Tag: Wedding Videographer

5 Reasons Why We’re the Best at Capturing South Asian Weddings

Have you ever been a part of a south Asian wedding? They are one of the grandest of weddings in the world. Well, by South Asian we are referring to countries India, Pakistan and Srilanka. And right now we are specifically talking about India as it makes up for most of the South Asian population in America.

Indian weddings take place over a lavish affair of 2-3 days. It comprises a lot of vibrancy from the decor to the rituals and attires. It’s all about glamor, lavish decor, elaborate rituals, and lots of enjoyment! If you are preparing for your own Indian wedding, this might be a good read!

The wedding begins with rituals like Sagai (engagement), Haldi ceremony (where a holy turmeric paste is applied on the bride and groom’s body for good luck and good looks!) and Sangeet (where the friends and relatives of the bride and groom engage into an elaborate song and dance session) and proceeds to the main event of the wedding ceremony.

The lavish and larger than life celebrations of an Indian wedding deserve to be captured flawlessly and with utmost care. We at byDesign Films understand the requirements and challenges of an Indian wedding. For your understanding, we would like to give you 5 reasons to hire us for your upcoming South Asian wedding.

We capture the vibrancy perfectly

There is no doubt about the vibrancy and vividness of an Indian wedding. We understand how much attention is given to every corner of the wedding venue or that gorgeous Kundan-work jewelry on the bride or the gorgeous colorful attires worn by everyone. An Indian wedding is anything but neutral! People love experimenting with new colors, from light to the darkest and the make-up is on point. Photographs do not do justice to all the liveliness and it can only be captured in its true essence by our professional videographers.

Your details deserve videography

From the floral wall that your parents have carefully selected for behind the podium and the brilliant flower decor everywhere, to the delicate jewelry on you and the intricate work on your bridal lehenga, your wedding will be made up of billions and trillions of detailing. While the photos can capture those details brilliantly, they still can’t beat the exceptional brilliance of videography.

We capture the rituals from start to end

South Asian weddings, especially Indian weddings comprise various rituals that take place over a couple of days. Such rituals deserve to be saved as videos due to their elaborateness. Hiring a videographer would ensure those rituals are not just saved as moments but as a series of celebrated moments! You wouldn’t want want to miss an important part of a ritual that is left out in between photo-shots.

We capture everything. Really, everything!

On your wedding day, you will be totally engrossed at the moment and the last thing you will be worried about is whether or not the whole event is being properly being captured. Well, and that’s how we want you to be! As you would be too busy with the rituals, interacting with so many people all the once and managing to carry your gorgeous look for the whole day, it’s obvious to miss a lot! You wouldn’t know what everyone wore or ate or how they participated in the rituals. And that is where the expert videography by byDesign Films steps in! We’ll capture every little moment of your wedding from the moment it begins till the time of your ‘Bidai’ to ensure you can relive them all your life!

Why not?

A perfect combination of all the above-mentioned reasons, why not? Your wedding is the happiest day of your life. It is the biggest celebration of your life. It deserves, rather demands to be saved in the best possible form. And what’s even better than wedding photography? The answer is wedding videography.

The colorful and detailed beauty, richness, and grandeur of an Indian wedding is something else. It’s magical. It’ll be one of the most magnificent events you will attend in your lives, in case you still haven’t. And if you are the one that’s going to be the bride, then you know what you are in for! The grandeur of this once-in-a-lifetime occasion is unparalleled. And we at byDesign Films excel at making it a rocking affair and a super happy-ever-after!

5 Fabulous Reasons to Have a First Look at your Wedding

In years past people have been believing that seeing your wife before the wedding ceremony brings bad luck for the groom. However, the progressive world has evolved since then and most couples have stopped being superstitious about these things. More and more couples are opting to have a first look at their weddings.

A first look is relatively a modern custom where the bride and groom see each other for the first time in the wedding attire, earlier than at the aisle. It’s the moment of revealing the couples’ wedding look to each other before the wedding ceremony. It is a great concept and is becoming popular by the day. If you are planning to tie the knot, it’s worth a consideration. Let us take you through some of the reasons why you should consider having the first look at your wedding.

First look brings the best look

Since it’s done at the beginning of the day, you are your freshest best! Your look and attire are flawless at that time, hence, it’s the perfect moment to capture your perfect looks. As the day progresses, which will be real quick we might add, your look is not going to stay as immaculate as it did early in the day. Therefore, this time is best to have some great wedding photography.

Great to calm the wedding jitters

Pre-wedding jitters are understood and no one has escaped from them. However, the first look can help ease those butterflies. During the first look, you and your partner get some quality time to be alone and calm each other’s anxiety down. Plus, you get out of that ‘will he like my look?’ or the ‘how do I look?’ thoughts as you walk the aisle! The first look gives you ample time to discuss how great you both look and we all would agree to that – once your partner compliments you, the world becomes a better place already.

For that precious alone time before the big exchange

Your first look is ironically the first time being single and alone with your partner and also your last, and by that we mean, you won’t be single anymore when you walk down that aisle. So if you decide to go for your first look, you would be spending some quality time with your partner before you both get sucked into the celebrations. Then it’s all about being surrounded by friends and relatives.

Gorgeous photo ops

With first look come fresh appearances and solitude of you both. This means – great opportunities for clicking your wedding portraits. In fact, if you have decided to hire a wedding videographer, even photos won’t be able to do justice to your first look. That first expression of your partner when he sees you all dolled up for your big day is too precious to be captured only in photos. And such wedding photo ops are more vital during the winters when you have a lesser number of hours of natural light needed for a perfect wedding photoshoot.

Save time for your guests

Getting your first look means you can have your wedding photoshoot before the ceremony begins. Which in turn saves a lot of time which is usually taken up by wedding portraits. That, in turn, gives you ample time to spend with your guests and enjoy your happiest day with them. Since you are done with most of the photoshoot for the both of you during your first look, you can utilize and devote time after the ceremony to your family and friends. Well, after all, their purpose is the same as yours – to celebrate your love!

Times have changed and superstitious beliefs have given way to progressiveness. That being said, it is still a personal choice as a couple has other reservations when it comes to having the first look at their wedding. This happens due to various reasons like a couple might not be comfortable displaying their emotions or might want to save time for the wedding celebrations only. However, most of the time, the pros outweigh the cons.

5 Tips for a Cozy 2021 Winter Wedding

Tis the season of cozy cuddles, warm blankets and smokin’ hot cocoa. If you think your upcoming winter wedding is going be challenging, think of these things and relax. After all, such a romantic occasion calls for all things romantic like these. Love is all you need, they say and cuddles, blankets, and hot cocoa are indeed all things love!

However, apart from these things, there are a few others that you can embrace to have a perfect and romantic winter wedding. We have shortlisted the five most important factors that you need to keep in mind while planning your winter wedding. Read to know more.

Bundle up

Whether it’s you, your partner, or all your guests, ensure that everyone is dressed keeping in mind the weather conditions. You could remind them about it via the invite, hinting at the climate and its Dos and Donts. It is advisable to invest in a cozy pair of tights that you can wear underneath your dress, in case your legs aren’t exposed by it. Another great idea would be to opt for a wedding dress with long sleeves to keep away from the chill. Let’s remind you that at times, silhouette makes all the difference, and sleeves do not always matter. You can look as sexy as you want to look despite being fully clothed. Pick a silhouette that flaunts your body while keeping you warm from the inside.

Say hello to winter wedding accessories

You have heaps of winter accessories and you don’t repeat them often. But did you know, those winter accessories can help you get through that chill on your wedding evening? Yeah, that chic cape or that glam faux fur throw that you saw at Nordstrom will prove to be your perfect companion. You could also be a trendsetter wearing denim or leather jackets over your wedding dress. A fuzzy warm scarf would also do the trick, you could also opt for a glitzy one and take the glam quotient a notch up. For a winter wedding, do not hesitate to add dark and bold colors. They add an elegant touch to your wedding and the effects of it on your wedding photography are spectacular.

Take care of your guests

Given the chill, do not forget to ensure that your wedding venue is a comfortable cozy place for your guests to enjoy every moment of your wedding. Start with a coat check right as they enter. Inform them well about the coat check (maybe through the wedding invite) so that they do not hesitate to wear coats and land up sneezing at your wedding. Pick a nice hot drink for your guests on arrival, like a hot toddy bar, cocoa, soup, or hot chocolate. For outdoor weddings, you could add an ample stock of pashminas and blankets for your guests so they can beat the chill with ease. You could also keep heaters or fire features at convenient gaps. Candles are another great way to add mild heat, romance, and light to an outdoor wedding.

Pay attention to the timing

We all know that with winters come early dusks. Getting your wedding photography in natural light might be a challenge. Therefore, remember to get your wedding portraits done before the dusk strikes. Another challenge would be getting an outdoor shoot, however, with well-thought-of plans, that can be achieved perfectly. Dress keeping in mind the climate conditions, wear proper shoes in case you are planning to shoot in the snow and do it before the night falls. You don’t want to pose while freezing yourself away. The wedding videography should also be timed carefully.

Prepare for all things winter!

Winter brings with it chill, extreme chill at times, snow, blizzards, and what not! As romantic as it feels, winter can be really harsh at times. Keeping all that in mind, you should do all the needful preparations like the arrangement of parking in close proximity of the wedding venue only, well-heated smoking zones for those who want to go out for a smoke and other such things. Have back up plans regarding your photoshoot or videography in cases of blizzards. And do not forget about plan Bs for suppliers or contractors for specific purposes.

These are pretty much all the important stuff that you really need to care about while planning for your winter wedding. If you are cautious about these things then you are all set for a memorable wedding, which everyone would be able to enjoy and cherish. For more inspiration on weddings check out the rest of our blog.

Wedding Planning During COVID-19

You get to hear so much about quick fixes and crisis aversion while planning a wedding, don’t you? From a tear in your train to a broken heel of your bridal shoes, everything can be fixed and saved. But what do you do when a pandemic hits just when you are in the thick of wedding planning? No wedding magazine or bridal blog quite prepares you for something like this. Because this is not exactly something that happens so often and for sure not something that even occurs to us to prepare for!

But one day, in the middle of switching color samples for your wedding decor and cake tasting, you hear the news. That Covid-19 is here, and here with a fury which is taking countless people in! Between your own share of, ‘Oh, this wouldn’t impact us’, and waking up in cold sweat in the middle of the night in a red hot panic, you have made peace with inevitable-COVID-19 has made itself comfortable and is here to stay for a while! This also means that you’ll be wedding planning during COVID19.

Understood that a lot of intricate thoughts, planning, and love has already gone into making this day truly special, there needs to be a reiteration to your wedding planning-and fast! Things have not gone south yet, and if managed smartly, you will still be able to have the most amazing wedding day, just the way you planned to! Listed below are some pointers to keep in mind as you combat the uncharted territory of these uncertain times. Breathe, refocus, and read!

Postpone or Cancel?

Postpone (Please):

A wedding to look forward to next year is still better than no wedding to look forward to! Don’t be disheartened by the turn of events and don’t give up on your big day! Rather, try to postpone the wedding to late 2020 or 2021. This will give you something to look forward to and plan towards in the current day and will make more sense in the grand scheme of events.

Half and Half:

Couldn’t wait? We understand! How about half and a half and having a small courthouse ceremony now with no party and postponing the reception until a safer date? This way, you will be technically married, but will still have something exciting and celebratory to work towards! Now isn’t that exciting?

Cancel:

If you don’t want the pandemic even remotely tainting your special day, we get it! Canceling is a valid choice, however, it might be wise to have a timeframe in mind as you cancel. This will give your mental clarity, and will not be disheartening for you and your partner.

Reschedule Norms

Vendor loyalty:

Do not let your wedding vendors go, as they might have also put in a lot of work into your wedding planning. Arrange for a meeting with your photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, etc. and work out rescheduled dates and availability. If there is a change in plan, they should be the first to know and should be given the first preference for the rescheduled date. It is fair that way only!

Flexibility:

Flexibility is encouraged when you are already in the midst of uncertain times and the options are scarce. Trying to meet midway and work out dates and choice which are feasible for both parties. We understand this is a special day for you and your partner, but sometimes, things are just not in our control and it is a good virtue to take things by the stride.

Breaking the News

Go Virtual:

When physical contact is cut down, it is the internet that comes to the rescue. Send out e-vites, virtual save the dates, schedules, and reschedules. This way, everyone in your guest list is in the loop without you having to call them personally. Trust us, nobody will hold it against you, especially at a time like this. Go for convenience rather than etiquette.

Mass Communication:

Want to break the news in a way that feels a little more personal, go for live streaming, or a video conference. This way, the guests will feel a personal connection to the message and will take it in sportingly. Also, for older members of the family, this might be the safest yet most personal way to communicate your plans.

Search for the Silver Lining

More time to plan:

As you are entering a new timeline with a revised wedding day. A few extended months of planning window is only going to help you make your wedding day even more perfect. Now is the time you can consume as much as content you can relate to wedding planning, go through inspiration blogs, and nail down what you exactly want.

Delayed gratification:

We guarantee that your guests will be highly onboard with the reschedule and will be ready to party by the time the wedding day finally rolls in. Having a social gathering to look forward to is equally rewarding to your guests as it is to you, and the wait is only going to make the occasion sweeter!

We understand these are uncertain times and we are still trying to find our foot as things are changing every day. There might be a storm of emotions brewing inside you, and it’s okay to feel as you do. We understand that it breaks your heart a little as you wrap up your dreams for a date much further away, but we reassure that we will be out of this soon enough and when we do, there will be no black cloud looming over your head, threatening to rain on your special day. That day will be truly yours, and no pandemic will steal your thunder! Now, isn’t that a heartening thought?

6 Wedding Trends for 2020 You Can Look Forward To

The ball drops and another year rolls in. What a year, huh? We will soon be stepping into a brand new year, and also a whole new decade. As 2019 comes to a glorious end, 2020 comes at us with the whole new box of wonders. If you have set a date to tie the knot anytime next year, we are here to give you a fresh breeze of inspiration which holds promises to be big trends in the next year.

2020 seems to be the perfect balance of going inwards and keeping your conscience happy and going all out with opulence, drama, and a peppering of mystery. The duality promises to be thrilling and we can’t wait to see what these trend predictions play out. Let us take a close look at how 2020 will look like in terms of wedding trends.

The Right Cause

If there was ever a time to care for a cause, this is it, because the world sure has a lot of causes which could use some attention. And what better way to share the joy and steer the focus to some cause which is close to your heart than using party favors as your charity? Give back to the community by adding a charity to your wedding registry or thank your guests for celebrating with you by donating to a charity of your choice.

Opulent Photo Booths

Photo booths are great, and even more so when the photo booths are no less than the set of a period drama backdrop. The experience is elevated by several levels, and are more artful in a Kardashian-meets-Shakespeare way. The effect is deliciously opulent like all your guests are posing for a luxury magazine cover. Bring in the moody tones and metallics and take the cute high school photo booths to a whole another level. Bonus? Your guests will love and cherish the perfectly captured and edited portrait of them delivered right to their doorstep following the wedding!

Unveil the Drama

Veils are going to sport a strong presence, come 2020. They are either going to be supersized by triple-fold or be unmissably bold in its presence or not be there at all. There is no mid-way here. Think along the lines of the dramatic veil sported by Priyanka Chopra and Nicky Hilton- that’s the effect we will be going for in 2020. The veil is either going to be blown out of proportion (quite literally) or be non-existent in the coming year.

The Allure of Unknown

There is definitely a wave of spirituality and mystical in this troubled time, and it has certainly trickled down to weddings as well. People have an allure for the unknown and weddings are certainly a great place to explore the same. Not only is it a great way of entertaining and keeping your guests busy, but it is also an inclusive way of passing on that feel-good around, irrespective of faith, creed, deco, and vibe of the wedding. 2020 predicts tarot and palm readings, crystal healing, and aura paintings.

Cheese Galore

‘Let there be cake!’, they said. But next year will surely see something called the ‘cheese hour’, a more interesting and decadent version of the traditional sweet table. Mounts of cheese, crackers, nuts, relishes, and fruits, which you can’t possibly say no to! Think of a charcuterie board, lux it up and multiply it seven folds in proportions, and there you have it- a phenomenal cheese table!

Sustainability

Caring for the environment is the need of the hour and certainly cannot be stored in the box labeled as a trend. However, the sustainable wedding is certainly bringing the right kind of attention to the issue at hand. It encouraged one to get closer to nature and keep technology and artificial materials at bay. Sustainability is certainly a strong presence in the current year and is anticipated to be more so in the coming year. Sustainable weddings are extended from food to flowers, decor to waste management, and everything in between. This is certainly a nice ‘trend’ to exercise.

The ebb and tide of trends are dynamic and can shape the overall evolution of any industry at large- be it fashion, wedding, or decor. What is in trend certainly does not direct the way you should be planning your wedding, but it surely gives you a fresh wave of perspective on what you could be considering. 2020 comes with a whole bunch of amazing reasons for us to be excited for the year ahead when it comes to weddings. Are you excited? Because we sure are!

How To Choose A Great Wedding Videographer

Not all videographers are created equal, and of course it’s essential that you choose the best one for your wedding day! Follow these 5 steps to hire an experienced professional to capture your wedding day on film.

1. Make It A Priority

For some reason, videography doesn’t seem to be at the top of everyone’s priority list when booking wedding vendors. But as couples start to realize the value in watching their big day back on film for years to come, top videographers are booking years in advance. So in order to land a talented videographer, make it a priority, right up there with booking a photographer and venue!

2. Browse Local Videos

Resources like The Knot and WeddingWire are great for finding local videographers. Also, don’t be afraid to check out local wedding blogs for great examples, or browse Vimeo for inspiration. You may even be able to find a film from your venue, which is a great opportunity for you to picture your day.

3. Read Reviews

The best way to gain insight into what it will be like to work with a videographer on your wedding day, is to read the reviews from others! Again, The Knot and WeddingWire are great places to look, but also reference Facebook, Google, or even Yelp! Look for detailed reviews that mention how it was coordinating together before the wedding, interacting on the wedding day, and accomodations post-wedding.

4. Ask Questions

Do NOT be afraid to ask your videographer tons of questions! These are some of our favorites!

5. Choose Someone Who Matches Your Style

Most importantly, the best videographer will create films that you absolutely love. When you’re watching different videos, try to pick up on things such as music, audio quality, video quality, and transitions. Jot down notes about what you like (and don’t like) as you watch!

Things To Keep In Mind For Your Wedding Day Timeline

Everything starts to get a little more real when you start building that wedding day timeline. But it’s important to keep in mind all of the logistics of your wedding day and vendors in order to build a timeline that will be perfect for you and your guests! These are a few of the essentials that we work on fine tuning with our couples when going over the breakdown of their wedding day!

Published Mar 29, 2019

LOCATIONS

Are you having your ceremony and reception at different locations? Don’t forget to build in ample travel time between the two! If they’re in the same location, how do you plan on filling dead time in between the ceremony and reception?

PHOTOS

Usually, your videographer will tag along for photo sessions to capture some great footage of the bride and groom with their loved ones, so this one is important to us! When do you plan on taking family, wedding party, and solo photos? (Hint: this is when many couples decide to do a first look – allowing you to take a ton of your photos before the ceremony!) We always encourage couples to pad photo sessions with extra time so you don’t feel rushed and can enjoy the process!

TOASTS AND COORDINATED DANCES

During the reception, you’ll probably have a lot of “activities” to plan around. The most important of these are the toasts and coordinated dances. Make sure everyone involved in these mini-events know when they are expected and how much time they will have. This is also where having a great DJ/MC comes in handy! Making clear announcements for the big moments ensures that no one misses out!

RECEPTION ENDING AND/OR GRAND EXIT

If your wedding has a hard stop time (many venues do), you’ll need to have a tighter timeline. Will you be doing a grand exit and if so, what time? Do you want your photographer and videographer to stick around to capture the sparkler procession or your decorated getaway car?

Of course, every wedding is unique and yours will have specific elements that are unique and special. Start by building a general timeline and keep adding details as you go. If you’re working with a planner or day-of-coordinator, they will be a huge help when it comes to developing a successful timeline. Remember, the goal is to create as little stress as possible on the day of, so the more time you can build in, the better!

Florist

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Ceremony Location

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Venue

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Wedding Dress

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These Are The Questions You Should Ask Wedding Videographers

When you’re trying to find someone to capture the most important day of your lives, it’s so important to ask all the right questions. While your assessing and comparing different videographers, make sure you’re able to hop on a phone call or meet with them in person to learn more about them and get the answers you need. We’re giving you a list of great starter questions and some of the answers you may want to look for!

How many filmers will be at my wedding?

Think about all of the different things you want captured on film on your wedding day. Bridesmaids getting ready, groomsmen getting ready, details, guests, first dances, speeches, and of course the entire ceremony! During your ceremony, do you want a filmer to capture your soon-to-be-husband’s face as he watches you walk down the aisle? Or do you want a filmer to capture your beaming face as you walk hand-in-hand with your dad? Why should you have to choose! Have 2 filmers and they will be able to capture every detail and every angle to make your film complete.

How many hours will you be filming? Is this flexible?

Hopefully, each videographer you speak with provide you with different package options detailing how many hours each filmer will be there. As you think about your timeline, consider how long your day might be and how much of it you want captured on film. If the videographer doesn’t offer a package that perfectly fit your day, ask if they can be flexible or offer add-on hours!

Can I give you a list of requested shots?

Yes, a great videographer should know the big moments to capture on film. The kiss, the first dance, the cake cutting, etc. However, you may have some unconventional details or special moments planned that you definitely want to remember. An experienced filmer would LOVE for you to provide a list like this (and may even request it!)

How often will we be in communication?

It can be a little concerning to book a wedding vendor a year ahead of time and not hear from them until the day of your wedding! Feel free to ask videographers how often you’ll be in communication and if it’s okay for you to check in from time to time.

What happens if you can’t make it on my wedding day?

Emergencies happen, and God forbid it happens on your wedding day, but it is possible. Every great wedding vendor will have a backup plan in place if something were to come up. Ask videographers about their contingency plan!

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!)