7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a New Orleans Wedding Videographer (And How to Get the Film You Want)

Planning a wedding in New Orleans is unlike anywhere else. The jazz. The second lines. The French Quarter magic. The way the light hits those wrought-iron balconies at golden hour.

You want a wedding film that actually captures all of it. Not just the pretty parts: the real energy.

But here's the thing. Hiring the wrong videographer can leave you with a generic video that could've been filmed anywhere. And that's not what you came to NOLA for.

After 15 years of filming weddings across Louisiana, we've seen couples make the same hiring mistakes over and over. Let's make sure you don't.

Mistake #1: Watching Only Highlight Reels

It's tempting. You scroll Instagram, fall in love with a 60-second reel set to a trending song, and immediately want to book.

But here's what those reels don't show you: How does this videographer handle the unscripted moments? The rambling toasts? The emotional father-daughter dance that goes a little long?

Anyone can make 60 seconds look cinematic. The real test is everything else.

The fix: Ask to see full ceremony footage or a complete reception video. Watch how they handle the in-between moments. That's where real storytelling lives.

Mistake #2: Hiring Based on Price Alone

We get it. Weddings are expensive. And when you see videography packages ranging from $5,500 to $12,000+ for cinematic storytelling, sticker shock is real.

But choosing the cheapest option often means outdated equipment, no backup plan, and a video delivered months (or even a year) late.

Your wedding film is something you'll watch for decades. On anniversaries. With your kids someday. It's worth investing in someone who treats it that way.

The fix: Understand what professional videography actually includes: quality gear, backup equipment, skilled editing, and a team that shows up prepared. Ask what's included before comparing prices.

Mistake #3: Not Confirming Who Actually Films Your Wedding

This one catches couples off guard constantly.

You meet with the company owner. You love their vibe. You sign the contract. Then a completely different person shows up on your wedding day: someone you've never met, with a different style and energy.

The fix: Ask specifically who will be behind the camera. Request to meet them. Get it in writing. You deserve to know the person capturing one of the most important days of your life.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Contract Details

Vague contracts cause most videography disputes. Couples assume certain things are included: full ceremony coverage, raw footage, a specific delivery timeline: only to be surprised later.

If it's not written down, it's not guaranteed.

The fix: Read everything. Ask about:

• How long until you receive your film?

• What happens if the videographer gets sick?

• Do you offer same-day highlight reels or next-day edits?

• How do you handle bad weather on wedding day?

A clear contract protects everyone.

Mistake #5: Skipping the Backup Plan Conversation

Equipment fails. Memory cards corrupt. People get sick. It happens.

Without a solid backup plan, you risk losing footage from your entire day. And there's no do-over for a wedding.

The fix: Ask three questions:

1. What backup equipment do you bring?

2. Who covers if you can't make it?

3. How do you prevent footage loss?

Professional teams have redundant systems: multiple cameras, extra batteries, backup cards, and partner videographers on call.

Mistake #6: Not Understanding Their Artistic Style

Videography styles vary more than most couples realize. Cinematic. Documentary. Editorial. Each tells your story differently.

Hiring based purely on aesthetics: without understanding their storytelling philosophy: can result in a film that feels nothing like what you imagined.

The fix: Know what you want before you book:

• Cinematic: Stylized, music-driven, with slow motion and intentional shots

• Documentary: Chronological, story-focused, capturing events as they unfold

• Editorial: Fashion-inspired, elegant, with a polished aesthetic

Watch full films in your preferred style. Make sure you're aligned before signing anything.

Mistake #7: Hiring Someone Who Doesn't Know New Orleans

This is the big one.

New Orleans weddings aren't like other weddings. You've got second line parades weaving through the French Quarter. Brass bands that shift the energy in seconds. Venues with challenging acoustics and lighting. Humidity that fogs lenses if you're not ready.

A videographer who doesn't understand NOLA culture will miss what makes your day special.

The fix: Hire local. Ask about their experience with specific New Orleans venues: courtyards, historic churches, rooftop ceremonies with the Mississippi River behind you. Do they know how to capture a second line without getting trampled? Can they handle the chaos of a jazz band surprise?

Local expertise makes all the difference.

Why Numa Films?

With 15 years filming weddings in Louisiana, we know this city inside and out. The venues. The weather. The energy that makes a NOLA wedding completely unforgettable.

Our approach is cinematic storytelling with an authentic feel. We're not trying to make your wedding look like everyone else's. We want it to feel like yours: the real moments, the genuine emotions, the details that matter to you.

Our team of female lead videographers brings a warm, intuitive presence to every wedding. We blend into your day, capture what's real, and turn it into a film you'll actually want to watch over and over.

Check out our wedding portfolio to see what we mean.

Quick Tips for Your New Orleans Wedding Film

• Book early. The best NOLA videographers book 12–18 months in advance.

• Think about sound. Second lines, brass bands, outdoor ceremonies: your videographer needs to handle audio challenges.

• Share your vision. Tell us about your family traditions, your love story, the vibe you're going for. The more we know, the better we can capture it.

• Ask for teasers. You shouldn't have to wait months to relive the magic. We provide teasers so you can start sharing (and crying happy tears) sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I see samples of Numa Films' New Orleans teasers or highlight films?

Absolutely. Reach out and we'll send links to recent Louisiana weddings filmed by our local team.

Q: How far in advance should I book a wedding videographer in New Orleans?

For peak wedding season, 12–18 months is ideal. Popular dates book fast: especially for experienced teams.

Q: Do you film at all New Orleans venues?

Yes. French Quarter courtyards, garden estates, rooftop venues, historic churches: we've filmed at nearly every major venue in the city and surrounding areas.

Q: Do you offer same-day highlight reels or next-day edits?

Yes—available as an add-on. We can deliver a 30–60 second same-day teaser during your reception or a next-day mini edit to share while you're still in the Quarter. We plan it into your timeline, add an on-site editor or extended coverage, and pre-clear music. Delivery is via a private link within hours or by noon the next day.

Q: How do you handle bad weather on wedding day?

We plan for it. Weather-sealed cameras, rain covers, clear umbrellas, extra batteries, and de-fog kits for humidity. Backup audio for wind and indoor/covered plan B locations. We coordinate route changes for second lines, adjust the timeline, and keep you safe and dry. Your film stays cinematic—just a touch moodier and romantic.

Ready to capture your New Orleans wedding the right way? Let's talk about your vision and create something you'll treasure forever.