3 Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring a Wedding Videographer (or any wedding vendor!)
#1 - No Contract or Missing Details
Over the years, we’ve had several brides come to us in the exact same unfortunate situation: they’d paid a videographer but never received a contract. Then—radio silence. The vendor ghosted them (more on poor communication later on).
Thankfully, we were able to step in and create a beautiful wedding film for those couples, but the stress of scrambling for a new videographer at the last minute—on top of losing money to the first vendor—was overwhelming for them.
NEVER, NEVER, EVER proceed with a vendor who doesn’t provide a contract.
A contract doesn’t just protect the vendor—it protects you. It outlines exactly what you’re getting, when you’re getting it, and what happens if something goes wrong. We use Docusign for our contracts, but other reputable vendors may use Adobe Sign, SignNow, or similar tools.
Whatever they use, just make sure it’s official and signed. If a vendor doesn’t deliver on what they promised, a contract is your best tool to help you legally recoup any money you’ve paid and hold them accountable.
This one simple step can save you a ton of heartache down the line!
#2 - No Portfolio or Sparse Work Samples
Anyone can say they’re a wedding videographer or photographer, but the proof is in the footage. If a vendor can’t show you full examples of their work—or only has a couple of highlight reels or photos posted from years ago—that’s a red flag.
All of our films are easily available to view on our YouTube page, so you can see exactly what we deliver.
You deserve to see how they capture full ceremonies, toasts, audio, movement, and moments that matter. Don’t be afraid to ask for complete films, especially from weddings similar in setting or size to yours.
Bonus tip: If you’re looking for drone wedding videography, make sure they’re FAA-certified and can legally (and safely) fly in your wedding location.
We’re proud to be FAA 107-certified for drone flying and carry full liability insurance—providing peace of mind for both you and your venue.
#3 - Slow or Inconsistent Communication
If a vendor takes weeks to reply to your inquiry—or doesn’t follow through when they say they will—that’s a major warning sign. Good communication is essential not just for planning, but for your peace of mind.
A great videographer will be responsive, clear, and respectful of your time. You should never feel like you’re chasing someone down just to get answers. If it’s hard to communicate with them now, imagine how it might feel leading up to your wedding.
That’s why me make it easy to get the process started. Book a free Zoom consult using the Calendly link below to schedule at your convenience. During this personalized session, we’ll:
- Discuss your wedding theme, style, and vision for your wedding film.
- Explore our packages, and tailor one to your needs.
- Answer any questions you have about our process, pricing, and availability.
- Planning a wedding can be stressful! We’ll provide insights and recommendations to ensure it goes smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding is too important to take chances on red flags. Trust your gut, ask the hard questions, and don’t settle for anything less than a vendor who treats your day with the care and professionalism it deserves.
At Oregon Wedding Co., we believe in transparency, creativity, and storytelling that lasts a lifetime. If you’re still searching for your perfect wedding videographer, we’d love to connect.