7 tips when looking for a Cyprus wedding videographer

our wedding day only comes around once. It would seem right then that it should be captured and remembered, and a professional videographer can provide the time capsule needed to preserve this once-in-a-lifetime event. However, with so many Cyprus wedding videographers available, it can be daunting to pick the right one on the island for your special day. Here are 7 tips to help you choose the right filmmaker for your destination wedding.

1. Experience matters

As the saying goes: pay cheap, buy twice. Except, when it comes to wedding days, there is no second opportunity to buy again. It is therefore essential to choose a videographer who has experience and expertise in creating beautiful wedding videos, even if it means paying a premium. There are no reshoots or second chances when it comes to filming the special moments on your wedding day, so it would be wise to avoid those promising a lot for very little. You also don’t want someone who is still learning the ropes or just starting out, but rather the person who has already made the mistakes and has learned from them.

2. Find a Cyprus filmmaker, not just a Cyprus videographer

‍Videography portfolios matter, particularly if you are looking for a style that matches what you’re looking for. Many videographers still treat wedding days as highlight reels of the day, but there are some who see a story to be told. Every wedding day is an opportunity to make a short love film, which is why you don’t just want a videographer—you want a filmmaker. You may be wondering what is the difference, and a large part of it comes down to editing.

For example, compare this wedding highlight video with this collection of wedding videos. Notice how the videos in the second link use the audio captured from the speeches and ceremonies to serve as a narration for the day, which in turn helps to tell a story.

3. Check reviews

Before you decide on a videographer, be sure to read their reviews and check their references. There is a lot to learn from the videographers’ previous clients, and they can give you a good idea of their working style, reliability and quality of their work. Try to reach out directly to couples who may have used the videographer before, or alternatively go on Google or Facebook to see what their clients are saying.‍

4. Photographers in Limassol and beyond

It’s worth noting that Cyprus is pretty small, so don’t confine your search to the city you are in. Even if you are getting married in Limassol, you shouldn't just be searching for wedding photographers and videographers in Limassol. You should extend your search to places such as Paphos and Nicosia, which are both rich in industry professionals and creatives.

5. Inquire about their team and equipment

No videographer worth their salt operates as a one-man band, but sadly there are many videographers in Cyprus, both in Limassol and other cities, who do just that in the interest of maximising profit. In short, they have no insurance policy - for example, if they get sick or have a family emergency. Always make sure then that your videographer has a second shooter with them on the day. If they don’t care enough about you to have an insurance policy, why will they care enough about you to deliver a good video even if they end up not needing to use that insurance policy?

In the event you also want drone footage, it is important to check whether your videographer has the required licences to fly for commercial work.

Finally, one should never forget that filming is not just about the picture: it is about the audio as well. Make sure your videographer has all the right microphones and audio equipment to capture the important moments of the day, such as the speeches, the exchanging of vows and so on. Make sure to also ask whether they have backups in case of any technical issues on your wedding day.

6. Discuss your preferences and plan ahead

It's important to communicate your vision for your wedding video to the videographer so that they can capture everything you want. Discuss your preferences and ask if they can accommodate any special requests you have. It’s also a good idea to give your videographer the itinerary for the day so they can plan ahead of time. Finally, make sure to introduce the videographer to your wedding planner before your big day arrives. Weddings don’t always go to plan but the wedding planner always has their finger on the pulse. This way, if anything changes, the wedding planner can communicate directly with the videographer so that they can plan accordingly and not miss any of the important shots on the day.

7. Consider their personality

‍Picking your videographer is a very personal decision. They will be with you for much of your wedding day, so it's essential to choose someone you get along with. Look for someone who is friendly, approachable, and easy to work with, as this can help you feel more relaxed and at ease in front of the camera. Your videographer should feel like a fly on the wall, not a paparazzi—unless of course that is something you want.‍

Conclusion

‍Finding the right videographer for your destination wedding in Cyprus takes time and effort, but it's worth it to ensure that you get the best possible results. By looking for experience, checking reviews and references, discussing your preferences, inquiring about the team and their equipment and considering the videographer's personality, you can find the perfect videographer—or more precisely, filmmaker— to capture all the magic of your destination wedding. If you have any further questions on filming weddings in Cyprus, get in touch with me here.