10 Do’s & Dont’s to Purchasing Wedding Videos, Add Ons & Extras
I’m all for artistry & creativity - I never want to tell people what to do or not to do in regards to their artwork or memories.
But when it comes to videography add ons & extras, most of my brides tend to skip right over them without giving them a second look. Our add ons are additional services that you can add to a wedding package for a set fee. If you are already purchasing a wedding package and are interest in an add on, make sure to mention it!
There may be something in there you will wish you asked for down the road. And there may be some things you’ll think weren’t quite worth the money.
These are only my recommendations, but you do you honey.
Do include raw footage from the entire wedding day - Raw footage is an add on that I really recommend for everyone. This is something that some of my brides regret not having added onto their wedding package years later. Your raw footage would be all of the clips that your wedding videographer shot that day. Raw footage gives you the option down the road to do what you want with those clips. If you decide you want a highlight video of your reception, or a new video made for your anniversary, or anything, you will have that option. I can't keep every clip from your wedding day saved forever, but you can. Some videographers may offer it as part of your package, if it's not included in your package, it's worth paying the extra fee for it in my opinion (not in everyone’s). If you purchase this add-on with me, you will receive all of your raw footage on an included hard drive.
Do include a second videographer - I don’t think there’s ever been a question of whether or not two videographers are better than one. It just depends on what you can afford. Some videographers include multiple camera setup with 1 videographer, which is great, you will receive a high quality video. But having a second videographer will definitely give you a more creative video - with 2 creative eyes taking video all day, you are bound to have twice the beautiful footage. You get more extensive coverage too, because each shooter and camera films something different, or at least from a different angle.
Don't include a photo montage - Photos are great ways to remember a wedding day, but honestly if it’s an add on, you don't need a reel of photos to start off and end your wedding video. Save the photomontage for your rehearsal dinner or reception - upload it to youtube. Your wedding video is a video, and should get straight to the action and emotion that the video footage will invoke.
Do include a highlight reel - A highlight reel is typically 4-10 minutes long and has highlights from getting ready, to ceremony to reception put to background music. This is the video you'll show to the friends and family who you know won't want to sit through all of your processionals and ceremony readings (let’s be honest, it can be long). If you're going to devote part of your photo budget to videography, you don't want the wedding video to just sit on a shelf and collect dust. That's why highlight reels have become the standard in wedding videos. They're far more viewer friendly, because let's face it: As much as you want to relive your wedding day, even the two of you won't want to watch the entire play-by-play more than a few times (if that).
Do include a home video montage - Any home videos you may have of you and your hubby-to-be can certainly be added into any wedding video, at least if you work with us! I love the emotion that can come from watch a couple’s journey, and those videos show the beginning. Your wedding video should be creative and tell your love story.
Do include a personal message - Whether it be a friends toasts, a parent’s prayer, or a letter to your future husband, let your videographer know ahead of time what words will mean the most to you so she can make sure to include it in the wedding video. Personalized message make your wedding video so much more special.
Don't include guest interviews - This seems to be a pretty common response - guest interviews can be cute, but when watching a celebrity wedding, admit it, they get old quick. Guests tend to say the same exact things in video messages. It's the personal messages and personal touches throughout your day that will make your wedding video the most special — and you're probably not going to see many of those moments if your videographer is putting your guests on the spot.
Do include a video guest book - If you still want to record guests' personal messages, consider a video guest book. It is similar to a photo booth, but instead of taking pictures, your guests will record short videos. To mix it up so they're not just saying the same "Congrats!" message, set out a jar of questions for guests to pick from and answer.
Do include a digital file - DVDs are fading out as quickly as VHS tapes did. Most videographers are now offering digital movie files in HD on thumb drives for a good reason. You can get to the root video file at any time which gives your more flexibility for watching your video and for preserving it. You can upload it to youtube, keep in a safe file, share it on social media, burn your own DVDs, etc. A thumb drive not only allows you to stream your wedding video to your TV (New TVs come with built-in USB ports), you can also easily share the file online with friends and family.
Do include a travel fee - Unless your completely drained and just can’t do it, don’t let the travel fee defer you from picking the wedding videographer that you think is right for you. Typically this fee won’t be outrageous, and if it is deferring you from picking your favorite wedding videographer, just bring it up. There may be a common ground you can find. A videographer always wants to help the brides that reach out to them, but travel fees are important to help with travel expenses.
If you're looking for a wedding videographer in South Carolina or Georgia, be sure to check out our wedding video packages & prices and most importantly, watch the videos below to see if you like my style!
