Frequently Asked Questions  (FAQs)

about Wedding Videography

Q.  How many packages do you offer?

A.  We do not offer pre-set packages.  We custom design each and every wedding to meet your individual needs. We charge by the hour and you decide how much coverage you want, how many cameras and how long we stay. However, occasionally we may design a package as a special offer or as an example.

Q.  How can I be sure that you will get what I want in my video

A.  We speak with all of our clients to tell them the services we offer and to find out what their coverage requirements are.  We interview our clients to get to know them better so that the best possible coverage is available.

Q.  What makes your company different from just setting up my own camcorder and having a friend operate it?

A.  We have the necessary equipment, training and experience to make your video more than just a video tape, but a cinemagraphic movie about your wedding day.  We have had years of experience video taping weddings and working with your photographer, caterer, DJ, etc, to make sure we all work together.  We also can offer you, not only the best video, but exceptional quality audio.  We use digital broadcast quality Sony camcorders, wireless microphones and industrial tripods. 

Q.  Why should I have my wedding videotaped at all?

A.  Although a picture is worth a thousand words, sometimes you need more than a mere thousand.  A professional video is like having an encyclopedia about the day.  A picture can't show how you moved in your bridal gown, the change of emotions of your husband-to-be's face when he first sees you in your wedding gown and as you are coming down the aisle. You can't hear your vows on a photograph and you can't enjoy the wedding music, soloists songs or your special readings from your still picture.  Also you children will someday enjoy watching your wedding day and the happiness you shared.  Your grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives may not appear in any other professional video production and this way you are capturing the way they look and sound for future generations to see and hear.

Q.  How far will you travel to video tape a wedding?

A. Currently we travel 300 miles or less from our town.  We have video taped weddings in West Virginia, Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Wytheville,  North Carolina and throughout the New River Valley in Virginia.  We are willing to travel and although mileage and hotel charges may be added, many brides have agreed it was worth it.

Q.  How much time in advance should we let a vendor, such as yourself, know we have chosen them?

A.  We book weddings up to a year in advance. We suggest that you book us as soon as you know you would like our service.  Also, if your wedding is just a few weeks away, call us and check if your date is still available.  We have two teams which can go out at the same time.  We may be able to help you on short notice.

Q. Do you have more than one videographer working for the company?

A.  We have several and the owner of our company is present at 96% of our weddings, using her artistic talents to video tape, create and later edit your wedding.

Q.  How much do you charge if we run over on hours?

A.  We add 20% to our hourly rate.  The payment for overtime is due before we will start editing.

Q.  Do you bring backup equipment with you?

A.  Absolutely!  And all equipment is checked the evening before and used at the wedding rehearsal. We then go back and check the tapes.  The equipment is serviced regularly by Doctor Video. Ask in your interview with other videographers, when interviewing their company, who services their equipment and how often.  If they can't give you an answer right off the bat, you may want to steer clear of them!

Q.  Do you visit the sites before the actual dates?

A.  We attend your wedding rehearsal.  We check positioning, lighting, audio, and the general flow of the wedding.  We ask for a wedding program at that time as well as directions to the reception.

Q.  What type of equipment do you have?

A.  We use Sony digital, broadcast quality camcorders.  We have wireless microphones for the groom, the pastor, and to place on the podium for the reader or soloist.  For the reception we have lights mounted on our camcorder to add just a touch of light, if necessary. We also have wireless connections to your DJ (or band if permitted) to get perfect audio of all the music, announcements and speeches at your reception.

Q.  What is your payment policy?

A.  After you decide what coverage you would like, we take a  retainer fee at the time of the contract signing. Two months before the wedding date a second payment of 1/2 of the balance is due.  The remaining balance is due at the time the edited video is ready for pick-up.

Q.  What is your cancellation policy?

A.  If you should find need to cancel the contract it must be done 90 days or more prior to the ceremony and in writing.  All retainers will be refunded, less a $50.00 administrative retainer fee.  Absolutely, no refunds are given on the retainers paid, if you cancel 90 days or less to the event. We turn down other brides after we reserve the date for you and cannot guarantee the date will be re-booked.  If your wedding is postponed, the retainer can be credited for up to 12 months and is subject to a change of date service fee.