As you’re planning the details of your wedding, you’ll likely think about how you want it captured on film. You’re going to want still photography, but what about a video of your ceremony and reception? Since you’ll probably drop some major money on a professional wedding videographer, it’s vital to keep some helpful tips in mind to ensure you’re booking the right person for the job.

Making Room in Your Budget

Kim Forrest from Wedding Wire divulges that the average cost for video services is around $1,600. Nevertheless, she considers them to be essential, pointing out several benefits gained from getting live footage of your affair:

• Videos capture movement and sound.
• Footage can be edited to produce an emotional, compelling final take.
• Your wedding video can help you relive the event.
• Wedding videos are shareable.

If you’re having difficulty making room for a videographer in your budget due to a cash crunch, you may need to consider your priorities and engage in some creative cost cutting. Alyssa Griffith at A Practical Wedding debuts some sample budgets, with fun ideas such as a backyard event catered by food trucks or a public park ceremony with a potluck-style meal. Your video and photo package can be flexible too, with possibilities such as hiring a photographer for a one-hour picture session or paying a talented art student for assistance. Choosing lower cost dessert options, such as cupcakes or pies from a local baker, can also help you contend with a money squeeze.

It’s Time To Go Shopping

Now that you’ve figured out a way to make videography for your wedding happen, you’ll need to evaluate the local pros carefully to select one that fits your desired style. You also want to ensure you get an experienced videographer whose services you’ll be happy with. The Knot offers some sage wisdom for hiring your vendor. First, you’ll need to consider the vibe you want for the final take. Two major styles, cinematic and documentary, currently dominate the videography market. While many professionals combine both approaches, you should know which one you prefer.

Beyond shooting and editing techniques, you’ll also want to think about the cameras themselves. Many video pros have converted to digital equipment, but a few may rely on analog versions for special techniques. You also must decide how many cameras you want at your affair. The Knot recommends using two separate video devices, as you’ll get multiple perspectives and angles for the final production.

Next, you may want to consider whether to hire a firm that can do both video and still photography or whether to select two separate vendors. While picking a company capable of both can save you time and possibly money, you must figure out if this approach will work best for your event. If you have two different aesthetics for your photos and video, it’s important to confirm that multiple professionals from the same company will be able to meet your standards.

A Few Final Words

In addition to these tips, don’t forget to get other essential questions answered before you sign an agreement or pay any money. You should verify that your chosen vendor will have no problems working a same-sex wedding, but selecting an LGBTQ-friendly videographer in the first place will save you that hassle. Also, read previous customer feedback, preview the company’s work and review your contract’s fine print.

The Knot reveals that photo and video services make up around 10 to 12 percent of most wedding budgets. You’ll likely spend a significant chunk of change, but you can make room in your budget by prioritizing and adopting cost-slashing solutions. When you’re booking a wedding videographer, it’s critical to shop around, ask the right questions and know what you want from the final take.