographer the video vibe you want. Romantic vibe is a popular pick. We suggest a fun vibe for a video with BTS clips and dance practices.

A romantic tone involves dim lighting, slow-motion shots of dreamy moods, and music dominating the emotional scenes.

Therefore, if you enjoy a more fun-loving vibe, be sure that you inform your videographer who can tell you to include such lively music or BTS clips, and don’t shy away from dance moments, laughter with family and friends, etc.

Traditional tone depicts mostly routine shots of the subjects, official style, and sequence of events mainly connected to ceremonials and traditions. Outlining the specifics of your preferred feel should also advance the interests of your videographer while satisfying yours perfectly.

  • Special Requests or Unique Aspects

As you continue to discuss the wedding video with us, do not neglect to give specific requests or special features that should be included. If there are important events or ceremonies that you wish to have captured, let your videographer know in advance.

For instance, notify them about such things as wedding processions of a particular kind, cultural or religious traditions, or dancing choreography. Even if you would like to surprise your partner, let the videographer know about its time and location so that he or she can be fully prepared to capture that special moment.

The more you discuss the details with them, the more integrated these special shots will appear in the final wedding video.

  • Cultural or Religious Elements

If you have any special cultural or religious rituals, mention them while discussing the event. Otherwise, the videographer will get puzzled during the situation. Clarify all the unique events, cultural ceremonies, special entrances, choreographed dances, etc. 

  • Any Surprises?

If the bride or the groom has any surprises planned for their partner, the individual should explain them properly to the videographer. Otherwise, either the special moment won’t be captured appropriately or the surprise might get ruined. 

  • Editing and Music Preferences

Mention the list of music that you prefer for different portions of the video. And if you want a single music to cover the whole video, be clear about that too.

It would help your videographer if you gave precise preferences about editing and music choices of the wedding video. To begin, come up with a recreation list or group of songs that you expect to be used in particular phases of the video.

For example, a slow romantic song could be dedicated for the stills during the ceremony, a fast song for the reception, and a family-oriented background for the kids’ photos. However, if you want them to stick to one song for the entire video, say so.

Also, do offer the appropriate level of sensations, visualizations, and feelings that should not be excluded from the final video. This guideline will help your videographer make a nice-looking video along with good-fitting music.

  • Wedding Videography Timeline

While discussing key moments or ceremonies to capture, fix a timeline for them. Give the videographer updates on each ceremony for better execution.

For example, if the events are amenable to time delineation, the following could be event stated: the ceremony, speeches, toasts, first dance, cake cutting, etc. This ensures that the videographer is in the right place at the right time minimizing any missed opportunities.

Communicate with them whenever there are more or fewer changes in the order so that the wedding schedule does not happen to be one surprise. If a table has more than one field, include country location changes here too, so they will adjust for travel time and set up accordingly.

A laid down timetable and all other detailed planning results in timeliness during execution making it easy for your videographer to capture all the pivotal moments as they happen on their own.

  • Locations

If you aren’t having all the ceremonies in the same location, make sure to keep the photographers posted on the location and venue updates. Discuss the locations thoroughly for unique filming ideas. Find out sunset points, gardens, or other beautiful backgrounds for videos. 

  • Lighting Conditions

The time of the ceremonies will influence the light equipment you’ll need. Also, the tone you want for the video should be discussed for planned lighting conditions beforehand. 

  • Breaks and Meals

Make sure you coordinate mealtime or break time for the videographer. Try to adjust it with the guests’ mealtime. They will need breaks if it’s a full-day event. Also, keep them updated about the next shots so they can remain prepared in the meantime.

  • Dress Code for the Videographer

As you plan and prepare for the big day, remember to communicate dress code expectations to your wedding videographer. They need to fit in with the guests themselves, and this is particularly important when there are formal or themed weddings taking place.

Include such items as dress code reasonable expectations – black tie, semi-formal, casual dress. A videographer who is suitably dressed for the occasion, won’t call unnecessary attention and is therefore able to take spontaneous and authentic images.

Imagine that they are a part of the guests’ list that is why they are treated well and respectfully, which enables them to do their work more professionally.

Videographer Checklist For Wedding: What You Should Let Them Know

Couples Sharing Their Preferences with Wedding Videographer  

With the videographer’s expertise and your preferences, you make the best wedding film. You must include your desires and plans in the process.

Otherwise, you won’t be able to emotionally connect with the outcome or video. So, allow us to remind you of the things you need to make your videographer aware of.

Sharing Your Perspective

You need to let the videographer know every tiny little characteristic you want in your wedding video. Don’t miss any details including style, tone, video motion, color scheme, etc. Try showing the videographer your inspirations for a clearer vision.

Specify the Target Audience

It gets very annoying when you find your wedding video filled with clips of guests you don’t even know. In the meantime, they miss the special moments with your family and friends which you would want to carry your whole life.

So, never make the mistake of not explaining the video’s purpose and the main target audience to the videographer. Otherwise, tailoring will be very difficult.

Highlight the Storyline

If you have a distinct storyline for your wedding film in mind, make sure you point it out to the videographer. This way he’ll incorporate the video as you envision.

Clarify the Format and Length

Next comes deciding on the preferred length and the format of the media. In this case, keep the social media platforms you want to post your video on in mind.

Keep the Videographer Posted

Help the videographer know the venue better. It’s very important to get the best shots at suitable places. Forward everything relevant you know about the location. Be very clear about the timeline.

Budget & the Tools You Prefer

Before everything, outline your budget and discuss what equipment and special services fit your budget. Mention what you prefer as well including drone shots, specialized sound equipment, and different motions.

Editing and Ownership Contract

Share your preferred editing style, pacing, sounds, and your plans for post-production. Clarify your thoughts on ownership rights, final video usage, and raw clip access.

Why Communication With Your Wedding Videographer Is Key?

Importance of Communication with Wedding Videographer  

Communicating with your wedding videographer properly will lead you to a dreamy wedding video. Let us elaborate on some of the key reasons.

Reassuring Your Vision

Communicating with a videographer will help him understand your vision better. This way he’ll be able to work according to your style preferences and particular wishes.

Plus, if the videographer gets your vision, he’ll be able to reflect your personality in the video. Aligning with your and your partner’s preferences will be easier for him.

Minimizes Risk

A clear conversation from both sides can help you point out key moments to capture. The whole project can be done smoothly in this way. Otherwise, your day will get ruined due to simple yet unnecessary misunderstandings.

Keeping Up With The Plans

Proper communication will balance a strike between your plans and the videographer’s schedules. Enlighten him with the timetable, venue, special planning, and restrictions on using drones or other tools. If possible add him to your wedding planning group chat on social media.

Meeting Expectations

Sharing your thoughts and desires with the videographer will brighten up your wedding video with your dreams. However, constant communication also builds trust and dependency between you guys and results in a more comfortable and smooth process.

How To Talk About Must-Have Shots and Moments?

Checklist of Must-Have Shots for Wedding Videos from wedding videographer ideas.

Although the videographers capture the key moments pretty seriously, it’s better to give him a heads-up you have highlighted in your mind. Let us mention a few things you need to be crystal clear about.

The Ceremony Moments

Mention all the ceremony moments that you want to be captured properly. Make a list of the key moments for wedding videographer ideas including walking down the aisle, couple’s reactions, vows, exchange of rings, first kiss, toasts from best man and bridesmaid, etc.

The First Look

Capturing the first look of both the bride and groom helps you embrace the video emotionally. Explain how important capturing the first look of both the bride and groom is to the videographer. It goes not only for the wedding but also all the ceremonies.

Reception Moments

Among all the ceremonies, reception moments are the most fun and special. There are cake cutting, speeches, first dance, bouquet toss, and whatnot! You can end the video with a clip of leaving for honeymoon as well.

GRWM Shots

Ask the videographer to capture the moments of the bride and groom getting ready. Especially the moment when the bride puts on the veil. These will make the video look very elegant.

Behind the Scene

You can create a different video with shots of funny moments, dance practices, getting ready clips, wedding preparations, etc. Videos like this tend to be more fun than the actual wedding video. Plus, it’ll reflect the fun side, and the main video should be elegant.

Audio Considerations: What To Capture?

Setting Up Audio Equipment for Wedding Ceremony  

Audio considerations should be according to the scene. Here’s what we want to suggest.

Vows, Toasts, and Speeches

Ask the videographer not to add any music to the clips of vows, toasts, and speeches. They should use high-quality equipment to get clear audio to get all the emotional shots.

Music and Soundtrack Choices

Choose music and soundtrack that go with your relationship philosophy. The background music is very important, especially in cinematic-style videos. Clarify whether you want single or multiple music.

What To Look For In A Wedding Videographer?

Selecting a videographer for your wedding is not an easy task on its own. A wedding is one beautiful once-in-a-lifetime occasion and everyone wishes to hire professionals. It is not just hiring a service provider, but also getting someone who appreciates your concept and makes you relaxed. Here are some tips to get the perfect videographer for you:

Feel Engaged and Free

Comfort is key. The first thing to consider is that you should feel free with your wedding videographer. Nobody would want anything else on such a day than having everybody relaxed and free when being photographed or filmed.

A good rapport gives you freedom to be yourselves hence better footage. Before you settle on a choice, it is advisable to see the different videographers. This meeting will let you know about their personality and whether they are good for you.

Remember that they will also be with you on that special day, and that is why the relationship is very important.

Style Matters

Every videographer possesses his or her unique style, hence the need to look for one which suits you. Watch how they cut their previous films so analyze their works. Are they more into candid photos, or do they take controlled frames more?

The particular style in which your wedding video is designed will affect how you will appreciate it in the coming years. It is advisable to hire a videographer whose outcomes are appealing to you.

This is important because it will be guaranteed that the end result will be a true critique of your viewpoint and your distinct love story.

Experience Counts

Experience is something that can easily lend a hand to the quality of your wedding video. An experienced videographer is someone who has been to many weddings and knows why many situations can arise.

They’ll know how to go about shooting the right footage even under poor lights. While looking for free or potential ones, it would be good to voice out their experience.

Ask them how many weddings they shot and what kinds of interesting problems they have solved. Such knowledge may excite people about their plans of shooting a beautiful day.

Communication Is Key

Communication between the parties is extremely crucial at all stages, especially the planning stages. Always, the videographer should be open to your ideas and willing to deal with any issues that concern you.

Explain what your expectations are so that nothing may go wrong. Regular communication can also promote a certain level of understanding that will make your wedding day smoother than it could be without that level of intimacy.

Also, help them get a clear picture of your expectations, including the shots you can’t afford to miss as well as the events that must be covered. A good video editor will take the initiative and offer suggestions based on what they know is possible but equally listen to what you want.

Flexibility And Adaptability

Wedding events are unpredictable, so too are the circumstances, which is why you should also expect your videographer to be flexible in wedding events.

Be it the weather, an always-frustrating delay, or an unexpected guest, good video recording personnel will keep their cool and improvise. The planners must deliver on schedule but also be prepared to change timeframes with minimal or no effects on the quality of pictures.

How do the prospective videographers propose to deal with unforeseen circumstances? Their adaptability will play a major role at the end of making a video of your wedding.

Reviews

Checking reviews and recommendations of previous couples can be an eye-opener. Do not forget to look for comments about the videographer’s ability to cooperate with guests, their work, and the videographer’s professionalism.

Reading about others’ experiences can determine if a certain videographer meets your specific needs. You should not shy away from asking for testimonials, and if possible, contacting some of the earlier customers.

They are knowledgeable sources that can provide firsthand information that can assist you in making the right decision and avoiding any undesirable situations.

Pricing

At this point, therefore, consider your budget in relation to the wedding videographer you choose. Pricing can be quite diverse when it comes to videography, hence the need to understand the scope of the item.

In such instances, videographers will usually have several packages for you to choose from. Inquire if there are any other expenses which may include transport and overtime.

Adherence to the budget in such instances is preferable though it is often the case that good quality has to be paid for. There is a huge difference in how a good videographer will help both capture and benefit from the wedding memories for the subsequent years to come.

Let’s Know More!

What makes a good wedding videographer?

A good wedding videographer should be detailed and quick on their feet. In addition, they ought to be good at communicating and listening. These skills are what allow them to reach out to the couples and empathize with them enough to know how best to develop a good plot outline that tells the actual story of that couple through a video.

What is expected of a videographer?

Creativity is a must for every video maker. A videographer should be deeply passionate about telling stories through creation. Attention to detail and excellent communication skills are also prerequisites. Further, they need to give instructions where they are due but also have the flexibility to move and react to the scene so that every significant shot is taken.

What makes good wedding photos?

Excellent wedding images have always been defined by the ability of the image maker to freeze a moment in time after it has occurred. They are time-specific in that bleeding edge pictures can spontaneously be opportunistically taken when the photographer is fully alert to the occurrence of more than likely, the right conditions.

Is wedding photography difficult?

Taking photos of weddings can be exciting, but most people will agree that this is also a very difficult task. The power to interpret and create visual works of art that encapsulate the exquisite momentous events of the client’s wedding day lies squarely on the shoulder of the photographer.

Bottom Line

The process of hiring a wedding videographer or a photographer goes beyond just the evaluation of their technical skills, the person needs to be assessed on how well he would be able to fit into the picture you want to create.

So, besides knowing what to tell your wedding videographer, a few tips are that always aim for professionals who possess good communication skills and can hear your voice and change their style for you.

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