Planning the best wedding ever: picking your videographer
Photography: Benjamin Wheeler | Videographer: Paul Van
We caught up with the completely epic wedding videographers Paul Van and Dfilms to get their advice on how to find and pick the right filmmaker for you.
We know a lot of planning couples deliberate about whether or not to have a videographer at their wedding. It can seem like a luxury but we know from experience that not having one is the most common regret amongst married couples. Having the emotions, words, embraces and drunken dancing captured on film is golden and something you will be able to look back on for years to come.
Daniele from Dfilms tells us, ‘long after your special day it will be your wedding video that will bring it all rushing back to you in the most powerful and beautiful way. You’ll see and feel it all again. You’ll have your wedding on film to treasure forever.’
Paul, based in the UK, has had the pleasure of working at weddings across the world and is certainly no stranger to an Italian wedding. He has an authentic, relaxed style and has nailed capturing the natural moments and essence of the day.
Paul is a real gem and he puts his heart into every film he creates. He genuinely strives to give every couple the best wedding video they could hope for – from tearful vows, hilarious speeches to crazy party action on the dance-floor, his films are natural and creative! So let’s get his best advice…
What is important to consider when picking your videographer?
Do you enjoy watching their films and are they the style of film you are looking for? I'd suggest watching as many films from different videographers as possible to see what styles are out there and which ones resonate with you the most. If you really love their films and end up watching more than one of them then you might be on track to finding someone you like, get in touch with them!
Do you have a natural rapport with them and would you feel able to trust them on the day? If you are relaxed and comfortable this means they can capture your genuine emotions and reactions. You really want to be able to enjoy your day, leave it in their hands and trust that they will capture the important things.
If someone has been recommended to you this is a great place to begin as you know someone with direct experience of how they work. It’s also worth looking at their reviews online too.
Photography: Benjamin Wheeler | Videographer: Paul Van
Are there different videography styles that couples should take into consideration when making a decision?
There are as many different styles of film as there are styles of wedding! There's no one-style-fits-all. Think about the style of wedding you are hoping for and whether the videographer has a similar style. Consider how you would like to look back at your wedding now and in years to come; whether you are looking for something classic and timeless, or modern and on trend. Some styles are more emotional; with the vows and speeches interwoven in; some are fast-paced and fun; some are just music with beautiful footage from the day.
What questions should you ask your potential wedding videographer?
Someone who films fewer weddings may be able to spend more time crafting a specific and unique film for you. Someone who shoots more per year maybe less expensive but you may end up with something less unique.
Ask how long they will spend filming on the day and consider whether they will cover the parts of the day that are important for you. For example, you may want the party to be filmed but they may expect to leave after the first dance.
Editing a film can take a long time, especially during the busy summer months and can range from 1-6 months. You'll be excited to see your finished film so it's helpful to have clear expectations on how long you'll be waiting for it!
Any questions not to ask?
A great videographer will choose music for your film which is right for the "feel" of your day and the film they are creating for you. If you choose the music you limit their ability to be creative! Also, they will select music which is licensed appropriately, which will allow you to share the film online.
If they can make the film exactly like another one you've seen by someone else. Each wedding is personal to the couple and no two will ever be the same. Instead, hire a videographer you feel you can trust to capture your unique wedding. Or hire the person who made the original film that you love. If the videographer you choose has some example films, let them know which one(s) resonate with you the most.
For more on Paul and his work check out his profile here or see what’s he’s up to on Instagram @iampaulvan
Daniele, originally from Italy, now calls Surrey home. He films incredible weddings all over the world but will always have a special place in his heart for his motherland.
‘I was born and raised in Tuscany. I love how the picturesque charm and heritage of Italy seems to set love aglow. Capturing that on film is a complete joy and privilege to me. Italy is the perfect choice for a destination wedding, and there is no other place on earth I’d rather film one.’
So let’s get his best advice…
Go with the one you feel the most connected to. That person will be part of one of the most important days of your life, you need someone that makes you feel at ease. Connection for me is the main thing to consider when choosing a wedding supplier, especially a videographer and photographer.
For destination weddings, consider if the videographer has previous experience in destination weddings. This is not fundamental but definitely a bonus. They will have experience travelling and getting to new locations and be confident working with new suppliers they’ve not worked with before. An understanding of the culture and language of your chosen destination is also beneficial.
What questions should you ask your potential videographer? Anything not to ask?
Ask how they approach the day, what preparations they do in the lead up and how they will communicate with you.
Make sure you understand what it is included in the package offered. For example how many hours coverage will they do on the day and when the final film will be delivered.
I would advise not asking for a discount. Videographers carefully set their pricing based on their experience and the service offered. Speak to the suppliers that match your allocated budget.
For more on Daniele and his work check out his profile here or see what he’s up to on Instagram @dfilms.co.uk
Thanks so much to the wonderful Paul and Daniele for sharing their insider advice with us on picking a videographer.
If you’re on the search for an epic filmmaker as we speak, check out our directory now for our full list of recommended suppliers.
Written by Beth Butler, marketing person and lover of all things weddings; with a particular passion for beautiful photography, muted florals and a good cup of tea.
