Should we definitely get a videographer for our wedding?

Question

It seems like it'd be about $2,000 to get one. My fiance thinks we should have one, but my mom thinks it might be a good cost to cut and I agree (we'll have a photographer of course). Does almost everyone get a videographer nowadays?

Answer 1

You're going to spend $2000 on a video you'll watch maybe 5 times in your life? Of course, you'll have to see it as soon as you get back from your honeymoon. Maybe your first anniversary. Then if you you have 3 kids, each of them might (then again, might not) want to see it when they're about 7 years old. By your tenth anniversary you'll wonder where you put it. If you happen to stumble across it in a mis-labeled moving box somewhere around your 20Th wedding anniversary, the technology that it was filmed on will be so old you'll have to spend another $500 to have it restored before you can watch it again.

Save your money. That's $2000 that can go towards the closing cost on your first house together. Or your retirement so you can spend your golden years together. Or college fund so he can hold your hand as you watch Jr walk across the stage at his medical school graduation.

May your marriage be long, joyful and fruitful. May God bless you and your love for one another.

Answer 2

I would only recommend hiring a videographer if it is really important to you to have a video for sentimental reasons. We initially were not going to hire a videographer because of the extra cost, but we decided to splurge and get one. I am so glad we did. I can't count how many times we've watched our video. So much of the wedding happens before you walk down the aisle that you miss (seating of your parents, your groom coming in, your girls walking down the aisle). I was so glad I did it. If purchasing a package is out of your price range you have other options as well. You can always talk with a videographer about only having one videographer and providing you with the raw footage instead of an edited video (this definately cuts down the cost). Or you can arrange with a videographer to only film your actual ceremony and cut out all the extras (pre-wedding and reception). The more videographers, hours of filming, and level of editing involved is what increases the price. By reducing this to the basic minimum, you can easily get a videographer to film your ceremony for $400-600. Another option is to hire a film student to shoot your wedding for you from a local college. I would only recommend having a family or friend film your wedding if they have experience in doing so and you have seen their end product. A family member of mine had someone shoot their wedding and the video didn't come out at all. I would hate for that to happen to you. So the bottom line is determing how important it is for you to have a video and coming up with an alternative plan to save costs.

Answer 3

Personally the Photographer is more needed than the videographer (especially these days). You will more likely look at your pictures way more than you will popping in a VHS or DVD to sit and watch about 3 hours of wedding footage.

If you're wanting to cut costs and use extra money else where, go with a really good photographer.

Answer 4

It'd be a nice thing to have, but if you have to cut money somewhere, this might be a place to do it, especially if you have multiple friends who wouldn't mind videotaping the ceremony and other parts of the wedding. (Because you can always have someone edit together pieces from various cameras later when money's not so tight.)

We've only watched ours a few times since we got married 7 years ago.

The photos are by far the most important thing you'll spend money on that day. More than the cake, the food, your dress, your rings, the limo, the church, whatever. The photos are the things you'll send to people, make into backgrounds on your computer, hang on your wall, show to your grandkids (who will in turn have it printed on a cake), etc., etc.

The video, not as compelling because when your life get's busy, who's got 45-60 minutes to just sit there and watch the back's of everyone's heads as they wait patiently for people to walk slowly down the aisle, light candles, proceed through communion or whatever happens at your particular wedding.

In any case, congratulations on your engagement and here's to many, many, many years of happiness!

Cheers!

Answer 5

Yes, you should definitely get a videographer. Somehow find the money to do it. It is priceless. Still photos are nice, but the video captures everything. Again, it is priceless to be able to watch over the years, especially after relatives die. If I had to make a choice between still photos and a video, the video would win.

Answer 6

I had a friend of the family video it - it wasn't professional but it was good enough - if it's going to break the bank - find an alternative solution. You want to be able to look back - it's important, just find someone who can video and pay them $50.....simple!

Answer 7

My only advice is that if you want a video of your wedding that you get a professional. My husbands uncle offered to do it for us and we thought "Yeah, money saved" Unfortunately, I dont know what this man was thinking because I recieved a lovely video of myself walking down the aisle then 20 minutes of his beautfully shined loafers. Not much to look at.

But honestly, I dont really miss not having it, 8 years later. Heck, I dont even know how long its been since I looked at my photos either. But when I do look at them, it all comes back to me.

Answer 8

Have someone you know well shoot the video. My turned out great and was a gift from the person who took it.

Answer 9

yes youll get 2000 back in gifts anyways