Weddings: video recording or just photographs?

Question

What do you think is better? And why. I can't decide. Thanks.

Answer 1

Just photographs - I think video just seems tacky. And are you ever gonna watch it? A few tasteful photographs seems to be a better way of spending the money - and proffessional wedding photographers don't come cheap!

Answer 2

Hi there.

Typically, if expense is not a problem, then plump for both. That said, you are generally talking well into four figures for each, so they don't come cheap.

Whilst many would probably advise the photographer route, I would suggest that these days a videographer may be a better plan. The reason I say this is that most couples will know at least one friend/relative with a pretty decent camera and who is half decent at taking snaps - these shots, plus any taken by guests at the wedding can be developed cheaply and laid up in a nice album for minimal effort. The end result won't be as good as a pro, but it may not be far off. However, when it comes to videography, few people will know a guy/gal with a state of the art camera, plus lighting, plus sound equipment, plus polished editing skills. A 'home-made' video (not the Paris Hilton type!) will be a long way off a professional one.

That said, there are lots of this to consider, way to many in fact to write down here (I would be going on for months, trust me), so a better bet may be to check out a wedding website who will give you the low-down on everything you need to consider. I have attached a couple of links below to one which should help with that.

Hope the info above (and the info on the website) is of use and that you come to the right decision for you.

Answer 3

Hi, Both are good but i think photoes are the best. Im getting married next year and we had this problem and we have decided to do photoes because at the end of the day you can get a family member to film the day. and a photographer to take the photoes for you to chrish forever. We were thinking of just having a videoographer, but many people have siad they pay all the money out for the videoographer and the best videos were done by family members. At the end of the day you want photographs to put on the wall and into an album that will stay with you forever and if they are on the wall you will glance at them and think that was wonderful, but with a video or dvd nowadays you have to find it then sit throught the whole thing. I say its up to you,
But for my wedding next year, where letting family memebers do the filming and the photographer do the pictures. At the end of the day if no one has a camcorder you can always buy one which will cost less than hireing a videographer and then you will have the camcorder for other events in your life.

Answer 4

BOTH SILLY!!!!
You always have to have a camera of course...you cant just have a video camera!! But it's even better when you have both! You don't have to have a professional do the video but just a family member who wouldn't mind, Then you can get a professional photographer! I'm sure the photographs will look lovely! But if you have both, then you can go back and watch the video with friends and family and laugh about the wonderful day!

Answer 5

I would say that photographs are better. Real, professional quality photographs are really, really expensive. A lot of married friends of mine actually paid more for their wedding photos than any other single expense in the wedding, including the wedding reception. A lot of people choose to pay a rental fee to rent out locations to shoot their photos, and pay for airbrushing and other effects. Also, I have seen many couples order hard covered bound books (really big) of really high quality photos.

If you have a professional photographer who spends a whole day with you taking the photos, it's much better than one cheesy video on the day of your wedding. A lot of people don't even get a decent video because of lighting or other problems - plus they are so nervous on the day anyway.

Answer 6

I never had my own wedding but I have catered to over 150 different kinds. This is of course a matter of personal choice, most people prefer having a video to watch later on and to be able to share with family and friends, but nowadays it is easier to make picture slide shows and email them to everyone. I would prefer just pictures myself as I would not have to pay someone to do the job of taking the video and people who attend the wedding will feel more at ease. Something a lot of couples do is by the throw away cameras and put them at each table so the guests can take pictures throughout the night.

Answer 7

I had both...I love my pictures but you can't hear what people are saying or funny things going on around you. I had two of my cousins taping at the same time...in our family we lost one of our members to a car accident...and on the video we have him talking his wife really apprieciated having a copy of him.

As a bride you can not talk to everyone...with a video you can feel like you are with everyone and not miss a thing. I may not want to sit and watch it every friday night, but it will be a nice keep sake maybe after I am gone, or when I can hear my mom give her speech after she is gone.

Good Luck, I would do both again. Many blessings for a wonderful wedding day.

Answer 8

Both...

Have the "official" Bride and Groom pictures made with a professional photographer, but also have "Uncle Albert" filming the whole thing with his brand new digital video camera that he just got for Christmas. Everyone will have cameras at the wedding, just have them send you a copy of their pics. Also, if you want extra pics, just put a few baskets of disposable cameras around for people that didn't bring a camera, and just have them return the cameras to the baskets before they leave. It's always nice to have both. You'll be more likely to flip through the pictures than to watch the video, but if you don't have the video, you'll always be wishing that you'd made one, even if it only sits on your shelf gathering dust. You may also want to send a copy of the video to the individuals that aren't going to be able to make it....like "great-aunt Doris" who's stuck in the nursing home, and can't physically make it to the wedding.

Congratulations!!!!

Answer 9

Both pictures and video are best because sometimes the photographer catches things the camera man doesn't get. Also another way to go is to put cameras on the tables at the reception and let your guests take photos if you can't afford both. This is very interesting in what you get back.

Answer 10

Photographs - but find yourself a really good photographer, we went for reportage and formal style photographs and they were amazing. Be prepared to invest in quality - best to ignore the flashy album packages that some photographers offer at wedding fairs - concentrate more on whether you like the style of the photographer. Also make sure that you are given all your photos on a disc that way they are your copyright and you can print them where you like! I'd recommend Fergus Noone (see link below) if you are in the London area.

Good luck!