Frequently asked wedding videography questions
BY BEST MADE VIDEOS®

For prospective clients looking for a wedding videographer.

I. General Questions

  • What videography services does Best Made Wedding Videos provide?

    • Best Made Videos® is a full-service video production company focusing on live events, conferences, corporate branding videos, small business marketing videos, weddings, and more.

  • Why should I hire a professional wedding videographer?

    • Couples should hire a wedding videographer if they want to “re-live” their wedding in a way that captures all of the sights, sounds, and behind-the-scenes details of a day that photographs simply cannot.

  • Hiring Best Made Videos® means choosing a partner who prioritizes both the quality of your film and the ease of your experience. Couples consistently choose Reid Johnson for these four "Best Made" advantages:

    1. Unmatched Turnaround Speed: While the industry standard is 3–6 months, Reid delivers your handcrafted wedding films in just 2–4 weeks. Many couples receive their highlight reel while still on their honeymoon.

    2. Full Ownership of Your Memories: Unlike many studios, Reid includes the RAW footage in most packages at no extra cost. You get every second of recorded video for your family archives.

    3. Documentary-Style Expertise: Reid uses a non-intrusive, "hands-off" approach. He works seamlessly with your photographer to capture authentic, candid moments without making you feel like you're on a film set.

    4. A Proven Track Record: With over 220 five-star reviews and an induction into the The Knot Hall of Fame, you aren't just hiring a videographer—you’re hiring a veteran with 18+ years of experience and a perfect reputation for reliability.

  • “Why should I choose Best Made Videos® over another wedding videographer?”

    • Choosing Best Made Videos® over other Seattle videographers comes down to three things that are surprisingly rare in the wedding industry: speed, ownership, and experience.

      While many talented filmmakers can produce a beautiful video, Reid Johnson has built his reputation on being the most reliable and "couple-friendly" professional in the Pacific Northwest.

      1. The Fastest Delivery in Seattle

      1. The Problem: Most wedding videographers take 3 to 6 months (or more) to deliver your film. By the time you get it, the "wedding high" has faded.

        The Best Made Advantage: Reid delivers your handcrafted films in just 2 to 4 weeks. You will likely be watching your highlight reel while you are still on your honeymoon.

      2. You Own Your Memories (RAW Footage Included)

      1. The Problem: The industry standard is to "gatekeep" the raw footage, charging an extra $500–$1,500 for it, or refusing to give it to you at all.

        The Best Made Advantage: Reid includes the RAW footage in most packages at no additional cost. He believes that since it's your wedding, you should own every second of the footage captured—not just the edited highlights.

      3. "Invisible" Documentary Storytelling

      1. The Problem: Many videographers treat your wedding like a movie set, asking you to repeat walks, pose awkwardly, or stay under bright lights, which can distract from the actual celebration.

        The Best Made Advantage: Reid’s style is "hands-off." He captures the day as it naturally unfolds. You get authentic, emotional moments without feeling like there is a camera in your face all day.

      4. A "Hall of Fame" Reputation

      1. The Problem: Hiring a newer or "hobbyist" videographer is a risk; if their gear fails or they lose footage, there's no backup, and there’s no going back.

        The Best Made Advantage: With over 250+ five-star reviews and an induction into The Knot’s Hall of Fame, Reid is an 18-year veteran. He has a perfect record for reliability, meaning you have zero stress about whether your videographer will show up or deliver a high-quality product.

      5. Seamless Teamwork

      1. The Problem: You’re afraid your photographer and videographer are going to “get in each other’s way” all day.

      2. The Best Made Advantage: Because of his tenure in Seattle, Reid has worked with almost every major photographer and venue in the city. He doesn't compete with your photographer for "the shot"; he collaborates with them to ensure your timeline stays on track and the day remains fun.

  • How far in advance should we book our wedding videographer?

    • Couples hire Best Made Videos® for their wedding videography services anywhere from 8-12 months before their wedding. However, please check to see if we have any last-minute openings.

  • “Where is Best Made Videos® located?”

    • Best Made Video® is located in West Seattle, WA.

  • “Do you offer destination videography services?”

    • Best Made Videos® is available for destination and travel videography services anywhere in the world.

II. Style & Creative Vision

  • “How would you describe your filming style?”

    • Reid focuses on capturing documentary-style footage during your wedding day, showcasing you naturally and at your best, without relying heavily on staging, which can impede the flow and schedule of the day.

  • “Can I see a full wedding film?”

    • All of the video examples on Reid’s wedding portfolio are representative of the final “highlights” video you will receive. Reid’s couples also receive a fully edited wedding ceremony as well as all of their toasts on a private link.

  • “How do you handle audio for vows and speeches?”

    • Reid uses discreet microphones as well as working alongside your DJ or audio professional for additional redundancy recordings to make sure no word is missed.

  • “How is the music selected? Do we choose the songs, or do you handle licensing?”

    • All of the music for the edited “highlights” video must legally come from approved music licensing sites; an up-to-date list is provided during the booking process. Your private edited ceremony video, as well as your RAW video (in applicable packages), will have your original music.

  • “How much ‘staging’ do you do? Will you ask us to repeat actions, or are you a fly on the wall”?

    • Reid works with your photographer as much as possible to make sure you don’t have to repeat actions. Reid wants to be nearby to capture all necessary moments without getting in the way.

  • “How much say do we get over the final product?”

    • 6 weeks before your wedding, you’ll receive your pre-wedding questionnaire, which includes a shot-list for you to personalize your wedding video to your and your partner’s unique preferences.

  • “Is a second shooter available as an upgrade, and when would you recommend one?”

    • Most of Reid’s weddings are filmed “solo”. Reid would recommend a second shooter only if you have an extremely large wedding (over 300 guest count) or if you have getting ready locations extremely far from each other.

  • “How many cameras do you set up for the ceremony?”

    • Even if Reid is “solo” shooting, Reid sets up 3 cameras for your wedding ceremony and 2 cameras for your wedding toasts to make sure you have complete coverage and multiple angles.

  • Are you comfortable working alongside a social media content creator?"

    • Absolutely! Your content creator is focused on short and immediate clips, while Reid is focused on capturing your entire wedding day from start to finish, not just specific moments throughout the day.

III. Technical "Peace of Mind" & Logistics

  • “Will you be the one actually filming my wedding?”
    Many large studios send "associates" you haven't met.

    • Reid is the primary and solo videographer at any Best Made Videos® event unless previously approved or additional videographers are required for the scale of the event.

  • “Do you use dual-slot recording?”
    This ensures the footage is backed up instantly in-camera if a memory card fails.

  • “What is your plan for difficult lighting?”
    (e.g., a dark church or a reception with heavy strobe lights).

    • Reid uses top-of-the-line cameras and lenses designed to specifically film in low-light situations.

  • “How do you coordinate with the photographer?”
    A plan is needed so they aren't constantly in each other’s shots.

    • In the rare case that Reid hasn’t previously worked with your photographer, Reid will personally reach out and coordinate ahead of your wedding to make sure he does not get in their way.

  • “What is your backup plan if you get sick or your gear fails?”

    • Reid always has multiple sets of cameras and equipment at all of his weddings and events, all of which are insured. Reid also has a network of trustworthy videographers in the area, should he need additional help or coverage.

  • “Do you have a drone, and are you FAA licensed?”
    (This is required for legal commercial drone use in the US).

    • All of our drone operators are licensed and insured if you choose to upgrade to a drone videography package.

  • “What do you and your team wear?”

    • Black slacks / black shirt, or whatever is required to seamlessly blend into the event

  • "What is your travel fee structure for weddings outside of the immediate Seattle area?"

    • No travel time will be charged if the wedding is within 50 miles of Seattle, Washington. Wedding events further than 50 miles will be charged at $.725 per mile for every mile in excess of 50 miles.

  • "Do you require a hotel stay for weddings a certain distance away?"

    • Destination weddings or events further than 2 hours away from Seattle require a minimum 1-night stay.

  • "Have you filmed at our specific venue before, and if not, will you do a site visit or virtual walkthrough?"

    • Reid is always happy to provide videos from events at any venue he’s shot at before. Pre-event site visits are generally not helpful due to changing weather and lighting conditions, but each situation is different.

  • "Do we need to provide a vendor meal for you?"

    • Yes, PLEASE! It’s required in the contract. :)

  • "When do you typically take your break?"

    • Your photographer and videographer would LOVE to eat as soon as you do, so once you’ve finished and begun mingling/going table to table, we can capture those moments.

IV. Packages & Deliverables

  • “What is the exact turnaround time for our edited wedding video?”
    2–3 months is standard; some can take up to 6 months.

    • Depending on your package, as short as 2 weeks or up to 60 days for our “Good” package

  • “Do I get the RAW footage?”
    Most charge extra for this.

    • RAW footage is included in our “Better” and “Best” wedding videography packages.

  • “How many hours are included, and what are the overtime fees?”

    • Reid’s packages range from 8 hours up to 14 hours; additional hours are $200 an hour.

  • “How long do you archive the footage? Will you still have a copy if our hard drive fails?”

    • All footage is backed up in perpetuity; you can read more here.

  • “How do you deliver our final product?”

    • Depending on your package, you’ll receive either digital links or a hard drive with all of your footage.

  • “Are revisions included? Can we request edits (like removing a specific shot) for free?”

    • All wedding videos have 2 rounds of feedback for “light” edits

  • “Are there privacy options? Can we opt out of having our film used in your social media marketing?”

    • Yes, please let me know before you book so you can opt out of social media marketing.

  • "Do you film and deliver in 4K?"

    • Yes, you can upgrade any of our wedding packages to 4K video.

  • "Do you offer 'Social Media Teasers' or 'Vertical Edits' (9:16) for Instagram/TikTok?"

    • Yes, our “Best” wedding videography package includes a social media teaser video or you can add it to any other package for an additional cost.

V. Contract & "Fine Print"

  • “What is your ‘Force Majeure’ policy? What happens to the deposit if we have to reschedule due to an emergency?”

    • All deposits are non-refundable. If you have to reschedule your wedding due to unforeseen circumstances, Reid will do his best to find a date that works for all parties.

  • “What is the payment schedule?”
    Usually, a deposit is required to hold the date, with the balance due before the wedding.

    • It’s a 25% deposit to reserve your wedding date; the final balance is due before the wedding.