Choosing a videographer for your wedding is no small task. To ensure that you receive the best wedding video possible, your search has to be thorough and comprehensive.
This is what you should consider when looking for the best wedding videographer in Chicago:
Look For Online Reviews and Testimonials
One of the best ways to discern between the large numbers of videographers available in the Chicago area is to find out what their previous customers think of them.
Check out Yelp, Angie’s List, or other review sites to get a sense of their business from a consumer’s perspective.
Most of these reviews will be relatively accurate accounts of what you might be in for should you decide to hire a specific videographer. You can also ask friends and family to see if they’ve worked with anyone they can recommend. In some cases, you may be able to get a lower rate.
Browse Their Services
Once you’ve trimmed down your list of potential videography companies, it’s time to take a look at what services they actually offer. At this point, you should already be thinking about what kind of video packages you are interested in. Would you prefer a package that had photo and video bundled together? Is there a specific style that you want your wedding video to be shot in?
Checking out their services can also give you a good idea of what to expect from a logistical standpoint. What kind of equipment will they be bringing? Do they typically employ assistants?
Get as much information about the company as possible so you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
Ask to See Past Work
But you won’t be able to make the final decision until you take the time to peruse their past projects.
Many companies will have their portfolios posted on their websites. If they don’t, you can always request that a demo reel be sent to you. Not only will you get a sense of their style, but you’ll also be able to gauge quality. If they don’t have a portfolio or demo reel ready for you to view, they are obviously just starting out as videographers.
There’s nothing wrong with hiring budding professionals, and you might be able to get them for a much cheaper price. However, you are taking a risk. You can’t be sure how your wedding video is going to turn out, and if you end up unhappy with the final product, there’s not much that can be done.
Do You Get Along With Them?
If you’re satisfied with their work, contact them for an in-person interview.
It’s true that most business regarding wedding videographers can be completed over the phone, but a videographer is essentially another guest at your wedding. This person will be interacting with your friends and family, and you have to make sure that they have an agreeable temperament. If you don’t get along with your videographer, it can cause you and your wedding party more stress on the day of the ceremony.
As stated before, friends and family can be very useful when finding a videographer that you would be more likely to be compatible with, but you have to spend some time with them in-person before you know for sure. You should also make sure that they are flexible. If they are not receptive to any special requests you might have, it may not be a good idea to hire them.
Make Sure They Are Available
After you’ve met your perfect videographer and decided that you want to move forward, it’s time to start planning the day. First of all, tell them when they would need to be available for your wedding. Do you just want a video of the ceremony, or is your wedding going to be a multi-day affair?
Make sure they are available to document the duration of your wedding, or you’ll find yourself back at square one.
It’s imperative that you are very clear about your schedule from the beginning so there is no risk of miscommunication. If your videographer would need to travel a long distance for your wedding, it’s important that you discuss all of those logistics beforehand so minimize confusion.
Work Within Your Budget
Lastly, make sure you work within your budget. Weddings are getting more and more expensive, but high-quality wedding videography in Chicago does not need to break the bank.
Always remember, a higher price is not always an indicator of quality. With the number of options you have in this city, you owe it to yourself to shop around until you find the perfect videographer for you and your partner.
For more information on our wedding videography services, come visit us at our studio or send us a message. We understand that planning a wedding can be stressful, so we’ll work with you to find the best package that will help you stay under budget and give you confidence that your wedding video is in good hands.