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Will your wedding video bring you tears of joy or years of pain?
Your wedding day is a dream come true. So to make sure your dream does not become a nightmare, Caffeinated Artists is proud to
offer you our "blueprint" to help you when shopping for a wedding video production company. These tips will provide you the insight
you need so you are confident that your wedding day is captured into a beautiful keepsake to cherish forever. No matter which video
production company you choose, we hope you find the following beneficial.
If you have any questions or you need clarification, click here to send us a response: contact caffeinated-artists.com, or call
one of our Producers at 610-275-2375. We are here to help you.
- Paul Martinetz, President
Caffeinated Artists
Every wedding is unique, so your video tape requirements can vary based on your goals, the location, the setting, the length, etc.
Once you describe your interests, make sure you are offered packages that meet your expectations and budget. This can range from
one camera for the wedding ceremony only; up to multiple cameras, multiple locations, editing and special services that make your
video an extraordinary personal experience. The only limits are your interest, your imagination and your budget.
I. Experience
- How many years have they been in the video production business?
- How many weddings have they shot?
- Do they have a demo tape?
After reviewing their demo tape, let them know if there was any part you particular liked and any part you did not like.
- Who will shoot the wedding and what is their personal experience with weddings?
- Can they provide two or more referrals?
II. Pre-Production
The Pre-production stage should ultimately outline all the aspects of the wedding day shoot and post-wedding options. There
are so many issues to consider, so you should feel comfortable that you and the video production company (Video Producer) have the
same expectations. The following questions and issues should be addressed:
Wedding Day
- The Video Producer should request to do a site inspection of the places where you want shooting to take place. If you have to bring
it up, proceed with caution! The chance of successfully shooting a wedding without seeing the location(s) is unfeasible.
- The Video Producer should also attend the wedding rehearsal. Take time during this to assure the Video Producer is satisfied with
their needs. During the "big day", you should not have to think of the videotaping process, so the rehearsal is the last time you may talk.
- During your wedding day, what do you want captured on the video? If it is out of the ordinary, discuss this up-front.
Most expectations for videotaping are the ceremony and the reception, to include bridal party introductions, the first dance,
the toast, guests dancing, cutting the cake, the garter/bouquet ceremony, interviewing guests, and dances with parents.
Here are other happenings that can also be videotaped:
- The bridal party getting ready
- The bridal party pictures
- The bridal party ride from place to place
- The cocktail hour
- During your wedding day, what do you NOT want captured on the video? For example, the biggest request we hear is not to
interview (bother) the guests.
- What video format will be used during the wedding day? With today's technology, digital video is the recommended format as
the picture and sound is clear and crisp. The image and sound will not deteriorate no matter how many copies are made. If the
Video Producer uses a non-digital format, we recommend not using them.
- Is videotaping permissible in all locations? Are there any limitations? For example, cameras must be in the back, no extra
lights allowed, no recording microphones on the stage/pulpit, etc.
- Where will the video equipment be placed? Does the Videographer need to roam? If so, where? Make sure it is not distracting
to the ceremony.
- Do you need a second camera? This may just be a camera on a tripod in the back capturing the whole event. If the budget
permits, we recommend this, for at least the ceremony, to assure there is a back-up recording.
- How will the vows be captured? We prefer a wireless lavaliere (clipped to lapel) of the groom or person conducting the ceremony.
This assures the vows will be heard on tape.
The person conducting the service may already be wearing some form of a microphone already. The Video Producer can record sound off
of this, but the primary objective is to assure the microphone is good quality and reliable.
- Do you require extra lighting? With today's camera's, this is rarely required for the ceremony. If the ceremony is in
a dark setting, discuss lighting options with the Video Producer.
For the reception, again, today's cameras should capture the event without additional lighting. However, we recommend an
on-camera light just in case.
- What is the Videographer(s) schedule the day of the wedding? Make sure that they are sure of the start time and location
for each event.
Post-Wedding
- The Video Producer should discuss and explain editing options to enhance your recorded day. This service is
NOT required but recommended if your budget permits. A sample of common editing options include:
- Removing unnecessary or unusable sections of the recorded event
- Adding music for enhancement
- Adding an opening title or titles for each event of the day
- Adding one or more picture/film/video collage of bride and groom, to include growing up, dating, the wedding day, the honeymoon, etc.
- What format do you require? Most are VHS and/or DVD. If DVD, ask about DVD Authoring services. Authoring creates menus and chapters
for quick and easy navigation throughout the DVD. For example, you can jump right to the toast at the reception, then jump over to the
wedding ceremony.
- What is the best format for quality and long-term durability? Although you may not have a DVD player, we recommend getting a DVD
copy. DVD's are the most durable consumer format that should last for generations.
- The total cost should include at least one tape or DVD for the bride and groom. Nevertheless, additional copies can be ordered
for family, friends, guests, etc. Make sure you discuss the cost of this service.
III. The Wedding Day
- If the pre-production was planned properly, there should be nothing you need to do or worry about.
- If schedules/events change, try to inform the Videographer if possible. We recommend assigning a bridal party
representative (before the wedding day) to communicate things like this throughout the day with the Videographer.
Swapping cell phone numbers is recommended for immediate communication (on vibrate mode only!)
- If you want something videotaped that was not discussed, just ask. An experienced Videographer should inform
you if a conflict arises. For example, you ask the Videographer to tape the bridal party relaxing before the reception,
but you also expected the cocktail hour to be taped, which runs parallel.
IV. Terms and Conditions
- Option packages may not be discussed or offered till the video production company (Video Producer) understands your
interests. If you are initially shopping for price on a general level, simply ask for a range of services and rates; but
understand, these are general and may not relate to your wedding.
- Once rates are offered, make sure you understand what is included. For example:
- Do you get to keep all the footage shot at the wedding?
- Who keeps the final master tape before copies are made?
- What if you have a problem with the tape/DVD over time? Is there a warranty?
- What are the rates if copies are required over time?
- Can you make your own copies of the tape/DVD?
- What happens if there was a problem during the wedding day and certain events were not taped, as requested?
- Is there a cancellation policy for each party?
- What are the payment terms? We recommend not paying more than 50% prior to the wedding day.
- Make sure all expectations are stated in a written agreement and signed by the Video Producer. You should be expected to
sign for mutual comfort.
Again, if you have any questions or you need clarification, click here to send us a response:
contact caffeinated-artists.com, or
call one of our Producers at 610-275-2375. We are here to help you.
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