First things first — Congratulations on stepping into the exciting world of wedding planning! Now, let's be real.

Unless you're moonlighting as a professional wedding coordinator, chances are you've never embarked on this adventure before. Planning a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime gig, and the learning curve can be as steep as it is thrilling. Fear not! In this guide, we're spilling the beans on the secrets to achieving budgeting bliss for your wedding videography. From prioritizing your cinematic dreams to negotiating with grace, we've got eight essential tips to ensure your investment in lasting memories is not just memorable but budget-friendly too.

1. Prioritize Your Cinematic Dreams

What's most important to you? Prioritize the aspects of your wedding that truly matter, especially when it comes to capturing those cinematic moments. Do you want a video of the entire ceremony, or your entire first dance? Make that a priority!

2. Create a Realistic Budget

Wedding budgets vary, and that's okay! Establish a budget that aligns with your vision and ensures you get the cinematic experience you deserve. Most wedding planning guides will tell you that wedding videography is about 10-15% of the overall budget. If your heart is set on a high-end cinematographer, be prepared to use a larger share of your budget to pay for your dream videographer.

3. Don't compromise on quality

Great videography comes with expertise, top-notch equipment, and a killer portfolio. It's an investment in memories, so consider the value it brings to your story. Looking back, Wade and I hired a really high-quality videographer and we are thankful we did. Will drone footage make a huge difference in your video? Probably not. However, looking at our first wedding video to now, we have learned how to tell the story of your day so much better. Good storytelling does cost money.

4. Research Your Videographer's Vibe

Go on, do some stalking! Explore portfolios, read reviews, and make sure your videographer's style aligns with your vision. It's all about finding that perfect match. If you have a color palate of burgundy, navy, and gold, you might be looking for someone who edits with a dark and moody style. Or, you might want someone who edits true to color on the day of. Having a cohesive look to your wedding can be important to you, so hiring the right videographer who will fit with that vision is important.

5. Tailor Your Package

Customization is key! Pick a package that suits your needs and adds that extra cinematic flair to your special day. Some popular package add-on's that people might not consider include a full video of their first look, a video save the date, or a video guest book.

6. Mind the Hidden Costs

Sneaky costs can pop up. Ask about travel, accommodation, or any additional edits. It's all about transparency for a smooth collaboration. A good videographer will lay this out in their contract and communication with you BEFORE you sign a contract.

7. Negotiate with Grace

While negotiating, remember the value of expertise. Be respectful and inquire about adjustments or additional services that can make your experience even better. The best time to find a deal on your videographer is in the winter. Many couples aren't looking for videographers then, and they might be able to cut you a deal! However, don't be alarmed if they do not offer you any discount.

8. Invest Wisely for Lasting Memories

Your wedding videographer is the storyteller of your big day. Invest wisely, ensuring you'll have a timeless keepsake to relive those beautiful moments. Although photos capture your amazing day, your wedding day video will show you so much more. click here to read more reasons why you should make sure you have a videographer at your wedding!

We get it; planning a wedding is like entering uncharted territory, and it's totally okay if you've never done this before. The key is to embrace the journey, prioritize what matters most to you, and, most importantly, enjoy the process. Your wedding videographer is the storyteller of your big day, and with these budgeting tips, you're well on your way to making the most of every dollar.