Photos above courtesy of Manuela Stefan Photography, HRM Photography and So Jeles Photography. Tips to saving money on your professional wedding video
Written by Christie Smith, Producer of Etched in Time
Let's face it, planning a wedding is a difficult task. Now consider that you've got a budget to stick to and it's even more daunting! You want to be sure to include the services that you deem important without breaking the bank, so you need to find savings wherever you can.
Your wedding day comes around but once in a lifetime (and passes in the blink of an eye!), so if you have decided that your memories are worth preserving, here are some tips on how you can save money on your professional videography.
Inquire about special offers. Many companies offer special promotions that may not be advertised on their websites. These can be a great way to increase the value of your production and get exceptional bang for your buck!
Find a videographer who will customize. Some companies offer a-la-carte style pricing that will allow you to pay only for what you want in your video. There is no value in expensive inclusive packages with lots of add-ons if you're not interested in the extra sequences.
Hire a videographer who will stay for the full night. Finding a company that does not charge by the hour means that your videographer will remain right until the end of the last dance if that's what you would like. If your time limited package runs out before you've cut the cake, the cost of paying for a few extra hours can add up very quickly.
Combine your photographer and your videographer. Some companies offer packages that include both of these services at a discount. Or you may find two separate companies who work together to offer their services in combination at a reduced rate.
Using only one camera. While this may not allow you to witness the grooms expression and the bride's big entrance both at the same time, one camera will still tell the beautiful story of your special day. This small sacrifice in production value can help keep hundreds of dollars in your pocket!
Choose Standard Definition. Filming in HD is a relatively new technology that requires the use of expensive equipment, so it makes sense that it will cost substantially more. The broadcast quality cameras that will be used by any professional videographer still provide an excellent picture, and most Blu-ray Disc™ players will still play DVDs.
Get it unedited. Some companies may offer inexpensive packages that do not include any editing of the final product. Big savings can be had if you're willing to sacrifice the visual appeal of the edit, and the special effects, etc. You'll omit the 'movie magic' that is accomplished in the studio after the fact, but your camera will still be manned by a professional who knows how to get proper lighting and artistic angles.
Some couples will be satisfied with a home-movie style wedding video. And although we feel it is our duty to warn them of the 'do-it-yourself' stories that we often hear, (like "my brother videotaped my wedding, but the DVD won't play", or "my uncle didn't realize that the mic was turned off so we have no sound during our ceremony"), these tips are intended for the bride and groom who want a little more out of their wedding video, but want to stay within their budget! We have lots of advice for those who choose to DIY, but we'll have to save that for another article.
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