Why Can a Video Cost $500 or $5000?

by David Ross

Like receptions, honeymoons, and photographers, the cost of a
wedding video can vary greatly in price. You can pay $500 to $5000 and
beyond, depending on the type of wedding video you want to create. The two
primary factors you are paying for are time and talent, and you should have
a basic understanding of the two in deciding what is right for you.

Most of us are familiar with the old adage "time is money." When you
think of time in relation to your video, there are two main components:
shooting time and production time. Shooting time is the number of hours and
number of videographers used in filming your wedding video. Obviously, 10
hours will be more costly than 6 hours, and three videographers will cost
more than one. Using two or three cameras allows the scene to be shown from
different angles, which is what your eyes are accustomed to seeing on TV.
If you are choosing a multiple camera option, make sure that each camera is
attended by a live videographer.

Another type of time you pay for is production time. This includes all of
the time spent editing your video, adding music, graphics, special effects,
or turning it into a DVD. It is also the biggest variable in the quality
and style of your video. For example, an editor can spend an entire 40-hour
work week to create the "storytelling" style video with narration and
interviews. Generally the more production time invested in your video, the
more polished and more expensive it is.

In addition to time, talent is the other major factor you are paying for.
This is not as tangible and measurable as time, but can sometimes be the
major factor in determining the cost of your video. Running a video camera
is a skill, and that skill is generally fairly affordable. However,
creating a film that tells a love story is quite an art, and it will likely
be reflected in the price. Independent videographers who do weddings on
weekends will likely be very affordable, while hiring a production company,
TV crew, or regionally known filmmaker can be much more costly.

Just as there are choices between "fairy tale" weddings and simple
courthouse weddings, so too are there fantasy wedding movies and basic
wedding videos. You can preserve memories with a wedding video, or create
memories by commissioning a movie of your own love story. Neither is
better than the other, because they simply serve different purposes,
preferences, and budgets. Remember that this is your once in a lifetime
day, so select a package, price, and style that you will be pleased with
now, and many years down the road. Whether $500 or $5000, your video may
end up being the most treasured keepsake from your wedding day.