Over here at 42 West, we have thousands of amazing articles; some timeless ones deserve a refresh. Stephanie wrote this in 2019, and the information is still relevant today. If you want to start a wedding videography business, take some tips from someone who has walked in your shoes. Take it away, Stephanie.
Wedding videography has become a staple in my film work business vertical, but it wasn’t always that way. I didn’t break into filmmaking to become a wedding videographer. Quite conversely, wedding videos (an apprenticeship with a wedding filmmaker to be exact) helped me break into filmmaking.
That said, while wedding videos were hardly planned, I couldn’t be more grateful for the way things turned out. Wedding videos generate some of the best income for my business, and word-of-mouth marketing really grows my business for me.
If you’ve toyed around with the idea of filming brides and grooms, here are six reasons why now is a great time to break into the wedding videography industry:
1. You can find financial success
Your first couple of gigs will likely be “experience builders” versus true money makers. Although, I still charged for them, just at a reduced rate. However, after you have completed a couple of weddings, you can raise your prices steadily as new clients inquire. And, even better, wedding gigs can often pay better than most business-style films. In fact, wedding videography was the reason I could leave my 9-to-5 job in the first place.
2. You have beautiful material to work with
Your videography career will undoubtedly lead you to filming interesting (and, yes, some dry) content. But, when it comes to wedding films, your subjects — from decorations to flowers and bridal prep to first looks — will be some of the most beautiful shots in your repertoire. I’m a sucker for a pretty shot. Therefore, come wedding film day, I’m filled with butterflies because I know all of the pristine material on my horizon.
3. Filming a wedding is fun as long as you love weddings
I love attending weddings as a guest, so when I filmed my first wedding and actually had fun working, I was giddy. “I’m getting paid for this?” I thought. Whether you get choked up at the father-daughter first look (guilty) or you find yourself swaying to a rockin’ dance floor (also very guilty), the wedding day is nothing if not fun!
4. Word-of-mouth marketing will do the legwork for you
One of my favorite things about starting a wedding film business was watching how it grew on its own. Of course, I put a ton of marketing work in myself, including collateral, package guides and creative edits, but the hard work pays off.
Happy clients want to tell others about their experiences; in many cases they’re sharing their recommendations with newly engaged friends, and those friends will further share your videos and so on. Now, this won’t work if you neglect certain elements of the wedding filmmaker’s job (think friendly and prompt communications, adherence to deadlines, and collaboration across the wedding vendor team). But, if you put your best foot forward you better believe the word-of-mouth magic will push your wedding film business into place.
5. You can flex your creative muscles
A Wedding videography business gives you the ultimate freedom to create a video designed specifically (and creatively) with the bride and groom in mind. I love the challenge of understanding who the couple really is on their wedding day so I can share their story in a way that hits home.
For example, a recent couple mentioned time and again how much they loved nature, so the focus of my video centered on ocean views, flowers, peaceful music and their candid shots. From music selection to flow and storytelling, I pushed myself creatively on this one, and I’m constantly grateful that wedding videography gives me the opportunity to grow and evolve my style and brand, in wedding films and beyond.
6. You can second shoot
Another perk of wedding videography is you can alternate between being the “lead” (as in, the one communicating with the client) and the second shooter (where you show up, film your pieces, then vamoose). Second shooting doesn’t pay as well as lead shooting, but your time spent is way decreased. One of my favorite things about second shooting is having the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from other filmmakers. Everyone has different methods and techniques, so the more you can observe and pick up tricks, the better your overall video business will be.
As the wedding industry continues to flourish — The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study found that the average wedding cost is $35,000 — now is a great time to get your foot in the wedding videography door. If you’re unsure where to start, head to Wedding Videography: The Ultimate Buying Guide to set your business in motion.
Feature Image by Marius Muresan on Unsplash
