Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and capturing those precious moments on video is essential to relive the magic for years to come.

Choosing the right wedding videographer is a crucial decision, as they will be responsible for creating a timeless keepsake of your special day. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
To help you make an informed decision, I’ve compiled a list of five essential questions every couple should ask their wedding videographer before booking.

5 Questions Every Couple Should Ask Their Wedding Videographer

1. What is Your Videography Style?

Wedding videography styles can vary significantly, and it’s important to choose a videographer whose style aligns with your vision. What style interests you the most?

Cinematic: This style feels like a movie, with dramatic angles, slow-motion shots, and a highly edited, polished final product.
Interview Style: These videos include interviews with guests, the wedding party, and sometimes the couple! Think of it like The Bachelor, or Hell’s Kitchen, where someone narrates their experience as it happens.
Documentary: This approach focuses on capturing the day as it unfolds naturally, with minimal interference and a more candid feel.
Traditional: This style is more straightforward, with a focus on capturing key moments like the ceremony, speeches, and first dance in a classic way.
Storytelling: This style weaves together interviews, voiceovers, and footage to tell the story of your relationship and wedding day.
Music only: Some films don’t include audio of speeches or ceremony vows. In my opinion, stay away from these videographers. Usually these are beginners or large companies who have to crank out wedding videos. To me, these aren’t films, they’re music videos.

Ask your videographer to show you examples of their previous work to get a sense of their style. Make sure their approach resonates with how you envision your wedding video.

2. What Packages Do You Offer, and What’s Included?

Wedding videography packages can vary widely in terms of pricing, hours of coverage, and deliverables. It’s important to understand exactly what you’re getting for your investment.

How many hours of coverage are included? Ensure the package covers all the key moments of your day, from getting ready to the reception. Most common packages are 6, 8, and 10 hours. However, if you have an experienced videographer, they will customize their package to fit the amount of hours you need.
How many videographers will be on-site? Having multiple videographers can ensure that different angles and moments are captured simultaneously. I know many videographers who work solo or in pairs. If you are getting ready with your fiance in separate hotel rooms at the same time, having two videographers is essential to capturing both perspectives, as one videographer can’t be in two places at once. This will increase the cost of your package, but it is well worth it. During the rest of the day, your main videographer will be with you and the second videographer will be capturing details of your venue, floral arrangements, the scenery, etc. These enhance your film and make it more immersive.
What is the final deliverable? Will you receive a highlight reel, a full-length video, or both? Are raw footage or additional edits included? Also consider how you will receive your deliverables. Will it be on Dropbox or Google Drive? Beginner videographers might do this. Shiang Studios uses Vidflow, which is a customized online gallery that enhances client delivery and is much better than Dropbox.
What is the turnaround time? Knowing when you can expect your video is important, especially if you’re planning to share it with friends and family. This can range from 1 month to 8 months. As long as you and your videographer are communicative about timelines and expectations, you shouldn’t have any issue with this.

Be sure to discuss any additional costs upfront, such as travel fees or overtime charges, to avoid surprises later.

3. Have You Worked at Our Venue Before?

Experience matters when it comes to wedding videography. If your videographer has worked at your venue before, they’ll already be familiar with the layout, lighting conditions, and any potential challenges. This can make a big difference in the quality of your video.

If they haven’t worked at your venue, ask if they’re willing to do a site visit beforehand. This will give them a chance to scout the location and plan their shots, ensuring they’re prepared to capture your day beautifully.

I’ve worked at multiple venues in the Boston area several times and know the layout and logistics of many. If I’m at a venue that I’ve never been to before, I arrive at least 30 minutes in advance to talk with staff, learn the layout, and capture scenery details.

4. How Do You Handle Audio and Lighting?

Great audio and lighting are essential for creating a high-quality wedding video. Poor audio can ruin even the most visually stunning footage, and bad lighting can make your video look amateurish.

How do you capture audio during the ceremony and speeches? Professional videographers often use lapel microphones or record directly from the sound system to ensure clear audio. I always have at least two sources of audio recording for all speaking portions of the day. Audio is a very important part of my wedding films and that is why I always ensure I’m recording backups.
What equipment do you use for low-light situations? Weddings often involve dimly lit venues, so it’s important that your videographer has the right tools to handle challenging lighting conditions. I will always bring lights that are not too obtrusive but allow me to capture the moment with excellent lighting. These will be placed in the corner or back of the reception and not in front of the speaker. Amateur videographers will not invest in lighting and will rely on their camera or bring lights that have poor output and have to be placed next to people speaking. (It will be annoying and blinding)

A skilled videographer will know how to adapt to different environments and ensure your video looks and sounds amazing, no matter the conditions.

5. Can I See Full Wedding Videos You’ve Created?

Asking to see complete wedding videos (highlight films, not just teasers) will give you a better sense of what to expect from your own video. Pay attention to:

The flow of the video: Does it tell a cohesive story of the day?
The quality of the editing: Are the transitions smooth, and does the pacing feel right?
The audio quality: Can you clearly hear the vows, speeches, and other important moments? Does the music overpower the speeches or vows? Is the transition from music to speeches smooth or choppy?
The overall feel: Does the video capture the emotions and atmosphere of the wedding.

#6: Bonus Tip - Trust Your Instincts

It’s also important to consider how well you connect with them on a personal level. Your videographer will be by your side throughout your wedding day, so it’s essential that you feel comfortable with them. Do they listen to your ideas and concerns? Do they seem genuinely excited about capturing your story? Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s okay to keep looking.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding video is more than just a recording; it’s a cherished memory that you’ll revisit for years to come. By asking these five questions, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a wedding videographer who can capture your day in a way that reflects your unique love story. Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or additional examples.

At Shiang Studios, I’m passionate about creating beautiful, heartfelt wedding videos that you’ll treasure forever. If you’re ready to start the conversation, I’d love to hear from you.

Contact me here.

Set up a complimentary consultation call with me here.

5 Questions Every Couple Should Ask Their Wedding Videographer