In the past few years, a number of wedding planning websites have published big lists of questions that you should ask your vendors. Some of them are really good (this one from The Knot is a good starting point) and some of them kind of read like they were written in 1981 (while researching this post, one from a very popular, well known site, referenced making sure you get a DVD instead of a VHS and talked about digital tapes). In any case, it’s a move towards helping couples make an educated choice with their vendors and it’s SO needed. You’re spending a lot of money on your wedding (no matter your budget, this is the most expensive party you will ever throw); spend that money wisely.
Sadly, all too often, the first question that we hear is ‘What’s the cheapest package you have?’
And then a little piece of my heart just dies.
Don’t settle for cheap, friends. Figure out your budget, then invest it on the things that are important to you. If that’s not video, I’m okay with that.
What I’m not okay with is finding the cheapest vendor your can (in any category) just so you can have it. That vendor might not fit your style, they may not even be able to deliver a product, and sometimes aren’t even a person you would want at your wedding (ask any wedding vendor, there are horror stories).
Sometimes you will need to give a good hard look at each service you’re booking for your wedding and decide if you really want it. You may need to prioritize and go without some things to be able to afford the things you really want. I know it isn’t popular advice in our ‘have it all’ world, but I believe it’s better to decide not to have a service than to spend a lot (because often ‘cheap’ wedding vendors still cost quite a lot of money) on something that is not quality, something that will not add to your day or your memories from the day. (Want to know why I think wedding video is a good investment? Check out our “Why Wedding Video” series!)
When you do decide which vendors you really want to invest in, you need to carefully research them. Make sure they are a good investment. And you SHOULD ask that person some legitimate questions. You should see their work and decide if you like it. If you don’t like their work, you will not like your wedding video. So don’t waste money on it.
You should also have a contract. One that specifies what you’ll get, when you’ll get it, and all the other details that go into your day. You should ask all your ‘what ifs’ and make sure all your bases are covered.
Any vendor that gives you the run around when you ask questions about the service they provide is probably not one you want to invest in for your wedding day.
Most of the commonly asked questions are answered on our FAQ page (though I’m always happy to chat about them too) but we also wanted to go more in-depth with some of the recommended ‘ask your videographer’ lists.
Big List of Questions: At the Wedding