When picking a wedding videographer (or any supplier for your wedding), care and attention need to be taken before you sign on the dotted line and book them for your wedding. I expect any couple who books me to be discerning, passionate and excited about the people who will come together to make their dream team and help realise their vision.

Below are 5 essentials that I would expect any of my couples to really consider when choosing me as their wedding videographer.

1 –  LOVE the work.

First and foremost. When you watch a wedding video you need to have an emotional reaction. It needs to connect with you and inspire you. Tears and goosebumps from watching a complete stranger’s wedding film are a great sign that this wedding videographer is something special, they have connected with you on a deep level. If you don’t love the work immediately then look elsewhere.

2 – CONNECT with the filmmaker.

Before any of my couples book me we need to have a chat. I want to make sure that not only do they love my work, but that we’re a good fit for each other, and I understand their wants and needs for videography. Learning about my couples and their plans for the day is such a fun part of the journey. After that, I can then tailor a quote that really works for them. I also want them to like me and feel comfortable with how I approach wedding filmmaking.

While a phone call is fine, personally I would say a video call would be ideal so you can properly meet each other. Don’t do everything over email and then meet them for the first time on the day.

3 – TAILOR your quote.

While having an outline of packaging and pricing is a great jumping-off point, your filmmaker should be able to build a package that works perfectly for what you need. A flexible “A La Carte” model of packages will give you the option to mix and match the products they offer and upgrade with ease should you want to.  Although I have 3 levels of pricing none of it is written in stone and each of my couples are able to pick & mix products.

I even structure things so you can add on films even after the wedding. A great idea for an anniversary gift!

4 – LOCK in the date.

Once you and your filmmaker are connecting, the quote works for you, and it all feels great then it’s time to make the commitment. 2022 is going to be the busiest year for weddings since 1984 and suppliers are getting booked up fast! Most wedding videographers take a percentage to lock in the date and operate a “first-come-first-serve” policy. I take 25% with the remainder payable 2 weeks before the wedding.

If you’re still not sure about what you want to be included in your package I would advise going for a basic package and paying the deposit to secure the date, then adding all the extras as you get closer to the wedding day (or even after).

5 – KEEP in touch.

Once you’ve paid your deposit and locked everything in make sure you stay connected with your chosen filmmaker. Whether that’s through Instagram, emails, WhatsApp or phone calls. The more you build the relationship and follow in your suppliers’ adventures the better experience you will have and you will most likely end up with a friend for life.

As well as staying in touch I always schedule a pre-wedding consultation about 2-3 weeks before the wedding so we can run through all the details, double-check the locations and timings, and make sure you have everything you need.

For more info on how I work take a look at my FAQs.