Another Videography Question! How Many Hours?

We chose a 6 hour package for ours! We think that's more than enough time to get some getting ready footage, first look reactions, ceremony, and dances!

Daughter had her videographers there for 7 hours. That covered from first look at 1 pm through cake cutting at 7:30; then they left at 8 pm, so they only missed the last two hours of dancing. They got enough dancing before they left that there are some great clips in their video. Her photographers covered 11 am - 10:00 pm, so all the getting ready activities were only covered in still photos, but she didn't have any need for video of that. She was very happy with the combination of still and video coverage that they had.

I hired my photographer and videographer for 10 hours and assistant photographer and videographer for 6 hours on the wedding day, but I want everything covered from start to finish! I also have 2 different locations for my ceremony and reception, and I want all the details/decorations coverage as well.

If ceremony and reception is all at the same place 8 hours should be enough for full coverage. Since you don't need the full coverage I think 6 might be enough.

How long is your reception?

I think 2 hours is plenty to get some good coverage of dancing! Most of the weddings I've attended, I noticed the videographer there for 1-2 hours when we started dancing. 2 hours is good because usually it's a slow start to get people on the dance floor. I think two hours will have enough time for people to start feeling the music and have a nice crowd form for video coverage!

It was probably even more. I think the open dancing probably started around 6:45???? I'm a little fuzzy, but the bridal party was announced into the reception at 5:15, and the plated dinner was served at 5:30. After they ate, the B&G did table visits and photos with each table, toward the end of dinner. The father-daughter and mother-son dances were immediately after dinner (~6:40ish?), then the dance floor opened. I think the bouquet toss and cake cutting were around 7:30. Daughter's video package included all raw footage -- 6+ hours from both cameras -- and a 7 minute highlight film. As I remember, in the raw footage, there is tons of video during dancing, and probably about a third of the highlight reel features cuts from the highlight dances and then plenty of open dancing. There is a nice mix of slow, romantic cuts of the B&G dancing, and fun party dancing with a variety of guests -- it seemed like plenty to me, and I know daughter & SIL were really happy with the finished products. I'd work with your coordinator/venue/photographer/DJ/etc. to make sure your timeline is as tight and accurate as possible, then book your videographer to cover the key events. If you're working with experienced vendors, they should be able to give you good advice on timing. Good luck!

We had our videographers for about 6 hours and it was enough time. I think 4 is a little short. With only 4 hours, it will be hard to get footage from getting ready, first look (if you choose to do one), ceremony, cocktail hour/newlywed photos, and reception. Doing 6 hours gave us plenty of time for them to capture the important parts of our day.

You're so welcome!!

I think depending on your timeline you may be able to do 6, but to be on the safe side 8 would probably be more ideal to capture all the details! If it included a second shooter you could probably get away with 6 hours though.