So, I realized I posted a lot on the videographer thread and that's probably annoying so I'm going to say my own piece in a separate post. I initially didn't think a videographer would be worthwhile and they were CRAZY expensive in the area we're getting married in (like $5,000 for a 2 min video). Then I heard a few things that made me think a videographer would be worthwhile, which were:
1. I've never seen someone who had a videographer say they regretted it (except you know, in cases of fraud).
2. Everyone I talked to who had a videographer was very positive about the experience and said they used some stills from their video.
3. I saw one article where someone said their grandfather gave a memorable speech which they didn't get on video, and a few years after the wedding, he passed away, and how much that bride wished she had a video so that she could hear his voice.
4. A consultant that came to speak at my office spent a long time explaining how video is a much more engaging activity for your brain, so it makes you feel more connected and also helps the memories stick better, and I have a terrible memory.
This all still left me with the idea that $5,000 for a 2 minute video was unacceptable. So I did some digging. If you want to go with something cheaper, basically your options are: a. a DIY service or b. an amateur service. I'm paranoid and don't trust strangers so an amateur service was out for me.
I looked around, and found a DIY service that I LOVE to look of. they basically ship you a couple cameras, you give them out to guests, and they shoot for the night to make sure everything works out. Of course, things can go wrong. Firstly, technical glitches are a real issue. Second, if your guests aren't the type to feel comfortable filming or aren't good with their phones, a camera is going to be a waste on them. We're fortunate to have tech and camera happy friends, so that's the way we went. Overall, we're spending less than $1,500 for a 30 minute video, a 2 min video, and we get to download all the raw footage and keep it around just for fun, even if it doesn't make it into the video.
I hope this helps, I hope there's another bride out there that was looking for an idea, or feeling bummed that a video wasn't in her budget, and this helps them squeeze it in.
After all, we're all in this together.