After all the time, effort, and anticipation that goes into planning a wedding, you only get to experience it once. Fortunately, modern weddings have advanced to the point that you may hire a photographer and videographer to record nearly every aspect of the big day. The experts among them may also wrap it up in a nice package for you, so you can enjoy the footage for years to come.
It's probably a given that you'll hire a photographer for your wedding, but you may be debating whether or not to fork over the extra cash for a videographer.
Your wedding day, no matter how many months or even years you spend planning it, will pass quickly. This day is as exciting and hectic as a June storm. Due to the transience of the moment, it is essential to employ the services of a professional photographer. What, therefore, is the value of a live-action moment when compared to the value of a single photograph?
If you're thinking about having your big day recorded on film, you wouldn't be alone in that thought. Every moment of the marriage, from the bride's arrival to the attendees' wild dancing, should be captured in stunning detail by a professional photographer. Photos are great for looking back on an event, but a film can really capture the mood and the love you have with one another.
Obviously, like with any vendor for your wedding, you need to make sure they are within the confines of your allocated funds. To help you out, we've included the average cost of a videographer below; you may find that it's more reasonable than you imagined.
It can be difficult to pick the best Wedding Videographer from among the numerous available.
FAQs About Weddings
If your wedding is in the peak season, you should aim to have your videographer commissioned eight to 12 months ahead of time to save the date. During the low season, you can reserve their services closer in. You also have more wiggle room if you choose a less seasoned professional as they are less likely to be booked up.
Your coverage will be more comprehensive, and your video will have more dimension in that it'll be shot from an additional perspective. This is great for angle changes for important moments, such as the ceremony, speeches, or formal dance—moments where the focus is on the couple. And because the assistant's primary role is to shoot b-roll, that also provides a greater opportunity to catch those great reaction shots from the guests.
Raw footage is advised as a supplement, as this means you have every minute of what was shot right in hand. The files can come delivered on a flash drive, CDs, or hard drive, and the cost for those may vary based on your vendor and the medium available. You can ask for it to be included in your package during negotiation, or add it on a la carte at $200-$500.
"It's well worth it," Thomen said. "There may have been a moment where Uncle Tony did something funny, but it didn't make the cut, but this way, you'll have it. And with today's technology, you can save money by adding in footage to your video for extended cuts or make custom versions, which are popular as anniversary gifts."
The standard option is a sequential, chronological video that plays through the major points of the day in order. "Consider the videographer a fly on the wall for this style," Thomen said, "or a shadow that just trails you throughout the day." The result is music-heavy with pops of recorded speech.
For grand venues or outdoor weddings, it can add a certain wow factor to the final video. However, bear in mind that of the footage shot, the result might only include a few seconds of overhead. It's a luxury splurge at $200-$500 as an add-on in the New York area, and drones are typically only used for venue fly-by and the walk down the aisle.
It's worthwhile to ask your videographer if they offer drone services and have shot at your venue before if they have general site footage that they can splice into your video at a lower cost. But don't get your heart too set on either option; drones may not be permitted at your sites since there are restrictions in cities and certain areas that may even include beaches. our videographer will need to clear permissions with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before giving you a solid answer on drone usage
In What Ways Will Having a Videographer Benefit You?
For starters, let's address the elephant in the room: exactly why do you require the services of a videographer? Our research shows that many couples' top regret is that they didn't invest in a videographer to record their wedding. Because, after all, this is the one day you hope to recall fondly for the rest of your life together. Having a professional capture those moments is crucial, whether you're getting a preview reel, highlight video, or the whole shebang.
However, don't take our word for it. Around half of actual couples plan to employ a videographer for their wedding day, with 86% choosing to hire a professional.
So, How Much Does a Wedding Video Typically Cost in Australia?
Consider the length of time you'll be working with your videographer, the quality of the footage you'll be receiving, and the number of videographers you'll need when estimating the total cost of your video project. In most cases, a single videographer will control both the stationary camera that will record the ceremony and the handheld camera that will capture all of the other action throughout the day.
Adding a wedding videographer to your wedding budget is a great idea, and fortunately, it is one of the few areas where the average cost has stayed the same over the past several years. The average cost of a videographer in Australia is $2,702.
Can You Tell Me What a State-Wide Average for Hiring a Cameraman Would Be?
A supplier's average cost varies by state because of the variety of suppliers in each area. Budget between $2000 and $3500 for a standard videography package. Here, though, is a breakdown of the typical cost of a wedding video in each U.S. state.
- $2,500 in Victoria
- In the case of New South Wales, the sum totalled $3,280.
- ACT, Australian Capital Territory: $2,073
- Throughout Queensland, $2,263
- Budget: $2,412 in South Australia
- In the Western Australian region, $2,247
- Three thousand two hundred twenty-five dollars for Tasmania
How Much a Wedding Video Will Cost and Why
What factors contribute to the vast variation in prices? The amount will be impacted most by the number of hours of coverage. It varies by package, but most videographers plan to film for at least 10 hours during your wedding.
Coverage should start at the start of the ceremony and continue through the end of the reception, a total of 12 hours.
If you need more than the agreed upon amount of coverage, it might cost you up to $500 each half hour. Maybe there's another factor that can cause prices to rise? Personnel increases If more than a single or two cinematographers are required, the price of employing a film team might easily rise by the thousands.
In General, What Does a Wedding Video Package Include?
The same is true of videographers, who, like photographers, will offer several different wedding packages to pick from. You can count on the following from the bare-bones version:
- Highlight reel lasting no longer than five minutes
- A full wedding video, lasting between 20 and 30 minutes, including the vows and toasts.
- There were two cameramen.
- Facilitator of video production
Your wedding highlights and full-length film will be professionally edited, scored, and delivered to you on a USB drive or streaming service.
Uncut or raw film is available for an additional price (usually around $1,500) and with the restriction that the couple must supply the hard drive.
While the specific items included in your wedding videography package can be tailored to your preferences, you can expect the following as standard with any professional service. Eight to ten hours of coverage is standard, and any time beyond that will incur additional fees of $200 to $500 each half hour to cover the videographer's and assistant's (if applicable) time, as well as the cost of additional video cards and time spent editing. In any case, don't fret if you anticipate a longer day than usual! This is typically enough time to do everything from getting ready for the wedding to cutting the cake.
However, your contract should cover all the major milestones along the way. This includes assisting the photographer during the preparation process, riding in with the happy couple to the ceremony location, filming the entire ceremony, and getting natural, unscripted footage during cocktail hour, the couple's entry to the reception, and the dances and speeches.
You should also factor in the cost of using your videographer's equipment, such as lavalier microphones (inconspicuous clip-on mini-mics attached to bodypack transmitters) and other essential additions like music beds. We strongly advise against paying any licencing costs, as the final product will only be used for non-commercial purposes.
Accessories for Your Wedding Videographer
You can expect to pay more for services that go beyond the standard offerings, just like you would with any other wedding provider.
So, what exactly is it that the majority of wedding video packages leave out? Additional fees will apply for the following four features:
Drone Footage
The use of a drone to acquire aerial shots of the wedding venue is something to consider if you want a comprehensive video of the big day.
Riding on a drone's wings, one can take aerial footage from a great height. Because of this, your wedding video will be more engaging and exciting, and you can take in the complete spectacle of the event without having to be in the thick of things yourself.
An additional $2,000-$3,000 is typically needed to hire a cameraman who is both familiar with and equipped for this particular kind of filming.
Travel
Destination weddings have mostly supplanted traditional ceremonies. When hiring a cameraman from within your own city, however, you must bear the cost of his or her travel to and from the location.
Your videographer's trip expenses, including lodging, food, and transportation, will likely fall under your purview. There may be additional costs associated with weddings that take place in exotic locations.
Additional Refinements Made After Filming
All bridal videographers edit the footage they shoot before handing it to the client, but if you want more changes made, that will drive up the final cost.
Grech believes that the cost will be at least $750 each additional edit, though this can vary greatly depending on the specifics of your post-production requests.
Any Other Filming Besides the Wedding Day
There will also be an additional fee if you want to have other events filmed in addition to your wedding day. Check out our list of wedding videographers to help you capture your special day.
A Wedding Videographer: Do You Need One?
Just as you would with any other professional vendor, it's wise to consider the benefits and drawbacks before making a final decision. Before signing a contract with a wedding videographer, carefully consider the associated expenses and benefits.
Ask yourself if it's worth it to include a video in your wedding budget as you plan your big day, whether you're doing it on your own or working with a professional wedding planner.
In What Circumstances Does It Make Sense?
Most of us would love to relive our wedding days if we could, and if we hire a professional videographer to record the entire event, we can.
If you have the funds and are interested in reliving your wedding through the eyes of your guests, hiring a videographer is a great idea, especially if you were busy in another part of the venue taking photos during key moments. Having said that, don't forget to reward your videographer with a gratuity for a job well done!
When Is It Not a Good Investment?
For a wedding with few guests and no reception planned, it may not be cost-effective to hire a videographer. If there are fewer people in attendance, the cameras will be more obvious, and the natural moments that make wedding films so special may be lost. It's quite acceptable for a couple to hire a videographer even if they're having a small wedding.
If money is tight, hiring a videographer may not be worth it. If you had to choose between a wedding video and images, what would you do? Because in 20-30 years, we don't know what kind of technology will exist to play back videos. Check out our post on WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHERS
The Best Ways to Look for a Wedding Videographer
Finding a videographer, or any other vendor, for that matter, for a wedding, through personal connections is optimal. It's possible that your wedding venue or coordinator can recommend some of the best vendors in your area.
Finding a wedding videographer on social media, particularly Instagram, can be an effective technique as well. This is where many videographers will publish or share their current work.
The typical cost of a wedding video will vary based on the services you require. While most videographers will create a single film for a wedding, some may provide several shorter segments in addition to the lengthier feature. Raw files could also be made available to you by others who are prepared to share them. Before making any final selections, you should read your contract carefully so that you understand exactly what you'll be receiving following the wedding.
Talk freely with your pro about the style of video you're hoping to achieve. There are a wide variety of videography techniques, so it's a good idea to examine some wedding movies and your chosen vendor's reel to get a sense of the kinds of shots you like.
Include clips from the ceremony and reception, of course, but also think about including some behind-the-scenes footage that you'll want to watch again and again. Work with your service provider to create a shot list that captures the moments you want to remember, whether that's entire speeches from the bridal party or interviews with special guests. Alternatively, let your professional lead the direction of the video if you're not sure what you want. They should know best, after all. You should take your time to make sure the final product is precisely what you want before hiring a wedding videographer because it is an important investment.
Keep in mind that when it comes to wedding videographers, "average" is just that. Different services and durations of work result in different total costs, as does the amount of time a professional must spend travelling to and from their location. If you like to have a memorable keepsake of your wedding day, the initial investment in wedding videography is certainly worth it.
Although you might not be able to take in all the sights and sounds yourself, a videographer will be present to record your special day for posterity. If you can afford it, hiring a videographer to capture your special day is an excellent investment that can pay huge dividends when you look back on your wedding years from now.
Conclusion
If you're planning a wedding, hiring a photographer is certainly a no-brainer, but you might be on the fence about investing in a videographer. If you want a preview reel, highlight video, or the whole shebang, having a professional capture those moments is essential. Videographer rates in Australia average $2,702 per job. The average cost of a videography package is from $2,000 to $3,500. Packages typically include at least 10 hours of coverage from your videographer on your big day.
As with any other wedding service, additional services will cost extra money. Features like the ones below will cost extra. Cameras from above, background music, more cameras, and a hard disc. Hiring a cameraman who is skilled and well-equipped for this type of filming normally costs an extra $2,000. A videographer may not be worth the expense for a wedding with few attendees and no reception. Costs for wedding videos often range from $2,000 to $5,000.
In the case of weddings, some videographers will produce a single long film, while others may split the event into multiple shorter portions. It's important to look over your wedding contract thoroughly before making any final decisions. The money spent on a professional videographer is money well spent. It's a good idea to see some wedding films and the demo reel of your prospective videographer to get a feel for the styles they employ.
Content Summary
- Fortunately, modern weddings have advanced to the point that you may hire a photographer and videographer to record nearly every aspect of the big day.
- It's probably a given that you'll hire a photographer for your wedding, but you may be debating whether or not to fork over the extra cash for a videographer.
- Due to the transience of the moment, it is essential to employ the services of a professional photographer.
- Every moment of the marriage, from the bride's arrival to the attendees' wild dancing, should be captured in stunning detail by a professional photographer.
- Having a professional capture those moments is crucial, whether you're getting a preview reel, highlight video, or the whole shebang.
- Around half of actual couples plan to employ a videographer for their wedding day, with 86% choosing to hire a professional.
- Consider the length of time you'll be working with your videographer, the quality of the footage you'll be receiving, and the number of videographers you'll need when estimating the total cost of your video project.
- Adding a wedding videographer to your wedding budget is a great idea, and fortunately, it is one of the few areas where the average cost has stayed the same over the past several years.
- A supplier's average cost varies by state because of the variety of suppliers in each area.
- The amount will be impacted most by the number of hours of coverage.
- Your wedding highlights and full-length film will be professionally edited, scored, and delivered to you on a USB drive or streaming service.
- While the specific items included in your wedding videography package can be tailored to your preferences, you can expect the following as standard with any professional service.
- Eight to ten hours of coverage is standard, and any time beyond that will incur additional fees of $200 to $500 each half hour to cover the videographer's and assistant's (if applicable) time, as well as the cost of additional video cards and time spent editing.
- This is typically enough time to do everything from getting ready for the wedding to cutting the cake.
- However, your contract should cover all the major milestones along the way.
- The use of a drone to acquire aerial shots of the wedding venue is something to consider if you want a comprehensive video of the big day.
- When hiring a cameraman from within your own city, however, you must bear the cost of his or her travel to and from the location.
- There will also be an additional fee if you want to have other events filmed in addition to your wedding day.
- Before signing a contract with a wedding videographer, carefully consider the associated expenses and benefits.
- Ask yourself if it's worth it to include a video in your wedding budget as you plan your big day, whether you're doing it on your own or working with a professional wedding planner.
- If money is tight, hiring a videographer may not be worth it.
- If you had to choose between a wedding video and images, what would you do?
- Finding a videographer, or any other vendor, for that matter, for a wedding, through personal connections is optimal.
- Finding a wedding videographer on social media, particularly Instagram, can be an effective technique as well.
- The typical cost of a wedding video will vary based on the services you require.
- Talk freely with your pro about the style of video you're hoping to achieve.
- Include clips from the ceremony and reception, of course, but also think about including some behind-the-scenes footage that you'll want to watch again and again.
- Work with your service provider to create a short list that captures the moments you want to remember, whether that's entire speeches from the bridal party or interviews with special guests.
- Alternatively, let your professional lead the direction of the video if you're not sure what you want.
- You should take your time to make sure the final product is precisely what you want before hiring a wedding videographer because it is an important investment.
- If you like to have a memorable keepsake of your wedding day, the initial investment in wedding videography is certainly worth it.
- If you can afford it, hiring a videographer to capture your special day is an excellent investment that can pay huge dividends when you look back on your wedding years from now.