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Writer's pictureTristen Haley

How to Choose the Right Wedding Videography Package for Your Big Day- Tristen Haley | Chattanooga, TN Wedding Videographer

Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life and capturing it on film allows you to relive that day for years to come. But with so many videography packages available, how do you decide which one is the perfect fit for your wedding? From the essentials to the luxurious, every couple has unique needs and priorities, so it’s important to choose a package that reflects your vision, style, and budget.

To help guide you, here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right wedding videography package for your big day.

A soon to be bride struggling to decide on wedding videography services

1. What’s Most Important to You?

Start by identifying the most important moments or aspects of your wedding day that you want captured. Do you value the ceremony above all? Is having a full recording of the speeches and dances essential? Or perhaps a cinematic highlight film that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends is what you're after. By knowing what matters most to you, you can choose a package that focuses on those key elements.

For example, if you want just the most memorable highlights of the day, a Highlight Package might be ideal. On the other hand, if you want a full narrative of your entire day, consider an Extended Feature (My "Eternal Love" package!) or a Documentary Package.

Note- Not many filmmakers offer a documentary package. This is the "all-inclusive" package I love to offer my couples!


2. Consider Your Budget

Weddings can be expensive, and it’s essential to find a videography package that fits within your budget. However, it’s important to view videography as an investment in preserving your memories. Look at what’s included in each package and compare the value rather than just the price. Some lower-priced packages may focus on shorter films, while higher-end packages may offer additional features like drone footage, extended coverage, or multi-camera setups.

Make sure you understand exactly what you’ll get with each package—this helps ensure there are no surprises later on.


3. How Long Do You Want the Video to Be?

Wedding videography packages often differ in the length of the final film. Some couples prefer a short and sweet 3-5 minute highlight film that captures the essence of the day, while others may opt for a more in-depth 15-20 minute feature film that includes more speeches, ceremony details, and intimate moments.

Consider how you plan to enjoy your wedding video in the future. If you want a quick, emotional recap to share on social media, a shorter video might be all you need. However, if you want to sit down on anniversaries and rewatch a more detailed account of the day, a longer film could be worth the investment.


4. Coverage Time: How Much of Your Day Do You Want Filmed?

Another key difference between videography packages is the amount of coverage time. Some packages offer partial-day coverage (e.g., ceremony and reception), while others include full-day coverage, starting from the pre-ceremony preparations through to the reception send-off.

If you want moments like the bride and groom getting ready, the first look, and every little detail captured, a package with full-day coverage will be necessary. For those focused primarily on the ceremony and reception, a shorter coverage option may suffice.

(All of my packages offer full day coverage. I believe that your wedding day is too important for me to show up right before the ceremony! Plus, its just my style of filmmaking!)


5. Additional Features: What Else Can You Include?

Many videographers offer optional add-ons that can enhance your wedding film. Common add-ons include:

  • Drone Footage for stunning aerial shots of your venue. (I include this!)

  • Full-Ceremony or Full-Speech Edits, providing a longer, uncut version of these events.

  • Second Videographer to capture additional angles and moments simultaneously.

  • Raw Footage if you want all the unedited clips for keepsake purposes.

  • Motion Book - this is a neat little book that you can open and watch your wedding highlight film in!

These extras can significantly elevate your final wedding film, so it’s worth considering if you want any of these upgrades included in your package.


6. Local or Statewide? (I'm a Chattanooga Videographer)

Videographers will charge accordingly. This typically is based on demand, popularity, services offered, gear costs (or worth), time, but also cost of living. Chattanooga videographers, like myself, typically charge around $2,500 to $3,500.

These rates are catered more towards experienced videographers who make this their living. You can find cheaper, and you can find more expensive; but most vendors will charge different based on living costs. Hiring out of state typically brings more charges because of travel, so its best to hire a photographer located near your venue, or bring your favorite videographer with you! Its YOUR day!


7. The Videographer’s Style

Every videographer has a unique style, whether it’s documentary, cinematic, or a mix of both. When choosing a package, take a look at your videographer’s portfolio to ensure their filming and editing style matches your vision. If you love dramatic storytelling with slow-motion effects and emotional music, look for packages that focus on cinematic edits. For a more natural, candid feel, a documentary-style package may be the better choice.

(My vision in wedding filmmaking involves the PERFECT blend of cinematography and documentary style filmmaking!)


8. Think About Future You

Lastly, think about how you’ll feel in 10 or 20 years when you look back at your wedding video. Will you regret not capturing certain parts of the day? Do you wish you had a longer film? Consider your future self when making decisions about what’s included in your wedding videography package. A bit more investment now can lead to a lifetime of joyful rewatching.


Conclusion

Choosing the right wedding videography package is about finding the balance between capturing the moments that matter most, fitting within your budget, and ensuring that your wedding film reflects your personal style. Whether you’re looking for a short and sweet highlight film or a full-length documentary of your day, there’s a package that’s perfect for you.

At T. Haley Media, I offer a range of wedding videography packages designed to meet your unique needs. Contact me today to discuss how we can help preserve your wedding day memories forever!

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