Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Video and Civil Partnership Video 

A few typical questions and answers that should help with your decision to book a videographer to cover your wedding or Civil Partnership.

What makes Keith Malone Wedding Films different from alternative video companies?

The first thing that jumps to mind is that when we say we are discreet and unobtrusive during the day, we actually mean it! Don’t believe we are that discreet? Here is the proof! This means that you can expect us not to poke the camera in people’s faces and ask them to perform on camera. It also means that we don’t get the bride & groom, bridal party or anybody else to pose or perform any antics. We don’t do cheese. We also won’t go around all of the guest’s tables at dinner and ask them to smile into the camera. A ‘discreet’ videographer should be exactly that! Don’t believe us? Read through some of the testimonials from previous couples.

Do you film Civil Partnership ceremonies?

Yes. See here for pricing information.

Anything else that separates Keith Malone Wedding Films from the norm?

We recognise that every wedding and event are different and so are every couple. We do our best to reflect this in our wedding DVDs and Civil Partnership DVDs. We avoid playing it safe by churning out the exact same format with every event. On the day, we are continously on the lookout for the extra detail shots that couples tend not to notice during their day. During the intense editing process, we create a personalised film that captures the buzz and excitement of the day. We are glad to say that these efforts don’t go unnoticed as we have often been thanked by couples for producing such a personalised DVD that they know are totally unique to them and different from the ‘norm’.

We also have a photographer booked. How well will you work together?

We recognise that the photographer has an important job to do – as does the videographer. As a rule, we simply don’t get in their way and allow them to get on with their job. In fact, we work very well together as we are doing two completely separate jobs. Many photographers refer couples to us on a daily basis – hopefully this speaks for itself! Incidentally, if you don’t have a professional photographer booked, we strongly suggest that you reconsider. We’ve sometimes worked alongside an amateur “enthuasist” photographer who would have inadequate equipment and wouldn’t be doing anything different from a lay person with no photography skills. It is usually a situation that ends up with very dissappointing results afterwards.

A guest has offered to bring their camcorder to ‘officially’ film our wedding or Civil Partnership ceremony…

We believe there is a simple answer to this one. Most people in their lifetime have seen home wedding videos that are of very poor quality. Specifically we mean that they are shaky, have poor image quality and they are completley un-edited. Besides that, they often miss the important bits or have them captured from less than ideal camera angles. There simply is no comparison between this and what a decent professional videographer can produce. We are specialists at wedding and event videography. From experience, we know what the couple expect to be captured. There is only one way… the right way! You might find this post in our blog of some interest: wedding video: amateur versus professional

What “gear” or “kit” do you use?

The latest equipment, wherever possible! Specifically, we use 3-chip Sony PMW-EX1 cameras that film in high-definition. This is currently the latest available technology. Our cameras are actually better than many TV cameras being used today. We also pay careful attention to the sound recording. We use various techniques involving wireless microphones, tapping into the venue sound system, placing a lapel microphone on the groom, boundary microphones on the altar. You won’t see them though; we are experts at hiding them and placing discreetly so that they work away in the background without making the place look like a production set.

Will you use big bright lights?

No way! The only time we may have to use a little light is during the dancing if it is very dark in the venue. It is an on-camera light that is more like a little pencil torch! It usually isn’t even noticed.

Do you film the last-minute shots of the bridal preparations?

Yes, this optional add on is available. The bride must be getting ready within a 5 minute drive from the ceremony venue.

What’s all this HD, High-Definition, Blu-ray talk all about? My head is wrecked with the detail!

It’s not all as daunting as it is made out to be. Simply put, it’s better. Why? Because the image quality is much sharper, colours are more vivid and even the sound is crisper.

I’m interested in a Blu-ray version of my wedding or event. What else do I need to know?

We film all of our weddings and events in high-definition and still deliver most of them on standard quality DVDs. Since early 2008, all couples have the option of requesting a Blu-ray version of their wedding or event. A HD-ready display is required and so is a Blu-ray player. The Sony PS3 can also playback our Blu-ray discs. These are becoming popular gift items!

How many DVDs do we receive?

3 as standard but you can order more later at €25 each. If you upgrade to the Blu-ray version, you will receive 2 Blu-ray discs.

Do we need to provide a meal for the videographer?

Given that the videographer will typically be around for 12 to 14 hours, it is politely requested that bar food is provided by the couple. A sit down meal with the guests is NOT required. Normally the videographer will eat in a bar or restaurant adjacent to the main function room while the guests are eating. The vast majority of reception venues will already be well accustomed to serving bar food to the official videographer.

Can we choose the soundtrack for our DVD?

Yes of course! It’s your choice. A few weeks prior to the wedding or event, we’ll send you a list of recommended songs to choose from. If you don’t want them, you can provide your own music.

How soon will our DVDs be ready?

The normal turnaround time is usually about 6 to 12 weeks. During the Summer, this might be a bit longer. The editing process involves a dedicated level of commitment and a LOT of man hours. We don’t just copy the footage from the camera straight onto a DVD. It is the colour grading, audio editing, music matching, transition creation, opening titles, rendering, compositing and DVD authoring that takes the time… but we love what we do and our proud of our creations!

How can I book and do you require a booking fee?

Your booking will only be confirmed upon receipt of a non-refundable booking fee of €295. The balance of payment is due in full on the wedding date. Payment can be made by cheque, cash, postal order, draft or bank transfer as long as you are paying in Euro.

Do you accept credit cards and laser cards?

Sorry, not at this time. However, we accept Paypal payments for the booking fee. Please let us know if you want to use Paypal to make a booking and we will send a payment request. Due to the high transaction costs currently charged by Paypal, we regret that we currently only accept the remaining balance in the traditional way of cheque / draft / cash / postal order / bank transfer on the wedding day or day of the event.

Are there any hidden costs?

No. The prices quoted upon enquiry are final. They will include a travel charge if applicable. No additonal costs will arise. Prior to the wedding or event, you have the choice of changing your package and / or selecting from a range of optional extras.

What happens if the pricing changes in the future?

Our costs are fixed at the time of booking. So you are protected from future price increases.

I have more questions that are not covered here!

No problem! Ask us in the comment box below and your question and answer will appear (after moderation).

Some of these questions look familiar, where might I have seen them before?
Good spot! We noticed ourselves that this page was copied almost word for word by another wedding videographer based in Ireland. Originally, it was a “COMPLETE” copy of our FAQs. So we updated ours again. As the old saying goes, imitation is the cheapest form of flattery!