So, you’ve found your wedding videographer — time to have a good look at their contract. This of course assumes there is a contract; if there isn’t, my advice is to get one or walk away.
The wedding videographer’s contract is vital for both parties. The videographer needs to know you won’t change your mind at the last minute and leave them with an empty Saturday, and you need to know they’ll show up when they say they will and provide the service they’ve agreed to. I’ve had too many phone calls from brides getting married in less than a week whose videographer has let them down at the last minute.
What a Wedding Videographer’s Contract Should Include
At its most basic, a wedding videographer’s contract should confirm the date and location of the wedding, state the total price of their services and the date when payment is due, and set out exactly what’s included — how many hours of coverage (preferably with start and end times), how many cameras/camera operators, how many copies of the DVD you’ll get etc.
When Will You Get Your Wedding Video?
It’s a good idea to make sure the contract includes when they will deliver the finished DVDs to you. This time frame varies between videographers. Some have a team of dedicated editors who will get the DVD to you before you return from honeymoon, while others will do all the work themselves and be so busy filming during the wedding season they won’t even start editing for four or five months. Whichever it is, make sure you know in advance and that you’re happy with how long you’ll have to wait.
Cancellation Policy
The contract should detail what to do if you need to cancel for any reason (and how much you’ll have to pay if you do). It should also explain what to do if you’re unhappy with your wedding video or the service you receive.
Copyright
Just like a photographer, a videographer automatically owns the copyright to their work. This means that only they have the right to make additional copies and that they may use clips from your video on their website or show reel. The contract should detail their rights and yours in this regard.
Finally, if there is anything in your wedding videographer’s contract that you don’t understand or want to change (or add), speak to your videographer. If you both agree then they can amend the contract before you sign. If you stay quiet and an issue arises later then you are on much shakier ground.
Guest post by Jim Cliff
Image from Unsplash
