So you’ve decided that you want a wedding film, huh? Good choice 😊 with all the great options out there, hiring the right wedding videographer might seem like a daunting task. But I’ve got you. Whether you’re deciding between a few filmmakers that you love or you have no idea where to start in your search, these tips will help you beat that decision fatigue.

I’m not here to tell you the types of questions to ask in a consult call or what type of camera system is best (Sony, obviously), but I can give ya some advice on how to get the most out of your investment.

1. Consider what you want captured

Let’s start with the big one – think about the moments from your day that are a priority for you. When you imagine your wedding film, what do you see? A film that spans the entire day (prep to party), or a beautiful edit of your ceremony only? Can you simply not imagine having a film without your vows or your best friend’s speech included? Are you a sucker for drone footage, or can you not be bothered?

It’s important to get clear about the type of coverage you want before you start the booking process because it’s one of the first questions potential vendors will ask you (and will likely affect the cost). Some videographers will have different packages that range from only a few hours of coverage all the way to the entire day (even with add ons for rehearsal dinners the night before), while others don’t offer much flexibility. Some utilize audio from all parts of the day and weave that into the edit, while others don’t capture any audio and instead let sweeping musical scores drive the narrative. No matter what it is you’re looking for, hiring the right wedding videographer that can honor what you envision makes all the difference.

2. Book a videographer that matches your vibe and your values

Hiring a wedding videographer isn’t just a financial investment – it’s also an investment of your time and trust. Because you’re spending so much time with this person on your day and relying on them to create such a personal product, it’s crucial to book someone that you really connect with on a deeper level. Some ways to tell if the vibes are there:

• Pay attention to their online presence – do their website and socials use inclusive language, or do they only refer to couples as a bride and groom? Do they celebrate your pronouns and identity? Do they take space to talk about the issues that matter to them, or call out injustice? As consumers we have a lot of power in determining where our money goes. Consider the types of folks you feel good about empowering with your finances before you book.
• Review their work – As an alternative wedding videographer, my work showcases my couples’ unique personalities, silliness and all. Maybe that’s your jam and maybe it’s not. No matter what you’re looking for, their portfolio should have examples of the type of film you want.
• Set up a meeting – if they don’t offer a consult call upon inquiring, don’t be afraid to ask for one yourself. Meetings are great for getting to know each other, assessing your comfort level, and asking all of your burning questions. I always say that if your discovery call goes over the intended time limit because you’re having too much fun chatting, that’s a good sign you’re hitting it off! It’s probably not a good fit if you feel awkward, talked over, or the need to impress them. Check in with yourself before moving forward, and don’t let anyone bully you into signing a contract before you’re ready!

3. Hire a videographer and photographer that have similar styles

I *highly* recommend hiring a photographer and videographer with similar styles. I’m not just talking about aesthetic (that is important too!), but more in terms of how they work and approach the day. Your photographer and videographer will most likely be working together the entire day, so it’s much easier and more efficient to hire folks who can work as a team and collaborate creatively. So if you’re looking to book a non-traditional wedding videographer, you should book a non-traditional wedding photographer as well.

I utilize a lot of prompts and movement in my work and I prefer to work alongside photographers who do the same because it makes sharing the space a lot easier on everyone and creates a much more dynamic product. Even so, I’ve worked several weddings with photographers who strictly rely on stiff poses and static positioning. While we’ve always managed to create magic together, it makes for a much smoother day if you hire folks with similar styles who can share ideas and shoot alongside one another. I’m always happy to recommend alternative wedding photographers who have a great vibe and will treat you well.