As we enter 2024, wedding videographers are facing new challenges. With fewer bookings and smaller weddings becoming the norm, this year’s market feels more challenging compared to the post-pandemic boom of 2022. Securing consistent work is harder for videographers now.
But this doesn’t have to mean a loss in revenue or sales. In fact, it’s an opportunity to rethink how you market your services and partner with others in the wedding industry to grow your business. Let’s dive into some of the top trends and strategies for wedding videographers in 2024.
1. Focus on storytelling for smaller, Intimate Weddings
One of the biggest trends is the shift toward smaller, more intimate weddings. Many couples are opting for micro-weddings or elopements, preferring meaningful moments with fewer guests.
How to adapt:
Offer video packages that emphasize the personal nature of these intimate gatherings. Create films that go beyond documenting the day and instead focus on telling the couple’s love story in an emotional, cinematic way. Capture behind-the-scenes moments, heartfelt vows, and the couple’s candid interactions with loved ones.
You might also consider offering elopement packages specifically designed for couples who choose to celebrate their love with just a few close family members or even alone in a stunning location. These films can become deeply personal keepsakes that the couple will treasure for years.
Pro Tip: Show potential clients that smaller weddings don’t mean less magic. Share videos that reflect the beauty and closeness of micro-weddings, highlighting how your videography can preserve these special memories.
2. Upsell premium services to add more value
Another way to boost revenue in 2024 is by offering premium services. A great option is providing highlight reels that couples can share with friends and family while the event is still fresh. Social media has made these quick, shareable videos a must-have. Consider offering social media packs (like a Viral Pack) that complement the wedding video with funny or emotional moments. If the couple shares it and it goes viral, imagine the work you could get from just a few seconds of video!
How to adapt:
Offer a “Viral Pack” where you create short, engaging clips of the wedding’s most emotional, funny, or memorable moments. Couples can share these clips on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook right after the event, keeping the excitement alive and spreading the joy of their wedding day.
This immediate sharing not only enhances their wedding experience but also boosts your visibility. As their videos get shared and liked, you gain exposure to their entire network, potentially leading to more bookings.
Another great upsell is offering drone footage. Drones allow you to capture breathtaking aerial shots that can add a cinematic quality to your wedding films, especially for outdoor or destination weddings. These shots can make the wedding video feel grand and give couples an experience they wouldn’t get from a standard package.
Pro Tip: Promote these premium services as a way to enhance the wedding experience. Let clients know that viral moments can make their day even more memorable, and offer these as high-value add-ons to your standard packages.
3. Collaborate with other vendors through “Videos for Vendors”
A great trend to tap into this year is partnering with other wedding vendors. Vendors like florists, photographers, and planners all need high-quality video content to promote their services. Why not be the one to provide it?
How does this work? You can create videos for vendors that showcase their work at weddings you both service. This could include behind-the-scenes footage of them setting up, working with couples, or showing off their final product (like stunning floral arrangements or beautifully set tables).
What’s in it for you? Not only can this create new revenue streams, but it can also lead to referrals. When vendors use your videos to market their services, they’re more likely to recommend you to their clients as part of a package deal.
Pro Tip: Build relationships with vendors and offer vendor-exclusive video packages. These videos can elevate their marketing, while also attracting more clients for both of you.
4. Create flexible payment plans
Budget-conscious couples might hesitate to commit to high-ticket services upfront, which is why flexible payment plans are a smart offering in 2024. Giving clients the option to spread payments over time makes your services more accessible to couples who are on the fence.
Why does this work? Many couples are navigating wedding costs in an uncertain economy. By offering flexible payment options, you make it easier for them to say "yes" to your services. This also opens up opportunities to upsell premium add-ons later on.
Pro Tip: Highlight your flexible payment plans on your website, in emails, and during consultations. This could be the tipping point that convinces hesitant clients to book your services.
5. Offer Vendor-Exclusive video packages
Finally, 2024 is the year to create vendor-exclusive video packages. Wedding planners, photographers, florists, and venues all need professional videos to showcase their work. Offer tailored packages that highlight their role in the wedding, giving them high-quality content they can use for marketing.
How to adapt:
Create tailored video packages specifically for vendors. For example, you could offer a venue tour video that highlights a wedding venue’s best features, or a promotional video for a photographer that shows them in action on the wedding day. These videos become powerful marketing tools for vendors, allowing them to stand out from the competition.
Vendors often struggle to capture the essence of their work through photos alone. By offering them professional video content, you position yourself as a valuable asset in their business, leading to stronger vendor relationships and more referrals.
Pro Tip: Build strong vendor relationships and offer referral incentives. If a vendor refers you to one of their couples, reward them with a discounted rate or a referral bonus.
Conclusion
2024 may bring fewer wedding bookings, but by adapting to new trends and focusing on creative partnerships, videographers can still thrive. From intimate storytelling to vendor collaborations and premium upsells, the opportunities are endless. Now is the time to diversify your offerings, add value to your services, and build strong vendor relationships. This won’t just increase your bookings—it will also boost your income per wedding.