5 Things to Look for When Hiring a Wedding Videographer (And Red Flags to Avoid)

Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, but few are as important as choosing who will document your special day. According to recent industry surveys, over 60% of couples who didn't hire a professional videographer list it among their top wedding regrets. With the average UK couple spending between £800-£1,500 on wedding videography, it's an investment worth getting right.

But how do you know if you're choosing the right videographer? With so many options and varying styles, the decision can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the five most important things to look for—and some critical red flags to avoid—when hiring a wedding videographer.

1. Storytelling Over Style

While a cinematic style might catch your eye on Instagram, what truly matters is a videographer's ability to tell your unique story.

What to look for:

Emotional narratives: Watch full wedding films, not just highlight reels. Does the videographer capture the emotional journey of the day? Do you feel connected to the couple's story, even if you don't know them?

Authentic moments: The best wedding films capture genuine reactions and unplanned moments that reveal personality and emotion. Look for videographers who showcase these authentic interactions rather than only staged poses.

Personalised approach: During consultation calls, notice if the videographer asks questions about your relationship, how you met, or what makes your story unique. These details inform their storytelling approach.

Red flag:

Beware of videographers whose portfolio only features dramatic drone shots, slow-motion walks, and model-like couples but lacks emotional depth. While these elements can enhance a film, they shouldn't be the sole focus. If you can't feel the story behind the pretty images, keep looking.

2. Sound Quality is Critical

Many couples don't realise that sound quality is just as important as—if not more important than—the visuals in wedding films. Your vows, speeches, and special messages form the emotional backbone of your wedding film.

What to look for:

Multiple audio sources: Professional videographers use several audio recording methods, including lapel microphones for ceremonies, connections to venue sound systems, and separate recorders for speeches.

Clear dialogue: When watching sample films, pay special attention to the audio. Can you clearly hear vows and speeches without straining? Does background music complement rather than overpower these moments?

Natural ambient sound: Quality wedding films incorporate the sounds of your day—guests laughing, champagne corks popping, or the rustle of a dress—to create immersive experiences.

Red flag:

If a videographer can't explain their audio setup or if their sample films have muffled vows, barely audible speeches, or overwhelming music that drowns out important words, proceed with caution. These are signs that sound quality isn't a priority, and you might miss hearing those once-in-a-lifetime moments.

3. Professionalism & Presence

Your videographer will be with you throughout one of the most important days of your life. Their professionalism and how they carry themselves on the day matters enormously.

What to look for:

Communication style: Notice how promptly and thoroughly they respond to enquiries. Are they patient with your questions? Do they explain things clearly without industry jargon?

Unobtrusive approach: Ask about their filming philosophy. The best videographers can capture intimate moments without making couples feel "filmed" or interrupting the natural flow of the day.

Industry experience: While years of experience aren't everything, understanding wedding day logistics, timing challenges, and how to work alongside photographers is invaluable.

Proper attire: Confirm that they dress appropriately for weddings—usually smart casual or formal attire that allows them to blend in with guests while maintaining mobility.

Red flag:

Be wary of videographers who are difficult to reach, take days to respond to messages, or seem impatient with questions. If they talk over you during consultations or dismiss your concerns, these communication issues will likely continue or worsen on your wedding day. You need someone who respects your vision and boundaries.

4. Transparency in Packages and Pricing

Understanding exactly what you're getting for your investment is essential for avoiding disappointment and unexpected costs later.

What to look for:

Clear deliverables: Packages should explicitly state what you'll receive—length of highlight film, feature film duration, delivery format (digital download, USB, etc.), and any physical products.

Defined timelines: Look for clarity on how long the videographer will be present (e.g., "from bridal prep to first dance" or "8 hours of coverage") and reasonable delivery timeframes for your films.

No hidden fees: All potential additional costs should be disclosed upfront, such as travel expenses, overtime rates, or rush editing fees.

Contract details: A professional will always provide a comprehensive contract that protects both parties and clearly outlines all terms, including cancellation policies and contingency plans.

Red flag:

Be cautious of vague package descriptions that use terms like "coverage" without specifying hours, or "highlight film" without indicating length. Similarly, unusually low prices often indicate corners being cut somewhere—perhaps with equipment quality, editing time, or the experience level of who's actually filming on the day.

5. Reviews & Consistency

Past performance is often the best predictor of future results, especially in creative fields like videography.

What to look for:

Detailed reviews: Look beyond star ratings to read what couples specifically appreciated about working with the videographer. Were they reliable? Did they deliver as promised? How did they handle challenges?

Consistency across work: Review multiple full wedding films, not just one showcase example. This helps ensure the quality you see isn't a one-off masterpiece but their standard approach.

Recent work: Make sure the examples you're viewing are recent (within the last year). Styles and equipment evolve, and you want to see what your videographer is producing now.

Photographer recommendations: If you've already booked your photographer, ask who they enjoy working alongside. Videographers and photographers need to collaborate effectively without competing for angles or moments.

Red flag:

Be cautious if a videographer can't or won't provide multiple complete wedding film examples or if their work varies dramatically in quality or style from wedding to wedding. Similarly, if reviews consistently mention delivery delays or communication issues, consider these serious warnings.

More Red Flags to Watch Out For when Hiring a Wedding Videographer

Beyond the specific categories above, here are additional warning signs that should give you pause:

Equipment questions dismissed: A professional should be happy to discuss their camera setup, backup equipment, and contingency plans for technical failures.

No contract offered: Verbal agreements aren't enough for something as important as your wedding memories. Always insist on a written contract.

Unwillingness to collaborate: Your videographer should be open to understanding your vision and preferences, not rigidly imposing their style regardless of your wishes.

Too good to be true pricing: Quality wedding videography requires significant investment in equipment, education, and time. If pricing seems dramatically lower than the market average, question what compromises are being made.

No backup plan: Ask what happens if they fall ill or face an emergency. Professional videographers have a network of similar-quality colleagues they can call upon if needed.

Making Your Final Decision

After considering these factors, trust your instincts. The right videographer won't just have technical skills—they'll understand what matters most to you and inspire confidence that they'll capture your day beautifully.

Remember to book early, especially for peak wedding season dates. The most sought-after videographers often secure bookings 12-18 months in advance.

When you find a videographer who ticks all these boxes—one who tells compelling stories, values audio quality, behaves professionally, offers transparent packages, and consistently delivers quality work—you can relax knowing your wedding memories are in capable hands.

Ready to discuss your wedding videography needs? At Joe Felton Videography, I pride myself on meeting all these criteria and more. Browse my wedding videography packages or get in touch for a relaxed, no-pressure chat about your special day.