Wedding video: questions to ask before booking

Booking a videographer is not just about comparing packages. The duration of the shoot, what is delivered, the sound, the music and their rights: these are the answers, obtained before signing anything, that distinguish a clear service from a disappointment afterwards, once the film has been received.

Here are the questions to ask any wedding videographer, in the order they are usually asked, with our answers when we can answer them directly.

How long does the videographer stay, and what does he deliver?

A few hours on site and a presence from morning to night do not tell the same day. Ask for the arrival time, the departure time, and whether an extra hour is still possible if things run over. With us, the base hourly rate is shown on the services page, and the price that applies is the one in the quote; the wedding side is presented on the wedding video service.

You should also ask what will be delivered: a finished film only, or the raw footage. The delivery timeframe is determined on a case-by-case basis: get it confirmed in writing before agreeing to anything, even before discussing style or editing.

Finally, ask for a detailed explanation of what the written proposal covers: duration, included services, and conditions for exceeding the initial term. A precise document, provided before any commitment, prevents misunderstandings far more effectively than a verbal exchange, however reassuring it may be at the time.

Also ask what is planned if the videographer is prevented from coming, through illness or a last-minute problem the day before, and ask for the answer in writing rather than by word of mouth.

Sound, music and its rights

A film can be beautiful but inaudible. Ask how the voices are recorded during the ceremony and speeches, what equipment is used, and whether a dedicated microphone follows the bride and groom or the officiant. This is often where the difference lies between a watchable memory and one that gets forgotten.

Also ask if there is a backup solution in case of failure of the main microphone: a second device or a backup recording prevents an isolated technical incident from erasing all the sound of a moment that will not be repeated.

Music added in the edit raises a rights question, to be asked without embarrassment: does the videographer use licensed tracks, or count on the music played live by the DJ or the band? The rules depend on how the film will be used, privately or shown publicly; it is up to the provider to explain what they use and on what basis. Editing the rushes, as a custom edit or as an Express edit, is arranged on the video editing service, and the playlist itself deserves some thought beforehand, as explained in our article on the DJ playlist for a wedding.

Is using a drone possible, and under what conditions?

A drone is not booked like an ordinary camera. Ask whether flying is allowed over the venue, whether the provider checked feasibility before the day, and above all whether they commit to never flying over the gathered guests. An honest answer never promises an aerial shot in advance: it explains that it depends on the venue, the owner’s consent and a case-by-case check. The rules to know are gathered in our article on drones at weddings, permissions and advice.

Also ask about the fallback plan if the drone is not ultimately allowed on the day: a ground fallback plan, filmed from a high point of the location for example, avoids last-minute disappointment for an element that was never guaranteed anyway.

Travel, quote and payment

Travel costs vary depending on the distance. Ask if it's included or charged extra, and from which zone. We can provide service anywhere in France: travel is included within Lyon city limits, and quoted separately for other areas.

On payment, the question is simple: is everything done online, or is there a written quote to approve before any commitment? With us, the request goes through a dedicated form on the services page, a quote is written by hand, and nothing is booked until it is accepted. No payment is made online.

Also ask if the proposed editing style matches what you're looking for: a dynamic pace, a more subdued tone, with or without guest interviews. This question, often overlooked in favor of price, prevents you from discovering a style too far removed from your expectations once the film is delivered.

Finally, check whether minor edits are still possible after the film is delivered, or if the version provided is final. The answer should be written before the event, not revealed afterward in a message exchange.

The free prints, a question worth asking nonetheless

One last question, often overlooked: does the service include photo prints? With us, every service includes a set of complimentary photo prints, the size of which depends on the event and is confirmed in writing with your quote. This is a detail to check before comparing two proposals, just like the length of coverage or sound system.

If you want more prints beyond this set, you can still order them separately on the printing page, as classic prints or on instax film, independently of the video service itself.

View the wedding video performance