Videographer

We weren't going to get it originally, but a co worker of mine was showing me her daughter's wedding video and I loved how they edited it and the way it made me feel. After that I knew it was something that I want to view later and always remember.

I think video is awesome. Definitely find a way to incorporate it into your event if you can. Each second of video is 30 snapshots and even if you only shoot 10 minutes per every hour, that's the equivalent to 144,000 photos. But quality video with proper sound is expensive though because of the amount of work it takes to do it right. They cost more than high end photographers.

This may be a controversial point but ask yourself: do you need fancy video footage? If you have a close friend or family member who can follow you around for the day and film everything home video style, you can probably get some awesome rewatchable "fun" moments captured on camera. Before you groan at the thought of bad quality video footage, think about all the funny videos you capture in your life that you show your family and friends over and over again. Chances are they are non-cinematic and likely low quality cell phone videos but something about them gives them a rewatch value time and time again.

But let's say you absolutely need your video to have cinematic quality professional footage. Do you need a glossy looking highlight video? That's pretty much where a good chunk of the high cost goes to. Personally, the appealing aspect of video to me is seeing the understated moments from the event: the laughter from guests, the random oh wow moments that caught everyone off guard, the sentiments from friends and family, the goofy outtakes etc. I don't need a professional looking short film to relive that experience. These highlight films tend to follow the same formula: open on the dress hanging by the window, bride shot A, groom shot B, couple posing shot C, stage bridal party shot D, random poses in a pretty backdrop, b-roll of some flowers and cutlery, cut to something shiny, done. Sure, it's pretty-ish but for me, it lacks authenticity. If I just want a sense of glamour from my wedding, my photos can do that.

Now, say you have the money to burn and you absolutely must have the professional looking "cinematic short film" final product, you fan opt out of the same day or next day edit. These quick turnaround jobs cost a premium and the shorter time frame means editors are cutting more corners to deliver the final product. Plus, do you really need to see everything so soon after the fact?

For me, videos are only worth it if you get proper audio so if you're hiring someone to shoot video, make sure they're recording PROPER sound during the ceremony, speeches, and all relevant moments. Look at their portfolio and see if you can hear anyone actually talking live in their highlight videos. If they're charging $3K+ for a cookie cutter montage style glorified music video, I would look elsewhere.

Hope this helps for anyone looking for a videographer.

I've heard friends of mine say that they regret not having a videographer since you and your groom are so focused on what's happening at the moment you don't get to see what's really happening during your wedding. But that's up to you if your budget allows you to have one.

My photographer/videographer was one of the first vendors I hired when we got engaged! I have been to TONS of weddings and everyone who had a videographer was so happy and those who didn't, regretted it. If it fits with your budget, I would recommend the "same day edit" option if they have it. They put together a 5 minute video of your bridal party getting ready, the ceremony and picture time and they play this at the reception - these get me every time. Good luck!

I want of my ceremony and probably the speeches and the first dance or whatnot. I might even want one of our first look, why not! But I don't have unlimited budget unfortunately. Lucky for us, I have a friend who has a great video camera and I'll probably ask him to do it as a "gift"... And even if in the meantime I buy a video camera (it's in my plans anyways) I'll probably ask him and his gf to both shoot as they both have good experience with it! After that, I'll probably edit my videos on a free editing program, or ask someone to do it for me. In the end, it's really about the video quality you're looking for... If you have someone in your entourage that is good with video montage, you could ask a few of your guests to film on their phones (good quality camera of course) and then the montage could switch from one recording to another to give it a more personal touch... It's a bit more touchy tho because you also have to be able to adjust the sound so each video has a similar volume. And for dancing it's hard to align videos exactly for it to play seemingly... Anyways, good luck!

It's not in the budget, so I think I'm just going to have someone set up a camera and record the ceremony. I trust my friends and family to take videos of the reception on their phones.

We had a videographer and it was something my husband wanted, but I didn't. I thought it was a lot of money that we could use elsewhere. I comprised and went with his wishes. I am so glad that we did. Our videos are amazing and it is to me like having live, moving photos. It is so different from still photos.

I am on the fence with the videographer due to budget reasons. But from everything I heard on podcast and reading what I get my hands on. They all say the same thing. They regret not getting the videographer. So I have yet to decide myself.

I defiantly thought of it! but honestly the amount of money could be put into other things. we have a photographer and one of our immediate family members owns a video camera so we will be having her record ceremony and parts of the reception for free. That way you get your professional photos and still have some video clips of the more important parts of your day.

150% will be hiring a videographer. I went on a binge last night watching wedding videos and they’re so gorgeous! My mother is also insistent that we have one, and when they’re done well, they’re beautiful.

I definitely want to remember my day - and though a highlight reel would be nice to look back on thats not really what I want personally. We have decided to copy what a friend did and purchase two camcorders (one more as a backup) and record our ceremony and speeches, cake cutting, etc. That's really all I care about and know that I would love to be able to watch again, or show our daughter when shes older. We have a trusted friend who will be manning it for us and that will be his 'gift' to us. And you can always re-sell one of the cameras after and keep the other!

I've been struggling with this. I think that they look good but my fiance says that they tend to look cheesy. I have been told it's good because the day flies by but I'm also the kind of person that doesnt think I'll ever bring it out to watch it again and it's a lot of money to spend if I dont. For me, at least with photos, I can have them on my wall to look at.

This guy i use is very good, his name is Jamil, third eye production i think.

I am not hiring one. It just isn't important to either of us. I hate listening to myself talk too. Ugh I hate the sound of my own voice and can't imagine why anyone would even want to talk to me yuck lol. We are keeping speeches few and short. I will set up something on-line so if anyone wants to record a well wish for us on their phone they can.

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Exactly plus you want to see whats happening in the background or how guests are doing or see other stuff you missed. if youre strapped for cash tho i would check kijiji for a jr video person or a student that way you can get someone cheaper

View quoted message 100% agree with you. You won’t be able to remember much ... so you’ll have the opportunity to go back and re watch it

We went back and forth about a videographer as well. The video will capture so much more than photographs but both are vital for memories, at least to me! We decided to hire one and can't wait to see what he can do for us!

We got one cuz i want to be able to watch my wedding day and see other people. i feel like in the moment ill be so focused and wont be able to see everything properly

So videography is very important to me personally because you get to remember a lot more than just pictures.
But as stated by several people- make sure you see their work and be prepared to pay. Ours is expensive but I couldn’t imagine not hiring a videographer

I got one for just the ceremony - I think it's worth it, but only if you are willing to pay the big bucks. I made a deal and got mine for roughly $700 and the video was worse than if I had set up my own camera.... DO NOT HIRE Matthew Anderson of Baron Craft Productions!! Just a word of the wise... he's super nice - but his camera work was so bad that I don't even tell people I have a video because I don't want to show it...

View quoted message I did hire a videographer though he wasn't the greatest and results overall under 5. I wish i hadn't had my husband cancel on the first vendor. Its the memories that counts for once in a lifetime.

We've hired a company that offers both. I'm not particularly fond of watching wedding videos (it's a bit painful too be honest lol) but I'm sure I'll feel differently when it's my own. It will be something we get to keep forever, show our family (if they are so inclined to watch it lol), and simply remember and reminisce about.

We decided to skip the videographer. I simply can't picture us sitting down and watching it more than once or twice.
The one wonderful pro-videographer argument I've heard that made me second guess our choice was the recording of speeches and toasts by loved ones who won't be with us forever. In 40 years being able to hear dad's voice or listen to a well wish from FH's grandmother would be priceless.
Ultimately if it's in the budget and you want it you should do it!

We also went back on forth on this, but the more we talked to other couples the more highly recommended it was. Many of our friends said they loved having a videographer and others said they wish they’d gotten one.
We decided to go for it because we only get married once and there’s something so lovely about capturing the moment on video!

Our photographers are making us a short mini video that they are shooting with their phones. It’s all we really want to remember the day by, we don’t need anything more!

I don’t think you’d ever regret it. Watch samples and make sure you like the style of the videographer ( documentary style, vlog style, music video style). My FH and I always thought a video would be nice but wanted to spend our budget on other things (catering). Now that we are just about 100 days out - I’ve been looking for a way to slide it in. All my friends and family who have videos have amazing videos with no regrets.

We went back on forth on this because I didn’t want a videographer and my FH wanted one.


We ended up getting one because it was important to my FH. We got a great deal using one of my sisters good friends so in the end it worked out!

Hey Charlotte,

Totally get you on this one, we decided to get a videographer on top of our photographer - the reason being is a video is so powerful! Every single video I've ever watched from a wedding puts me to tears (lol). But it's totally up to you