I want to hear about your WEDDING packages

[Eric Pasarin]

For us, it's always 2 camera, 2 operators (my wife and I). One is on tripod, the other is a mix of glidecam, handheld and tripod. Audio for ceremony is wireless mic and onboard. If there is a DJ for the ceremony, I tap into his deck with my H2. If not, the H2 is situated where I can get the best audio.

For the reception, the H2 is jacked into the DJ's deck. I haven't had an issue yet, but if I did, I would just prop it next to a speaker for the entire night.

The way I look at it is most of the above doesn't cost much to do if you already have the equipment, and to have multiple audio backups or camera angles is a life saver in the edit process, so why not.

E

[Steve Shovlar]

Originally Posted by Joel Peregrine

Hi Steve,

"Personally I think the more you charge, the more you attract the bride that doesn't care about price but wants you regardless of your price. I am over £300 more than 2009, but have far more bookings already than this time last year."

I have to disagree to an extent. The price point may not be an issue if you're referred by an event designer. I see that often - unimpressive work at some really high-profile events. But for a bride shopping for herself the most important thing is the work. Saying that you're getting more work because your pricing is higher makes no sense at all. Obviously either your work has improved or you're casting a much larger net to get those bookings at a higher rate while at the same time turning more away that can't afford your new pricing.

No Joel you are right in what you say, I just could have worded it better.

Basically I was underselling myself, and it's something that a lot of wedding videographers do. So I put my prices up and guess what? More bookings than ever. I think my work is of a very good standard and I get a lot of recommendations.

I am not casting my net further, but I am selling myself very well, and together with some very nice footage, showcased by a big HD TV on a nice exhibition stand brings in the brides.

There's an awful lot to marketing and I am certainly getting better at it. Stil a long way to go though to get 60-80 weddings a year, which is the target.

[Silas Barker]

Alot of great information here!

I ve decided to up my prices a little bit and see what happens. I really think that my packages and set up and really great and you can see my work online and it shows it.
One thing I do have to deal with, is the fact I am in my early twenties. I know that potential clients sometimes think your not worth as much if you have not been around for 50 years or whatever. I ve blown a lot peoples minds with what I can do. I get raves almost every video!

This year has been slow till about this week when about 5 different potential weddings have come up....

Just curious, where do you all advertise?
I currently advertise on online websites like Wedding Wire, etc.
I also advertise on Craigslist - I actually have gotten a number of great jobs from there.
The best thing seems to be referrals....and thats why I started my Silas's Videography Facebook Fan Page!
Silas's Videography | Facebook

Thanks again for all the great information - I am becoming the best in my area! Wooo hoooo!

[Ken Diewert]

Originally Posted by Mike Dontigney

We only offer Unlimited time at two locations. Here's the selling point and the benefit to US.
#1) We get more footage so it's easier to find good shots.
#2) We can't go do another wedding on the same day so why nickel and dime over hours?
#3) Selling point: "You shouldn't worry about what "WE" are doing on your special day. The last thing you need to worry about is "How much longer before the video guy leaves? Should we go ahead and cut the cake so we don't miss it on the video?"
#4) We don't have to worry about the B/G pushing us to do this and do that so they can keep us under their budget.


In the past I had hourly rates, but I am MUCH happier with the Unlimited time format.

I agree with you here Mike, my day is shot anyways so rather than limit the time on site, I will limit the footage I shoot. Because really we spend more time in post anyways. So even if I stay 2 hours later for the garter/bouquet toss - I might only shoot a few minutes extra footage in the meantime. This also seems to relax the couple in that they don't have to watch the clock (for me anyways, they usually watch it for the photog though).

[Silas Barker]

Originally Posted by Ken Diewert

I agree with you here Mike, my day is shot anyways so rather than limit the time on site, I will limit the footage I shoot. Because really we spend more time in post anyways. So even if I stay 2 hours later for the garter/bouquet toss - I might only shoot a few minutes extra footage in the meantime. This also seems to relax the couple in that they don't have to watch the clock (for me anyways, they usually watch it for the photog though).

And what does unlimited mean?
Does that mean a 6 hour wedding pays the same as a 10 or 12 hour wedding?
How does this work and what is the average unlimited hourly time in shooting?
And your in the $1300 - $1800 range or what?

Thanks in advance!
Wedding & Corporate Video, Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Rocklin

[Michael Dontigney]

Unlimited means... Unlimited. If the wedding starts at 11:00 AM we get there at 10:00AM and leave when it's over.. If it's over at 7PM.. great... 11:45PM.. Okay... 2AM.. Yep.. we're there.

Yes... $1500 to $6000+

[Silas Barker]

So same price on unlimited no matter if its a 4 hour or 15 hour.....sounds good if it works I guess!

Do you have a website with package info? I would like to take a look at it.
Thanks!

[Ken Diewert]

Silas,

Here's my Wedding site... I just got it up and running this week. I have a separate site for Weddings than I do for corporate work. As it was getting a little muddy.

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