What to look for when hiring a wedding videographer in Wilmington

Weddings require countless hours of planning, all for one day that goes by in the blink of an eye. Years from now, you’ll undoubtedly want to show off your wedding photos to future generations — but what if you could also give them the full experience? Wedding videography allows you to capture all of the special moments of your big day in real-time, so you can relive everything from your “I dos” to your first dance as newlyweds.

In fact, foregoing wedding videography is one of the most common regrets we hear from married couples. Photos are wonderful, but there’s something extra special about seeing your wedding day play out on video!

If you’re looking to hire a wedding videographer in Wilmington, NC, here are a few factors to consider as you seek the best match.

Your Videography Style & Preferences

There are several wedding videography styles to choose from, with most wedding videographers specializing in one. Here are five categories to consider:

1. Traditional
2. Cinematic
3. Documentary
4. Storytelling
5. Short Form

Sit down with your partner to determine your ideal result. Do you prefer a moody, romantic style that cinematic videography can achieve? Or do you want more raw footage that truly captures the moment as a documentary style would produce? If you’re only interested in a quick highlight reel to share on social media, you may only want a short-form video. It’s up to you!

Next, you’ll want to think about must-have shots and how much coverage you want throughout the day. Will you pay a higher price tag to get priceless footage of you getting ready with your wedding party in the morning? If budget is a concern, perhaps you only want key moments like the ceremony, grand entrance, first dance, and toasts.

Get clear on any specific requests or unique elements of your wedding before researching and contacting potential videographers. That way, you’ll have a better idea of what makes someone a fit for your needs.

Researching Wilmington, NC Videographers

One of the best ways to find a great videographer is by asking friends, family members, or your wedding planner for recommendations. Since they’ll understand what you’re looking for, they’ll be able to help you determine whether someone is the right fit. Beyond referrals, it never hurts to search on Google and other wedding-related directories like The Knot and WeddingWire.

As you research potential wedding videographers in Wilmington, be sure to review their websites thoroughly. Explore their portfolios and scroll through their social media profiles to get a feel for their quality, style, and expertise. It’s also wise to read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of how it will be to work with them. But remember: Good reviews don’t mean their style aligns with your vision! So always make sure to qualify that you like the work posted on their website and social media.

Getting to Know Potential Videographers

Once you have a shortlist of potential wedding videographers, it’s time to start reaching out. Schedule consultations with each and show up prepared to share your wedding details, timelines, and expectations. Discuss their creative approach and how their style aligns with your needs, ensuring they understand your wedding day vision.

It’s also wise to ask about their experience in shooting weddings, as wedding videography is unique from other forms of videography. They should have lots of experience with timing the celebration and capturing all of the big moments throughout the day. You may also learn about their familiarity with local Wilmington wedding venues, which can make the planning process much easier.

Lastly, you’ll need to confirm that they are available on your wedding date and can provide services that fit your budget. Request information about their packages and pricing structure, clarifying details like hours of coverage, editing services, and availability of a second shooter. Also, be sure to ask about additional fees if your needs extend beyond a defined package, like adding extra hours or covering travel expenses for a destination wedding.

After meeting with all of the videographers on your list, you can compare the pricing and packages to make an informed decision.

Booking Your Wedding Videographer

You’ve found the one – the perfect Wilmington wedding videographer, that is. Congrats! Before diving into shot lists and timelines, you’ll need to carefully review the contract and take note of details like cancellation policies, delivery timelines, and rights to the footage.

If questions arise while reviewing your contract, don’t hesitate to reach out for clarification. This is the videographer you’ll work with throughout the process and even after your wedding day, so openness and transparency are key! You can discuss modifications or additions to the contract, but always respect the policies and standards they’ve set as a professional.

Once you’ve signed the contract and paid the required deposit, you’re all set to get started! Your new wedding videographer will guide you through each stage of the planning process, so don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way.

When your big day rolls around, you’ll be glad to know that every little detail is getting caught on video! But before that day comes, you need to hire a skilled and experienced wedding videographer, so focus on researching and evaluating your options to find the perfect fit.