Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

“How much do you charge?”

We have no fixed prices or packages, just an hourly rate of $85 for shooting and for editing.

“How many hours does it take to record my wedding?”

Usually 7 to 9 hours. I do not record your rehearsal but I do spend at least an hour watching it and taking notes. That way I’ll know where cameras and microphones need to be placed before you come down the aisle. This also allows us to go over the rules with the wedding coordinator.

The day of your wedding we set up at least two hours before the ceremony to set up and check all connections. We’ll record your wedding ceremony from two or three camera angles so there’s no need to move around during the ceremony. In most cases, we record your reception with one camera. At receptions there are about eight to ten events we’re usually expected to capture: Introduction of the couple, toasts, first dance, father-daughter dance, bridal party dancing, cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet, throwing the garter, comments from guests and a parting comment about the day from the couple.

At the end of the day I’ll have about three or four hours of unedited footage. It’s fun to watch one time. After that you’ll wish all the “dull spots” could be edited out. Which is why we edit.

 

“How long does editing take?”

Condensing 3 to 4 hours of unedited footage into a 45 to 60 minute program takes from 22 to 35 hours, depending on how polished you would like it to be. Our DVD sampler shows highlights from five different weddings to give you an idea of what our work looks like.

 

“Is the editing in addition to the recording?”

Yes. This means most of our weddings require 7 to 9 hours to record and 22 to 35 hours to edit, or a total of 29 to 44 hours. At $85 per hour this works out to $2,465 to 3,740. So you can see the hourly rate provides a lot of flexibility.

 

“Does it have to cost that much? My budget’s not that high.”

No, it doesn’t. If your budget is in the $2,000 range, we can plan to record the ceremony with just one camera and record less footage at your reception. This would require less time to edit and thereby help control the cost.

 

“I know I can get my wedding video taped for a lot less. Why should I hire you?”

Like everything else with your wedding, you can always find a cheaper price. It all depends on the priority you place on quality video. Many of the families we work for love our work so much, they adjust other expenses in order to commission our services. We are called back for the next daughter and the next. Many of our clients come by referrals from satisfied customers. After watching her wedding in our office, one of our brides said, “it’s worth every nickel.”

 

“How long is the finished video?”

It’s all condensed into a 45 to 60 minute documentary of your wedding day. It’s very romantic to watch and you’ll receive 3 DVD albums.

 

“Can you video tape just our ceremony?”

I could, but I’d rather not… and you’d probably regret it anyway.

Families tell me the reception coverage was very important because it became a page from two families’ history. Everyone who is important to you will be there to celebrate your special day. Only video captures all the laughter, comments, dancing and happy moments for you to enjoy for years and decades to come. Imagine how your future children will enjoy seeing what you and their grandparents looked like on your wedding day.

 

“How are you paid?”

After it’s decided how many hours are involved, all the details are put in writing and you’ll receive a copy. It takes a one-third deposit to hold the date. We collect one-third after recording the wedding and the balance is due on delivery. We accept VISA and MasterCard.

 

“Are there any additional charges?
Childhood photo montages ranging from 3 to 15 minutes can be made from family photos and home videos. These also are created at the hourly rate. Also, we’re sometimes asked to record the rehearsal dinner. Indiana’s 6% state sales tax is charged only for the consumable items required to produce your program, not the entire contract.

 

“Do you work well with photographers?”

Apparently we do since much or our work comes from photographers we have worked with.

 

“What does the final product look like?”

It’s a beautiful state-of-the-art digital recording on DVD. The introduction looks more like the start of a motion picture. It includes elegant graphics gracefully set to music. Images are steady, clear and in focus. Your Wedding Day Video concludes with a video recap of the day, set to a special love song you provide. Like any motion picture, it features scrolling credits at the end listing all your attendants and other participants. Email us for a free DVD demo.

 

“How many people will come with you?”

I always bring at least one assistant but sometimes two to operate additional cameras at the ceremony and assist at the reception.

 

“What qualifications do you have?”

I have a Master’s Degree in Communications and have taught television production at the J. Everett Light Career Center ( North Central High School) since 1975. Our company has video taped weddings for over 900 very particular brides since 1983. I am also a member of and taught seminars for Wedding Event Videographers Association, International (WEVA, www.weva.com)

Also, I am well experienced in the unique differences between Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Jewish Orthodox, and Greek weddings.

 

“Do you have references?”

Hundreds. How many would you like?

 

“This all sounds wonderful, how do I receive a DVD demo or make an appointment?”

The fastest way to communicate is via email: johnrking2@insightbb.com.