Wedding Film Guide

We know this is a big decision, so here is the StickMedia guide to Wedding Videos:

Cost

A wedding video should not break your bank but they can be pretty expensive. The cost will of course depend upon what you would like in your wedding video.

Most wedding video companies will offer pricing packages similar to those offered by photographers...

StickMedia is different, we have one package - which includes everything most people want from a wedding film. There are NO hidden extras. Click here for the package details.

Depending on where you live a very basic video should cost between £600 and £800 - although prices can be much higher in some areas.

A basic wedding video package should include some arrival shots, ceremony coverage, and one to two hours of reception coverage (ie speeches and cake cutting). Some companies will let you mix and match options but don’t be surprised if you are told you have to stick to the options that are offered, and choose additional options if you want something different.

Choose StickMedia and get this: Click here for the package details.

Contracts

You should definitely sign a contract (email agreement is perfectly ok). A contract is important for both parties as it will ensure you are getting what you want and the videographer will get paid.

A contract for services can be very complex or very simple. Either of the two will work as long as what you want is clearly stated in writing.

A contract should include dates, prices, number of product, and any special instructions.

The wedding industry for the most part is a very friendly and courteous business, but don’t let this lull you into handshakes and verbal agreements. For your protection as well as the videographer, sign a contract.

Music

Music is an important aspect of any wedding video and should be selected carefully. StickMedia asks you to choose and supply your own music, either on a CD, or via MP3 email. 

There are however a few things you should consider when selecting music for your wedding video. The music chosen should be something that both the bride and groom will enjoy. You should choose a variety of music types to give your video editor some options to work with.

Do we need a second camera?

StickMedia makes stunning wedding videos using only one camera. It is true that a second camera will give you more pictures, but it will almost double the cost - and a good cameraman should be able to get what he needs all by himself. 

Will a videographer get in the way?

StickMedia employees are professionals and understand the importance of staying out of the way.

There are some in the industry who tend to forget just who’s day this is. You should remember that this is your wedding day and you are paying for the videographer to be there. If the videographer is interrupting or getting in the way you should have someone politely suggest to them that they need to come up with an alternative way of getting that particular shot.

Having said that, it is also important to remember that the video being filmed is something that you will have forever and you are spending a lot of money on it.

Talk to your videographer prior to your wedding day and go over some of your requirements. Having a videographer standing over the bride and groom while they are exchanging rings can be very annoying especially for friends and relatives that are taking pictures.

One of the best things you can do is to assign a friend or family member to work with the videographer. This will help them know what it is you want as well as let them know which friends and family members you would like to have in your video.

How long will the film be?

The length of a wedding video will depend on several factors: How long were the speeches? How long was the ceremony? How many guests were there? 

StickMedia will ensure you get exactly the right film, one which perfectly sums up your day - and one that doesn't drag on so long that people will get bored watching it. 

We are in the entertainment business, we want your film to be perfect for you - and entertaining for friends and family who watch it. 

Remember, a longer video does not necessarily mean a better video. A good editor will in fact try to get as much good quality video into a shorter amount of time. The final length of your video should not be a determining factor in what you choose to have done. Even you will get tired of watching your own wedding video if it is two hours long!

What if I hate the final DVD?

Unfortunately the wedding video industry is crowded with amateur videographers. If you end up with a bad video due to a shaky camera, poor angles, poor light, or just poor filming in general, there is not much you can do. What has been filmed is what you’ve got.

StickMedia editors will not use annoying amateur transitions, shots that are too long or too short, over done special effects, or poor audio. Our standards are too high. 

We appreciate that not everyone who reads this will actually use our services - and if you do end up going elsewhere and are left with a poor final product there are things you can do. 

Ask for the video to be re-edited. Shots you do not like can be removed. Poor filming of course cannot be rescued. 

If all else fails simply ask for all the original footage that was shot (this should be an option available to you although it may cost a little more to get it). Once you have the original footage you can have someone else completely redo it for you. This is of course a last resort option. Most videographers will try to correct any problems with the videos they produce.

The best thing you can do is to go over exactly what you would like in your video prior to your wedding day. And of course, ask to see some of your videographers work before you hire them. If possible ask for some actual finished product, not just their demo DVD. StickMedia will gladly send out a copy of a finished film.