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The Biggest Mistake Couples Make When Hiring A Videographer

When you hire a videographer to capture your big day, you’re already avoiding the #1 regret most couples have about their wedding. But you’re not completely out of the woods yet! Unless you’re having a small, intimate wedding, the most common regret we hear from couples that hire a videographer is when their filming team consisted of only one filmer. A lone filmer package often comes with a tempting price reduction but also some serious compromises!

One Filmer Can’t Be In Two Places At Once

This snag usually hits first thing – even before the ceremony! During pre-wedding prep, it is nearly impossible for one filmer to capture great footage of all parties. Often times, couples are getting ready at the same time totally different locations, making it difficult for a single filmer to catch all of the awesome moments. Keep in mind these moments are some of the most special to look back on, filled with anticipation and excitement for the day ahead.

One Filmer Just Can’t Do It All

When you only have one person in charge of capturing your entire wedding on film, they are going to concentrate their efforts on what’s most important. Of course, they will follow your “must-haves” and do their best to get footage of all of the details they can, but some of the little moments that happen at the same time as your big moments won’t get on camera! Think little candid moments between your guests, B-roll shots of the venue and surrounding landscape, or some details not on your “must-haves” list like your photobooth or dessert table.

One Filmer Can’t Capture Multiple Angles

The best way to highlight the importance of having multiple angles is to imagine the moment you walk down the aisle. Do you want your single filmer to focus on the look on your face or the look on your spouse’s face? Then, as you recite your vows, imagine having two filmers posted in two inconspicuous spots capturing every touching moment vs. one filmer scrambling around your ceremony to try and grab every shot.

Two Filmers Capture Higher Quality

One of the best things about having multiple filmers is that when your film reaches the editing stage, there are multiple shots and extended footage to choose from. This allows your team to craft your wedding day into a true cinematic event. Your favorite films from when you were browsing for inspiration online definitely utilized at least two filmers, and aerial!

5 Things To Do Before Hiring A Wedding Videographer

So you know you want to hire a wedding videographer – great! You know you should book sooner rather than later in order to secure your first choice and to get this essential item checked off the list. But where do you start? If you follow these 5 steps, booking a videographer to capture your big day will not only be painless – it will be a fun and inspiring stop on your journey to saying “I do!”

1. Set A Budget

It’s important that you set a portion of your budget up for a videographer right from the get-go. But there’s a catch – don’t base it off of national averages! Consult with your planner about the market rate in your area.

2. Research

This stage may SOUND boring, but it’s actually the most fun! There are a ton of videographers out there, but it’s essential that you find one that matches your style, vision, and personality. Sit back and watch videos from every videographer in your area (you can find them easily using The Knot!). Take notes of the moments that made you tear up, or filled your heart with excited anticipation. What stands out as memorable to you?

3. Read Reviews

Great videographers are going to have great reviews! Take the time to read what previous brides and grooms have to say about their videographers. Keep an eye out for mentions of day-of interactions (“On the day of filming, our videographer, Larry, was awesome. He was kind and respectful and took amazing footage!”) raves about good communication (“From the very beginning the team was responsive and helpful with suggestions to help make the day one we would never forget.”) and accommodating editing requests (“During the entire process, she kept us in the loop, gave us a vast library of songs to choose from for our films, and most importantly, implemented any changes that we wanted to our films before we shared them with friends and family.”)

4. Ask Around

Consult with your planner or even other vendors you’ve already hired to see if they have any recommendations for phenomenal videographers. Wedding professionals are a great resource because they get to work with each other behind the scenes, and partner on weddings from start to finish!

Do you have friends or family that has gotten married recently? Ask them about their experience! Maybe they hired a videographer they absolutely loved, or talked to a few that may have been a good fit. (If they didn’t hire a videographer, you’ll hear about that regret too!)

5. Ask Questions

Once you’ve done your research, set up a few phone calls with different videographers. Of course, this is important so you can ask questions, but also so you can get a vibe for what it would be like to have them by your side on your wedding day. Be sure to ask lots of questions (we love this list from The Knot!)

10 Moments You’ll Definitely Want To Include On Your Must-Have Shot List

When you hire a videographer to film your wedding, it’s helpful to clue them into the aspects of your day that are most important to you to make your film exactly everything you’ve dreamed of! These are some of the most essential moments to include on your “must-haves” list, and the best way to relay them to your videography team!

Getting Ready – Guys AND Gals

The time spent getting ready on your big day is arguably favorite. It’s the “calm before the storm,” when everyone is relaxed and brimming with anticipation for the events to come. Make sure to ask your videographer about your timeline or adding a second shooter – that way they can capture BOTH parties in pre-wedding mode. It’s one of the only times you spend apart on your wedding day, and you will treasure watching the love of your life get ready for the big moment!

Details

Chances are, you spent months and months planning your wedding to make sure every detail was perfect – from the escort cards to the favors guests took home. Be sure to cue your videography team into any extra-special details, but don’t be afraid to include the usual stuff too! Create a little box with a copy of your invitation suite and let them know you’d love shots of your engagement ring, the custom champagne flutes, etc.

Aerial Footage Of Your Venue

If it’s permitted at your venue to capture aerial footage, this can be one of the most stunning and theatric moments of your wedding film. Seeing your venue from an aerial perspective is so special and the most dramatic way to take the memories of your day to the next level!

First Look

Whether you are doing a “first look” or seeing each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle, you’ll want to capture all of the romantic feels! This is another time when a second shooter comes in handy because they can capture both of your facial expressions. And don’t forget any other “first looks” throughout the day – consider your bridesmaids, father of the bride, siblings, etc. The looks of surprise and love are something you’ll definitely treasure.

Vows

It doesn’t matter if you wrote your own or are using traditional vows, you’ll want them captured on film! Give your team a heads up so they know the general timeline of your ceremony and whether your vows will be personalized or not so they can best capture them.

First Kiss As A Married Couple!

How could we leave out the first kiss? This may seem like an obvious one, but consider the moments surrounding the kiss. Do you want your film to feature “I now pronounce you…” Are you going to stop at the end of the aisle for a fun dip or fist pump?

Toasts

Believe it or not, the order of events during different wedding receptions varies a LOT! The more detailed your timeline is, the more likely it is that your filming team will be able to record every important moment. Providing a detailed list of who’s speaking when is extremely helpful!

First Dance

Your first dance with your new spouse, parent dances, and any other features dances are essential parts of any wedding film. Planning a surprise choreographed dance? Don’t let it be a surprise to your videographer!

Breaking Down The Dance Floor

Speaking of dancing, make sure your filmer knows to get out there on the dance floor. It’s where your guests will be letting loose and having a great time – so you’ll love all the different expressions they will capture!

Anything Totally Unique To Your Day

Are you doing a meaningful cultural tradition on your wedding day? Do you have custom details that took hours and hours to coordinate? Are you surprising everyone with a burger delivery at the end of the night? The more information your videography team has, the better footage they can get to create a truly holistic vision of your day!

Most Importantly…

Don’t Forget The Candid Moments!

The candid moments throughout your wedding day WILL be your favorite – trust us! If there are people you especially want candid shots of, don’t be afraid to provide pictures ahead of time. But for the most part, this is where you let your filmers do their thing. They are experienced professionals who’ve done this a time or two and know what to look for. Put your trust in them to create an incredible cinematic representation of your day.

Wedding Trends To Watch For In 2019

We’re barreling through 2019, and we know that you couples with a 2019 wedding date are already looking ahead to what will be on trend. When you film weddings, you pick up on subtle changes over time, hinting at trend changes that are on the horizon. These are a few of the things we noticed popping up in 2018 that will definitely explode onto the scene in 2019!

Photo: Jana Williams

Custom Cocktails

Couples are adding personality to every aspect of their wedding. One of our favorite ways is through custom cocktails! Share your two favorite drinks with your guests and put a fun spin on their traditional names to really make them stand out.

Photo: Rebecca Yale Photography

Micro Weddings

Formerly known as elopements or “intimate weddings,” micro weddings are quickly gaining popularity amongst brides and grooms. “In simple terms, a micro wedding is an abbreviated celebration of marriage that has only a handful of invited guests (commonly 20 or less), is shorter in duration and is more simple in format, relaxed in atmosphere and less stress to organize than a traditional wedding.” (Huffington Post)

Photo: Grant Daniels Photography

Rich Color Palettes

Yes, “millennial pink” certainly had its moment and then some. But in 2019 couples will be looking more towards rich color palettes of maroon and navy – and incorporating bright accents and make their details pop!

Custom Wedding Films

When it comes to memorializing your wedding day, it’s okay to want more than a standard wedding film! We have more and more couples requesting custom details such as aerial footage, same day edits, and pre-wedding love stories. Luckily, any byDesign wedding package can be totally customized to fit your dreams – so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and choose details that will really take your wedding film to the next level.

Photo: Greer Gattuso Photography

Statement Florals

Grand floral chandeliers, elaborate pampas grass displays, and bold texture combinations are on the horizon. Brides and grooms are branching out from roses and peonies and getting adventurous with florals!

4 Ways To Make Your Wedding Stand Out On Social Media

In today’s modern world of social media, everyone is eager is to make their wedding day stand out amongst the crowd. Video is the perfect way to do this. By going above and beyond the standard wedding video to a full cinematic experience of your big day, you and your guests will be able to relive every smile, kiss, and carefully curated detail for years to come. Take it one step further by adding one of these 4 options to your bDF film collection:

Love Story Film

At byDesign, we love to share the whole story of your love, and everybody knows that didn’t start at the wedding! To capture your love story, we spend up to 4 hours interviewing you both about how you fell in love, what you love most about one another, and your dreams for the future. What do you love to do together – play a round of golf, take the dog to the park, hang out at the local coffee shop? We’ll also incorporate footage of you doing the activities you love most to make it a complete visual of your lives together. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on your relationship and a beautiful way to share your journey with friends and family.

Rehearsal Dinner Film

One of the most overlooked events of a wedding is the rehearsal dinner. Typically, this is when those closest to you are all gathered together the night before your wedding to spend some quality time before you say “I do.” The anticipation in the air is palpable, and everyone will be so supportive and excited about your upcoming nuptials. Filming this event will capture incredibly special moments you wouldn’t even realize will end up being your most valuable!

Same-Day Ceremony Edit

One of the most unique films we offer is the same-day ceremony edit. Picture this: as your wedding night starts to wind down and you’re hand in hand with your new spouse, your faces suddenly pop up on the big screen and you’re able to experience your ceremony all over again – this time WITH your guests! For a same-day ceremony edit, we send one of our experienced editors to edit your film on the spot to turn it into a full cinematic event.

Honeymoon Film

Whether you’re looking for that perfect #wanderlust clip for Instagram or an invaluable way to preserve your memories from your honeymoon, byDesign Films has your back. We have filmers located throughout the United States and many filmers that will travel internationally. Avoid the awkward selfie stick photos and videos of you two and memorialize your honeymoon through a cinematic film!

4 Secrets From A Wedding Videography Team

As a nationwide wedding cinematography company, we have filmed hundreds of weddings over the years. After all of the laughs, tears, and lots and lots of tulle, we’re finally ready to share some of the secrets we’ve collected along the way.

1. We want you to give us your must-have list

When you hire byDesign to capture your wedding day, your personal Project Coordinator will share some films with you and ask you to explain what you like or don’t like. We want you to be honest and detailed! Everyone has a different style, so the more information you give us, the better we can make your film! Be sure to include the types of shots you want, the editing vibe that speaks to you (romantic, fun, etc.), and the music you love! In addition, don’t forget to list things that are important to your specific event. Are you really close with your grandmother? Are your bridesmaids doing a choreographed dance? Is there a specific part of your vows you want to hear in your highlight? No detail is too much when it comes to planning your wedding film!

2. But we also love when you give us some creative freedom

We LOVE what we do, and we’re pretty good at it too! You can trust that we will grab the extra shots that will memorialize your wedding day into a fully cinematic film. When couples are open to suggestions and ideas and thinking outside the box with us, that’s when we get the most authentic, fun, and unique footage. So don’t be afraid to try something new!

3. It’s essential to set reasonable expectations

Every single couple and wedding day is totally unique. While it’s great to watch other films to get a general idea of what you like and don’t like, don’t expect that your film will look exactly like someone else’s! Keep in mind that they may have different vendors, may have purchased a different film collection, and every detail will vary (which is what makes your day unique!) The best part is that you will love your wedding film more than any others because it highlights your family and friends, includes all of the moments you so meticulously planned, and features you as the star!

4. We love watching your films as much as you do!

Once your wedding film is complete, everyone on your bDF team watches it and revels in the beauty of the day. We tear up while you say your vows, we laugh during the garter toss, and we finish it feeling so grateful that we get to work with incredible clients like you!

What To Look For In A Wedding Videographer

If you’re planning a wedding, you’ve probably heard from multiple sources that you NEED to hire a videographer. When you’ve worked so hard to put together the day of your dreams, hand-selecting everything from the save the dates to the napkins, gathered together with all of your favorite people, you need to memorialize it on film. But where do you start? There are a ton of talented videographers in the wedding community, each with different strengths. We’re going to break down some of the things you should look for and questions you should ask in order to find a great fit for your wedding day.

Experience

This one is pretty simple, but when you’re browsing videographers online, make sure they have experience! Check out their film portfolio, go through their social media pages, read their reviews, and ask plenty of questions during your initial meetings. Here are a few questions you should have in your pocket:

  • How many years have you been filming weddings?
  • What are your package options?
  • What happens if there is a last minute emergency?
  • What is the editing process?

An experienced cinematography company should be able to answer all of these questions with ease and elaborate on them in a manner that makes you feel comfortable trusting them with filming one of the biggest days of your life.

In Line With Your Vision

When it comes to wedding films, there are an infinite number of different styles. Some videographers stick with an Indie moody style, while others strive for a dramatic and cinematic feel. Be sure to watch multiple films from each company to get a clear understanding of their style and the couples they typically work with. Can you picture you and your loved ones in their films? Do they capture the types of shots you would want? (Touching moments, detail shots, etc.) Does their editing style match with the vision you have for remembering your day?

Open Communication

Ideally, you’ll book your wedding videographer about a year in advance. That doesn’t mean, however, that you will only talk to them the day you book and the day you say “I do!” You want to partner with a company who keeps an open line of communication. A great cinematography company will keep in contact throughout your engagement – answering any questions, getting to know your other vendors, and understanding the “must-haves” for your wedding film. They will work to understand your dream wedding and how to best capture it on camera and preserve it as a memorable experience that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Great Relationship

Along with open communication, you want to have a great relationship with your wedding videography team. When you have someone following you around with cameras on the most important day of your life, you want to feel comfortable that not only will they capture the footage of your day just as you dreamed it, but also that they will put you at ease and be a friend. At byDesign Films, we employ an entire team whose goal is to establish a long and rewarding friendship with each of our clients. We want to know what inspires our couples, which family members are closest to your hearts, and how you fell in love in the first place, so that we can tell your entire story.

How To Plan Your Wedding Through Instagram

Now that you’ve said yes to marrying the love of your life, you’ve got a wedding to plan! But where in the world do you start? Would you believe if we said a great place to start is Instagram? You’re already spending a good chunk of time scrolling and double-tapping those images that inspire you, so why not put them to good use in planning your dream day?

Find and follow local vendors and wedding blogs

Pinterest may be great for inspiration, but maybe not so much when it comes to actually booking vendors in your area. That’s why Instagram is the perfect place to find very specific inspiration for your wedding. Start by searching local hashtags (#seattleweddingvideographer, #palmspringswedding, #bostonweddingvenue, #dallasweddingphotographer, etc.). Follow all of the accounts that speak to you. As they show up in your feed, pay attention to the other vendors they tag in wedding photos – you’ll get a good idea of vendors that are in your style and that are popular in the area!

Take advantage of the “save” feature

One of the coolest features of Instagram is the ability to save to different “collections.” You can create collections specifically for your wedding planning journey. Whether you want to create just one broad “wedding” collection, or a collection for each vendor type, or a collection for different themes/inspirations, use it in a way that works best for you.

Don’t be afraid to slide into the DM’s!

This may not be a secret, but wedding vendors LOVE Instagram! We use it for planning, inspiration, and collaborations, so it’s safe to say we spend a lot of time there. Don’t be afraid to use the direct messaging feature to start a conversation with your favorite vendors! Start by asking them about their availability and setting up a time to chat on the phone.

Once you’ve booked vendors, use it to share your vision with them

The best way to ensure that your wedding is everything you’ve ever dreamed of is to share those dreams! You may hear a song that you would love to have in your wedding film, or see a table setting that is perfectly chic, or get inspired by a photo of a bride embracing her grandmother right before the ceremony. Send those posts directly to your vendors so they can get a better understanding of your wedding vision.

Don’t forget about after the wedding!

Just because the wedding is over, doesn’t mean you should stop following your vendors! On the contrary, they’ll probably share sneak peeks, sentimental posts, and throwbacks featuring you and your new spouse! To make it even easier, make sure that all of your vendors know both of your Instagram handles so they can tag you every time they share!

4 Reasons You’ll Regret Not Hiring A Videographer For Your Wedding

If you ask couples about their biggest wedding regret, an alarming number say “not hiring a videographer.” For some reason, capturing your day on film doesn’t come as a priority for a lot of brides and grooms. But after all of your guests have gone home, and your delicious wedding cake goes stale, you will crave the ability to watch and relive the happiest day of your life over and over again. We’re diving deeper into the “why” of hiring a professional videographer for your wedding, starting with these 4 (big) reasons.

Video captures the day in ways photos just can’t

Wedding photos are an absolute necessity and something that you’ll treasure for years to come. That being said, a wedding film adds an extra dimension to your memories. Imagine watching your groom’s reaction during your first look, or your dad’s single tear during your first dance, or the way your Maid of Honor’s voice cracked when she recalled watching you fall in love. With today’s technology and editing expertise, not only can you watch these moments again, you get to experience them with cinematic quality when you hire an experienced videographer.

You get to experience moments you missed on your actual wedding day

You’ve definitely heard it before, but your wedding goes by in a flash! You will be torn a million different ways, and there’s just no way it’s possible for you to witness every incredible moment. A wedding film will allow you to see your groom getting ready, your guests’ reactions as you walk down the aisle, your wedding party dancing the night away. Being able to watch your wedding day in full, from start to finish, will give you a complete vision of everything you worked so hard to create!

You are at your most vulnerable on your wedding day

There are very few times in your life where you will wear your heart on your sleeve as much as on your wedding day. Through tears and laughter, hugs and kisses, rewatching those moments when you are most vulnerable will remind you of why you decided to get married in the first place (and give you ALL the warm and fuzzy feels!)

It preserves more than just your wedding

Your wedding is one of the few times in your life when all of the people you and your partner hold dear are gathered together. Of course, you want to capture your wedding, but you’ll find that you cherish the footage of your loved ones just as much!