American Video Productions

Wedding Video – What is the Cost?

The question part of our title suggests the need for a two-part answer. Thus, how much should an engaged couple pay – and – how much does it cost the videographer to produce a high quality wedding video? Oh yeah – and let’s not forget about the cost in quality by allowing uncle Bob or aunt Susan – who don’t believe in using a tripod or wireless microphones – videotape the most important day of your lives.

Despite what it sounds like, this is a serious matter. Your wedding day is a special moment in your lives and you deserve the best of everything. You deserve the best cake, tuxedo, dress, meal, decorations and limo. And after its all gone, when the smoke clears and the guests have returned home, the day will be like one of those perfect dreams that you just can’t seem to recapture in your memory bank.

But never fear – you have the photos and video. Right?

How much should you pay for your wedding video? That’s something you must decide, based on your budget. But the costs could range from $600 to $6000. And you shouldn’t view it as an expense – its an investment. An investment that, unlike the cake, decorations and limo, will pay a life-time of dividends. Your wedding video, when professionally and properly produced, will capture the most important moments of your day – moments that you’ll cherish for years to come. And much like that perfect dream – its almost impossible to recall every moment of your special day. And photos alone cannot do it true justice. An experienced and professional videographer – one who does not compromise on quality – can cost from $1,500 to $3,000 or more. But its well worth it.

How much does it cost the videographer to produce a high quality wedding video? Most professional videographers bring a great deal of experience and broadcast-quality equipment to bear. It is not uncommon to find a videographer who has invested from $3,000 to $20,00 per camera, hundreds in microphones, tripods and post-production gear – not to mention the time committed to on-going training and education. I’m not referring to the part-time warrior who holds a full time job and one day decides to purchase a $300 camera from Best Buy or Walmart and decides to shoot weddings on weekends to earn a few extra dollars.

If at all possible invest in the full-time videographer who has a proven track record – one who has invested quality time and a substantial amount of capital into broadcast-quality cameras and support gear. At the end of the day you must decide on whether you’re willing to sacrifice quality for the cheap warrior or invest in a professional that has a track record of delivering a quality production over a period of years.

American Video Productions