OT: Wedding Prices

xjerx wrote on 2/10/2005, 8:50 PM
If you're willing to share...I was wondering what you guys are charging for shooting and editing weddings and delivery on DVD. Also, pricing for any other kind of event and why. By the hour? or set price?

I currently shoot weddings with three XL1s' for the ceremony, with two sennheiser lapel mics (one on pastor and one on groom), and direct feed from the audio board (if any) for live music, readings, and/or pastor. I shoot pre-wedding of groom and bride getting ready, etc. I shoot the photo shoot and put that footage together nicely with purty music. I then shoot the reception getting all the major highlights. Lately i have been shooting the receptions with two XL1s' with one camera receiving a feed from the DJ for toasts, etc. Then it all comes out on a beautiful DVD! (on request i'll shoot other events of the wedding such as rehearsal dinner, i've done a few showers....but no honeymoons yet :o) ...How much would you guys recommend charging for this kind of service?

thanks for your input...
jeremiah

Comments

vidter wrote on 2/10/2005, 9:07 PM
check out
http://www.videouniversity.com/forums/gforum.cgi?forum=16;guest=4279198029
JackW wrote on 2/10/2005, 10:53 PM
Take a look at the PEVAN web site (the Professional Event Videographers Association Northwest.) Several of the companies listed there have descriptions of packages and package prices listed on their web sites.

Here in the Seattle area, based on a survey of 47 companies doing weddings that I conducted about a year ago, the median package offering roughly what you describe was about $1500. The range was from as low as $600 -- totally unrealistic in my opinion for 6-8 hours shooting and anywhere from 20 to 30 hours editing -- to a high of $5500, a figure commanded by only one or two companies.

One way to approach figuring what to charge is to take your day rate for a two or three camera shoot and add what you'd charge for 20-30 hours editing. Add all periphal costs -- tape, gas and mileage, meals, etc. Finally, add in a percentage for profit. See where this fits in to what your competition charges and adjust accordingly.

Good luck.

Jack