Your wedding day is a monumental occasion, filled with heartfelt moments, laughter, tears, and unforgettable memories. Choosing the right wedding videographer for your Baton Rouge wedding is essential to ensure that these cherished moments are beautifully preserved for a lifetime. Here's your guide to selecting the perfect videographer to capture your love story in motion.
1. Start Early
Just like other crucial aspects of wedding planning, finding the right videographer should be a priority.
“So many brides put off choosing a videographer until the end of planning - when the budget is crunched and a lot of wedding dates are unavailable,” says Shelby Nunnery of St. Germain Photo + Film. “I recommend meeting with videographers and booking your date 8 to 18 months before your wedding.”
Shelby St. Germain Nunnery
St. Germain Photo + Film
Baton Rouge, LA Videographer
Start your search at least 8-18 months in advance to secure a talented professional who aligns with your vision and fits within your budget - and get first dibs on your wedding date!
2. Define Your Style
Determine the style of wedding video you desire. Videographers often have their unique styles, ranging from cinematic, documentary, to storytelling. Do you prefer a romantic, cinematic experience, or a documentary-style video that captures raw, candid moments? Knowing your style preference is essential for selecting the right videographer.
Photo by St. Germain Photo + Film
3. Set a Budget
Wedding videography can vary in cost, so set a budget that works for you. Then, check your budget against the going rate in our area. Is your budget reasonable considering where Baton Rouge videographers have priced their services? Communicate your budget early in your search to ensure you're considering videographers who are within your financial range. Keep in mind that experienced professionals may charge more, but the investment is often worth it for high-quality results.
“When I got married, the only thing I wanted was a wedding video, but it didn’t ‘fit’ in the budget. Years later, I realized it would have fit if it had been prioritized in the budget. Looking back, my personal preference would have been to forego other things and prioritize the wedding video,” Shelby tells us.
Clip from the wedding of Katelyn (of Butterflies of Hope Photography) and John - Video by St. Germain Photo + Film
4. Research and Referrals
Start your search by seeking referrals from friends, family, or your wedding planner. Reading online reviews and exploring videographers' portfolios on their websites or social media can also provide insight into their work. Look for consistency, quality, and a style that resonates with you. Does your venue have favorite videographers they have worked with before?
5. Meet the Videographer
Schedule meetings with potential videographers to get to know them and discuss your vision for your wedding day. Pay attention to their personality and communication skills, as you'll want to feel comfortable with them capturing your special moments.
“It’s incredibly important to know who you’re going to be spending the most important day of your life with. Your videographer isn’t (shouldn’t!) be there to just film. You’ll spend more time with your videographer and photographer than anyone else on your wedding day. You need to make sure that’s someone you WANT to spend your day with. If their work is beautiful but your personalities don’t work together, that can make for a really stressful experience. Have a call, grab a coffee, make sure that you love the videographer as much as you love the video.” - Shelby Nunnery of St. Germain Photo + Film
6. Review Sample Work
Request to see full wedding videos or highlights of their past projects. This will give you a better sense of their storytelling abilities, editing style, and the quality of their final product. Look for emotional depth, audio clarity, and creative editing. Getting married at Lauryn Hope? Has your videographer videoed a wedding there before? Using The Floral Cottage for your flowers? Ask for clips of weddings they have filmed at your venue or including your other vendors!
Katelyn and John tie the knot then celebrate at Lauryn Hope! Video by St. Germain Photo + Film
7. Discuss Equipment
Inquire about the equipment the videographer will be using. Professional-grade cameras, audio recording devices, and lighting equipment can make a significant difference in the quality of your wedding video. Make sure they have backup equipment in case of technical issues.
8. Understand the Package
Discuss the details of the package offered, including hours of coverage, the number of videographers, and any additional services such as drone footage, same-day edits, or extended coverage. Ensure that the package aligns with your wedding schedule and vision.
9. Secure the Date
Once you've found the perfect videographer, don't hesitate to book them promptly. Wedding dates can fill up quickly, so secure your date with a contract and deposit.
Choosing a wedding videographer is a significant decision, as they'll be responsible for capturing the essence of your special day. A talented videographer will create a timeless keepsake that allows you to relive your wedding day whenever you desire. So, take your time, do your research, and select a professional whose work resonates with you and who understands the importance of your love story. Your wedding day deserves to be immortalized in the most beautiful way possible.