How Much To Charge For Wedding Videography
Ive been in the wedding videography industry for over a decade. Within that time, not only have I moved with the times in terms of re-inventing my style and branding every few years, but Ive also tried and tested many different pricing models.
Ive charged low amounts, high amounts, and everything in between. Read on, because I have some interesting insights to share on this entire topic of wedding videography pricing.
Average Cost Of Wedding Videographer
When planning your budget, you might want to be cautious about spending and the price for every vendor. However, it is good to keep in mind that a talented videographer who will document your wedding efficiently, will be worth every penny.
Our findings place the average cost of a wedding videographer at anywhere from $1,200 to $1,500, with some couples spending up to $2,500. When considering the cost, keep in mind that you will need a professional who can capture all of the important elements of your wedding for a memorable video that highlights the magic of that day. Giving you something to cherish for years to come.
Should I Get A Second Shooter For My Wedding
When it comes to the great one versus two wedding photographers debate, the right answer tends to vary from photographer to photographer, and often depends on the size of your wedding. If youre having a very intimate and small wedding, having just one photographer present may suffice. However, if youre hosting a larger wedding with lots of guests, you will likely need a main photographer as well as a second photographer, and perhaps assistants to help with lighting and coordination. 34 percent of wedding photographers include a second shooter in their starting rates, but for many, its a separate charge.
Having a second shooter can be beneficial in capturing different perspectives and angles throughout the dayand can make your wedding-day timeline run even more smoothly. With two photographers on hand, both your and your future spouses getting-ready processes can be photographed at the same time. Its best to discuss your specific wedding and needs with your photographer to determine the best staffing situation.
Recommended Reading: How To Address Wedding Invitations To Families
You May Like: What A Priest Says At A Wedding
What Type Of Videographer Do You Aspire To Be
After youve filmed your first few weddings, its time to figure out a gameplan for how much to charge for your first season. You dont need to arrive at a figure just yet. Firstly, I think its important to have an idea of what wedding videography pricing model you prefer.
Off the top of my head, here are some popular pricing models for this industry:
- high volume, low price
- a lá carte wedding video pricing
- wedding video package only pricing
- packages / collections plus optional extras from an a lá carte selection
Finally, there is also a choice between implementing a
- fixed pricing , or
- variable pricing .
I could write an entire blog post on each of the options above! However, for now, just be aware that there is so much choice when it comes to figuring out how much to charge as a wedding videographer.
In terms of deciding what type of videographer you aspire to be, you probably already have an idea of whether you would like to target the lower, middle, or higher-end markets. Each market has its own unique attributes. Theres probably a fourth market in there, I like to call it high middle.
Thats actually where I like to position my business as it strikes a nice balance between getting very well paid and not having the stress associated with filming ultra-high-end weddings.
How Much Does A Wedding Videographer Cost Uk
Lets be honest for a moment. Youre getting married, and the expenses are piling up, from catering to your wedding dress. There is too much to be considered, and tracking expenses might feel overwhelming. You will be faced with the dilemma of whether you need or can afford a wedding videographer. The service comes at a cost, but hiring a wedding videographer is the best way to capture and preserve your unforgettable moments for the rest of your life. Heres what you need to know about wedding videography prices to make your decision easier.
Read Also: Where To Buy Wedding Hair Accessories
What Goes Into A Wedding Videographers Pricing
While the average cost of wedding videography is around $1,900, many elements factor into their final prices. Heres a quick rundown:
- Travel and lodging costs. If your wedding takes place far from home or at an inaccessible venue such as a mountaintop chateau, youll pay more for travel expenses. Some videographers also tack on a travel fee to their prices.
- Time spent shooting. Videographers typically charge based on packages that outline deliverables, but your contract should spell out how many hours are included in that price. If you need longer, be prepared to pay more per hour.
- Second shooters and staff. If your videographer needs a second shooter or anyone else to help with lighting, etc., be prepared to pay an additional fee.
- Extras and specialties. Want drone footage? An edit for your highlight video only? A music licensing fee to play popular songs that played during the reception? All of these factors can bump up your price.
- Production quality and style. The more post-production work required, the higher the price tag. This could be anything from time spent creating custom graphics or animations to intensive color corrections.
Should The Size Of The Wedding Be Reflected In The Price I Charge
Recently, Ive seen a lot of clients wanting to pay less for their videographer because few guests will be attending the wedding. I never base my wedding videography prices on the number of guests. Knowing how many people will be at the event is vital information to gather in from the initial enquiry, but it doesnt follow that a wedding with only 15 to 30 guests should come with a reduced commission.
I love filming elopements and intimate weddings. In fact, in terms of storytelling, these types of weddings are my favourite. But at least the same amount of work goes into producing the film, and sometimes its even more work.
Its a real challenge to film these kinds of events and editing them into a story takes much more creativity and work, so I do not offer any discounts for clients with smaller weddings.
Heres a film I captured in Davos in Switzerland. There were only 15 guests at this wedding, and the story was far more important than the wedding itself. So much more work went into this than a standard wedding commission.
You May Like: How Much Do Wedding Dance Lessons Cost
How Many Hours Should I Hire My Videographer For
The amount of hours you hire a wedding videographer for solely depends on what exactly are you looking to be covered.
Its okay if its only you walking down the aisle, but if you want more coverage, let your videographer know exactly what you need. If youre happy with your ceremony and speeches, perhaps you want the basics, or go a step further and get some footage of you getting ready in the morning.
Typically wedding videographers will offer packages with a set number of hours. These are normally:
4 hours Which would include getting ready and your wedding ceremony.
6-8 hours Enough for getting ready, ceremony and reception
12 hours Full day coverage getting ready, ceremony, reception, speeches and dances.
Its important that you have a clear understanding of what events you must have covered, then your videographer can work with you to figure out what package would work best, or even custom tailor their packages to make sure you get certain parts of the day covered. Whatever youre after, factoring in the filming time, timeline of your wedding day and also what most people do can make it easier to decide exactly what you want to capture.
Your Creative Wedding Videographer Is A Call Away
Watching those essence moments of your ceremony in professionally captured videos is sensational. Thats what Michaels Entertainment is created to do. We capture all crucial actions to remind you of treasured moments forever.
Our videography package provides you and your loved ones moving laughers, tears, voices, and images to watch for several years to come. If you need some advice or help, our team at Michaels Entertainment is available to help guide you through the process and provide you with the best resources available when it comes to your wedding or special event.
Recommended Reading: Where Should I Do My Wedding Registry
Do I Have To Pay For My Wedding Photographer’s Meals
For your wedding vendors who will be present during your actual wedding you will need to provide hot meals. Yes, this is indeed an added expense that you might not have expected to incur, but its an important onevendors who are well-fed and happy will better be able to bring their A-game for your big day! Your wedding caterer is likely accustomed to providing these vendor meals, so be sure to discuss this with them.
What Are The Typical Costs Of Wedding Video Services
The most basic service of a wedding videographer is a short clip of the wedding ceremony. This most popular service costs between $400-$900. Ceremony and reception coverage will cost more, that is about $900-$1,200. More enhanced services with several people working at the wedding, different angles, and several clips plus a feature film will cost some $1,200-$1,900. Luxury packages begin from $3,800 and go higher
For those willing to make a true film out of their wedding, the cost will be about $2,200-$3,200 and it includes special effects, interviews, and professional editing.
Also Check: How To Create Snap Filter For Wedding
Average Cost Of A Wedding Video
When we talk about the cost of the wedding video, we definitely need to see how long we are hiring the videographer for, what sort of footage we will be getting from the reel, and how many videographers will be in the team etc. More often than not, most video companies or cinematography companies offer two videos to film your special day, and mostly both of them will be operated by one videographer. For instance there will be a fixed camera filming the ceremony and the videographer will be roaming around to get the other shots of the day.
If youre are also planning to have a wedding videographer in your wedding and you have secured a budget for that, then you are truly lucky. Usually, the cost of the wedding videographer depends on the locality, especially where you live. Accordingly, you can expect to pay $1000 USD on the low end for a good videographer and $10,000 on the high end for an amazing videographer. However, on an average a videographer can cost you $2500 USD.
For instance, if you are in Australia, an Australian videographer should cost you around $2,700 AUD. While a good videographer in USA may cost you around $3000 USD. Likewise, the average cost of the videographer can go up or down a little bit depending on which state you are based in and the availability of suppliers near you. Mostly couples look for budgeted videography packages for their wedding, the average cost will somewhere between $2000 and $3500 for a popular videography package.
Whats Typically Included In The Price
Videographers typically offer packages, although these can be personalized based on what youre looking for. However, the four things that youre paying for and can expect from a videographer are high-quality equipment, videography services, post-production editing, and a final copy.
If you find that the videographer that you want to hire doesnt include extras that youre interested in within their packages, ask them about a la carte additional services. These extras can include:
Recommended Reading: How To Get A Certificate To Officiate A Wedding
The Factors That Affect Wedding Videography Costs
With such a large scope of rates, what factors play into those wide-ranging costs? The hours of coverage will primarily have the biggest effect on the grand total. Though it depends on the type of wedding packages offered, your videographer will usually be filming for 10 hours, according to Grech.
To be safe, we recommend 12 hours of coverage to fully cover the beginning of your wedding, through all the formalities and to the end of the reception.
Grech also explains that if you request additional hours of coverage, the costs could be up to $500/per extra half hour. Another factor that can raise the price? More staffers. If you have more than one or two cinematographers, this can exponentially raise the price by thousands of dollars.
Tips To Find A Cheap Wedding Videographer On A Budget
Follow these tips to save money on wedding videography:
- Choose a shorter video length.
- Reduce the number of coverage hours.
- Record the ceremony only.
- Select a basic package with only one cinematographer.
- Skip the add-ons like drone coverage, guest interviews, or a photo montage.
- Book your wedding during the off-season or on any day other than Saturday.
- Hire a videographer with less experience or choose a package with an associate videographer instead of the studio’s lead videographer.
- Combine your photography and videography package.
You May Like: How To Print Name Cards For Wedding
When Should I Hire A Wedding Videographer
We recommend hiring your wedding videographer at least eight months before your wedding date, as these pros tend to book up quickly. Start the research process by reading online reviews of vendors in your area, and viewing their work. Once youve narrowed down the list of videographers youre interested in, reach out and set up meetings with a few.
Ready To Book Your Wedding Videographer
No matter the cost, the best wedding videographers understand this day is about you and your loved ones their job is to make sure this love is magnified through their artwork. Educating yourself on the different options available for you is the first step to securing a priceless time capsule without breaking the bank.
Also Check: How To Fill Out Wedding Rsvp
How Do You Get In Touch With Wedding Videographers
Our directory is a great resource that allows you to see the real weddings created by the videographers on our site. We make it easy for you to find top wedding videographers by location, style, and venue, and to choose the perfect videographer for your special day. From world-famous event cinematographers to local talent with outstanding credentials, you can find the right videographer for your ceremony, rehearsal dinner, and reception. Once you find wedding videographers who you are interested in connecting with, navigate to their vendor profile and contact them by visiting their website . Its that easy! Sometimes, curating the best vendor team for your wedding can be tricky. Thats why we are here to help you find the perfect wedding videographer and all the other vendors who will suit your wedding day needs. Our website offers spotlight articles, a selection of exclusive and exquisite venues all over the world, and a look at real-life weddings and the vendors who helped to make them possible. This can often provide you with the information you need to plan your wedding and to find the perfect dress, makeup artist, hairstylistand videographerto make your day something special. Once youve found the perfect wedding videographer, sign that wedding videographer contract and make it official for the big day!
How To Make More Money With Up
Up-selling to your clients is something many videographers forget to do or maybe its because theyre scared to do . This means they often give too much away in their basic pricing and packages and instead of thinking about how they can make money from up-selling various aspects of that service and product. Im a solo shooter and in terms of filming I offer a second shooter or drone operator as an upgrade. I charge more for these services then I pay. In terms of production, I offer very many upgrades to my clients, sometimes before their wedding and sometimes after. In my opinion, up-selling products to clients once theyve already commissioned you is the easiest way of making more money and often making the commission into something much more lucrative.
More and more videographers start out with a base offer and once the client has signed on the dotted line then they buy more, taking that commission higher than the average.
Recommended Reading: How To Have A Nice Cheap Wedding
How Much Does A Wedding Videographer Cost In 2022
With months of preparation and excitement leading up to your wedding, youre ultimately only able to live it once. Thankfully, you can hire a photographer and videographer to capture almost every moment, large or small, of your wedding. These professionals can also package it neatly so you can look back on the footage and enjoy it for years to come.
Hiring a photographer for your wedding day is likely a given, but you might be wondering about the cost to hire a videographer and if its worth the extra expense.
To find out the specifics of videography costs, we turned to Lauren Grech, the CEO & co-founder of LLG Events, a New York City-based international event management and design firm, and an adjunct professor for New York Universitys event management program.
Read on to discover what you can expect to pay for a videographer to film your big day and the kinds of services that are included in a basic videography package.
Is A Wedding Video Necessary
First things first, before you spend $1000s on a wedding video should you even hire a videographer?
Research shows that not having a videographer for your big day is the biggest regret for a lot of couples when it comes to looking back on their wedding.
After all, this is the one day you want to be able to remember for the rest of your lives. Whether youre getting a teaser reel, highlights footage, or the whole shebang, having a professional capture those moments is so important.
But dont just take it from us! 51% of real couples will hire a videographer for their big day, with 7% opting to go the DIY route and avoid paying for a professional wedding video.
The Percentage of Brides that Hire Wedding Videographers
Recommended Reading: Is E Wedding Bands Legit
