Filming Weddings, how much? at DVinfo.net

Roger Rosales · April 3rd, 2004, 05:32 PM

Hi all! I first want to say that I'm sorry if this is in the wrong forum, I didn't find any other forum that fits it best...maybe I just didn't look hard enough. But in any case, I'm sorry!

Anyway, I'm looking into filming weddings for a while to help me pay for college and hopefully get a little extra cash for myself. What I was wonderin gis, what's the highest I should charge, and what's the lowest? I've never done it before, so I'm pretty lost.

I've been editing video for over 2 1/2 years already so I'm not new to the whole film business, but I am new to actually filming weddings and stuff. So, any suggestions? I would really appreciate any help that is given!

Thanks in advance and again, sorry if this is in the wrong forum.

Frank Granovski · April 3rd, 2004, 06:03 PM

The lowest? $500. What you should do is phone several wedding videographers in your area (yeah, waste their time) and ask them how much they charge. This will give you a good idea of your market.

PS: don't tell them that you're thinking of doing the same thing.

Don Bloom · April 3rd, 2004, 06:08 PM

Geographic area, demographics in the area, quality of your product, production values, experience, workmanship, marketplace...these are the things that go into placing a value and price on your work. I doubt, unless you can show prospective client some of the most kicka** demo, that you could charge what some of the more experienced folks do, but you might also find that weddings can be lots of fun,exciting and provide a very good living, so long as you provide a good product. (it's provided me a very nice life for 20 years).

As for exactly what to charge in your area, check around and see what other videographers in your area are charging and then adjust accordingly since you are new and have no real demo to show.

BTW, here's your 1st tip to sucess in the wedding and event video business; UNDERPROMISE and OVERDELIVER.

What that means is never promise something you can't deliver in a reasonable time and always give more than the client expects. Doesn't have to be product, attitude interaction and personality all count.

Good Luck,
Don

Roger Rosales · April 4th, 2004, 01:24 PM

thanks the responses!

Although I don't have wedding stuff, I can always show demos of other projects I've done.

Thanks for all the advice.

April 3rd, 2004, 05:32 PM	#1
Roger Rosales Major Player Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 254	Filming Weddings, how much? Hi all! I first want to say that I'm sorry if this is in the wrong forum, I didn't find any other forum that fits it best...maybe I just didn't look hard enough. But in any case, I'm sorry! Anyway, I'm looking into filming weddings for a while to help me pay for college and hopefully get a little extra cash for myself. What I was wonderin gis, what's the highest I should charge, and what's the lowest? I've never done it before, so I'm pretty lost. I've been editing video for over 2 1/2 years already so I'm not new to the whole film business, but I am new to actually filming weddings and stuff. So, any suggestions? I would really appreciate any help that is given! Thanks in advance and again, sorry if this is in the wrong forum.

April 3rd, 2004, 06:03 PM	#2
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	The lowest? $500. What you should do is phone several wedding videographers in your area (yeah, waste their time) and ask them how much they charge. This will give you a good idea of your market. PS: don't tell them that you're thinking of doing the same thing.

April 3rd, 2004, 06:08 PM	#3
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Geographic area, demographics in the area, quality of your product, production values, experience, workmanship, marketplace...these are the things that go into placing a value and price on your work. I doubt, unless you can show prospective client some of the most kicka** demo, that you could charge what some of the more experienced folks do, but you might also find that weddings can be lots of fun,exciting and provide a very good living, so long as you provide a good product. (it's provided me a very nice life for 20 years). As for exactly what to charge in your area, check around and see what other videographers in your area are charging and then adjust accordingly since you are new and have no real demo to show. BTW, here's your 1st tip to sucess in the wedding and event video business; UNDERPROMISE and OVERDELIVER. What that means is never promise something you can't deliver in a reasonable time and always give more than the client expects. Doesn't have to be product, attitude interaction and personality all count. Good Luck, Don

April 4th, 2004, 01:24 PM	#4
Roger Rosales Major Player Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 254	thanks the responses! Although I don't have wedding stuff, I can always show demos of other projects I've done. Thanks for all the advice.