Price Doesn’t Always Equal Quality
When it comes to videography, price isn’t always the best indicator of the quality and professionalism you’ll receive. Many videographers adjust their prices to meet their business goals, which may mean charging lower or higher rates—or even shooting for free. The guide below is just that: a guide. While most videographers will fall within these ranges, you may encounter some outliers.
3 Important Criteria Clients Care About
Most couples are concerned with three main things when selecting a videographer:
• Quality: How good or bad is the final product?
• Experience: How enjoyable is the service and communication (this isn't just about years of experience)?
• Creativity: Does the videographer go above and beyond what you want, adding unique touches to make your video truly special?
The Budget-Friendly Videographer
Less than $1,000
• Quality: Budget videos tend to be shaky, poorly colored, and overly flashy in a way that feels unrefined. These videos are typically made by beginners who have limited experience shooting weddings.
• Experience: You might not get the best communication or guidance from a budget videographer. Expect a less polished final product, and be prepared for your overall experience to feel lackluster.
• Creativity: Expect overused transitions and visual styles that may be trendy but lack sophistication. The result is often a video that’s either visually overwhelming or uninspired.
The Side-Hustler Videographer
$2,000 - $3,000
• Quality: The quality here is noticeably better than budget options. You’ll be able to proudly share the video with family and friends, though there may still be a few small mistakes that only industry professionals would notice.
• Experience: Side-hustlers tend to be utilitarian—efficient but not necessarily memorable. They may not add anything extra to your wedding, as they’re typically juggling several projects at once. That said, some side-hustlers will offer a more personalized service.
• Creativity: Side-hustlers are generally trend followers, meaning you’ll get a trendy-looking video at a modest price. However, the downside is that their videos may look similar to others in the same price range, and trends can become outdated quickly.
The Full-Time Videographer
Over $3,000
This is where we come in at Blue Ridge Film Productions. Blue Ridge Films has been honored to capture over 200 weddings all across the country! We pride ourselves for going above and beyond meeting our couples expectations on their wedding day.
• Quality: The work is flawless, with an exceptional level of detail that results in a movie-quality product. This level of perfection may take time to deliver, but the final product will be well worth the wait.
• Experience: Full-time professionals have refined their process to make everything seamless for you. From clear contracts and insurance to responsive communication, they ensure you know exactly what to expect. Your entire experience will feel smooth, exciting, and professional.
• Creativity: Full-time videographers are the trendsetters. They deliver unique, high-quality wedding films that stand out, but there’s a trade-off: you’ll have limited input on style. Be sure to review their portfolio to ensure their creative vision aligns with your own. For example, if you prefer a documentary-style video, don’t choose someone who specializes in traditional wedding films.
Summary
Ultimately, you get what you pay for. After all, you’ve invested a lot of time and energy into planning your wedding—make sure that investment extends to preserving your memories. If you're planning a small, DIY wedding, a budget-friendly videographer might suffice. But if you're spending thousands on your big day, it’s worth considering a professional who can truly capture the magic in a way that’s worth watching for years to come. Always do your research, as results can vary.
Let’s chat about your big day! CLICK HERE