What's the Cost of a Wedding Videographer?
After all the effort and elation of planning, your wedding day is a momentous occasion that you'll only get to experience once. Fortunately, by hiring a photographer and videographer, you can document all the little and big moments that transpire on your special day.
It's understandable if you're uncertain about whether to hire a videographer for your wedding. Learning the expense of a videographer is essential, as they can preserve the beautiful sounds and heartfelt memories from your wedding that photos may miss.
Find out what to anticipate as far as cost goes for having a videographer capture your day, plus all the services that usually come with standard videography packages.
The Average Wedding Videographer Cost
The cost of a wedding videographer varies based on location, the length of coverage you desire, and the level of expertise of the professional.
A videographer is a worthwhile investment for those who want to cherish their wedding day on replay for the rest of time. According to Wedding Wire "The average cost of a wedding videographer in the U.S. is around $1,799 with most couples spending between $1,000 to $2,500."
When it comes to wedding videography, there are plenty of variables that could affect the price, some of which you may be aware of and some of which might not be so apparent.
It's important to keep in mind the type of business you're working with when you look into hiring a wedding videographer, as it will significantly impact the cost as well as the end result of your overall experience.
Lower Range
Lower-range videography services cost around $0—$1800. This rate is often for those who are just starting out and have limited experience.
Average Range
Average range videography services cost around $1800—$2500. This rate is mostly for those with a well-established business and portfolio.
Upper Range
Upper range videography services cost $2500 and more. The rate charged can depend on a variety of things, but typically higher-level videographers have more expertise and the ability to provide a superior end result.
Planning a wedding can get expensive, so it's important to set a budget and keep track of the costs. It's equally important to consider how the workload of lower- to average-range videographers can influence the end result of your wedding. More costly videographers may have either identified a trend that people are seeking out or created an exclusive style and service that only they are able to offer.
What Factors Influence a Wedding Videographer's Pricing?
Prices for video services are often laid out in packages, with the types of videos and services detailed in the agreement. Make sure to look over the hourly rate, since going beyond the allocated time frame can be more of an expense. Ask any questions you may have so you can get the most out of your budget.
Duration
The duration of your videographer's presence at your wedding will have a significant impact on the price – most wedding videography packages include the amount of time that your videographer will spend with you.
Experience
Experienced videographers in the wedding business are extremely knowledgeable, and they are ready to help you make the most of your investment. They will converse with you and other service providers clearly and work together to make your day run smoothly.
Second Videographer
At your wedding, your videographer might bring a second cameraman and/or an assistant. The cost of your wedding videographer is going to increase the larger the workforce is.
Travel
If your wedding videographer has to make a long journey to be at your special day, you may need to cover the cost of gas, airfare, accommodations or any other related travel expenses.
Add-ons
All wedding videographers need to go through an editing process to create the final videos for you. However, requesting additional rounds of edits in post-production can add up and increase your costs.
What’s Included in Wedding Videography Packages?
Videographers, comparable to wedding photographers, offer an array of wedding packages for you to choose from. You'll be covering the cost of your videographer's attendance at your gathering, generally for a set amount of time that has been worked out beforehand. Extras, such as drone footage or travel fees, can also increase the cost. Plus, if you need a larger team, that can amount to a bigger expense.
A videographer will spend their time accompanying the photographer side by side to get the couple ready, filming the ceremony in its entirety, discreetly capturing special memories while also collaborating with the DJ for audio purposes, filming the couple as they enter the reception, and capturing the toasts and dances. Additionally, orchestrating and filming any kind of grand exit from the reception.
Equipment
Your videographer should have the newest and most dependable gear available—from HD cameras to lighting, audio recording and drone coverage.
Highlight Video
Highlight videos generally run in the length of 3-5 minutes, set to licensed music.
Full Wedding Video
Full wedding videos, often referred to as raw footage," run 45–90 minutes, showing your wedding day in real time.
Delivery
Although some choose to put them on a USB or hard disk, most videographers distribute your wedding videos digitally.
Finding Your Ideal Wedding Videographer
Some wedding videographers offer engagement video sessions, which makes for the perfect opportunity to find the ideal fit for your wedding day and have a unique keepsake from the engagement season of your relationship. There are several things to consider beyond the price when choosing the person or company that will document your irreplaceable memories.
Consistency
It's important to be sure that your videographer has a steady track record. Have a look at many of their videos that reflect the style that you're wanting, so you can be sure you'll get the end result you're expecting.
Availability
Given a videographer's skill and style, they could be very popular in your region. What's more, wedding videographers tend to have limited availability, so a higher demand could prompt them to increase their pricing.
Styles
Highlight Videos
A visually captivating video filled with scenes that jump through different times of day, all with special effects and catchy music, but no words. This type of film has little to no talking, so you won't be hearing any vows, monologues or other vocalized parts.
Story Videos
This style has fantastic visuals and production quality, yet it captures the essence of an intimate Candid style, combining stunning cinematic shots and the emotion of the day, along with dialogue from the occasion.
Whoever you choose to be a part of your wedding will be with you every step of the way, which is why it's important to read reviews, do research, and ultimately follow your instincts.
When Should You Book a Wedding Videographer?
It's a great idea to have your wedding videographer booked in as soon as possible - often they are booked months in advance. To begin your research, take some time to read through client reviews and check out their portfolios online. After reviewing the offerings of each vendor and making a list of the ones that pique your interest, get in touch with them to arrange a face-to-face or phone appointment.
Is a Wedding Videographer Worth the Expense?
Preserving moments of your relationship from your engagement all the way through your wedding is an invaluable investment for your future. As well, the amount of time spent in planning and preparation far exceeds the actual time spent during a couple's wedding day.
Beyond memories, two of the most important keepsakes of a wedding are the photos and the videos. When booking a videographer, look for one who is passionate about making your wedding journey experience as exceptional and distinctive as it can be. Your videos are something you and your family will cherish and share for generations to come. Happy planning!
