To have one, or not to have one? That is the question.
Actually, it’s not a question at all. A wedding videographer is a must-have in my book and I want one… badly!
This is one aspect of the wedding planning where Ryan & I are butting heads a little. He used to be totally against hiring a videographer, but he’s definitely warming up to the idea. Yes they’re expensive, but the way I see it, you will be able to relive your wedding and experience all those little details over and over again. I love photos (obvi!) but when I watch all these wedding videos (of complete strangers, I might add), I just love seeing the flow of everything and the overall energy of the entire day. I especially love the tear jerkers… oh, and when the grooms cry. You can’t beat that raw emotion!
The style of video is very important, and so is the videographer. Personally, I have no need for an hour-long video, we would never watch it. My ideal film would be a 15-20 minute cinematic-style movie that would highlight the very best parts of our day… And fun music is a must! I hear from so many people that your wedding day flies by, and that’s mainly why I want the video. And the memories are priceless, of course! The other cool thing is you get to experience your wedding from a totally different point of view, and I think that would be pretty awesome. When else in your life will you get to wear a beautiful white dress, have the day be all about you and the love of your life, be with all of your closest family & friends in one place, and to have your very own feature film?
This is where I need your advice, M&M readers! To all of you married girls out there, why did you hire a videographer or choose not to? If you did, have you watched your video more than once or does it sit on your shelf gathering dust? If you chose not to, does a part of you wish you had that special video to commemorate your day? Was it a waste of money or worth every penny? This bride would love to hear your feedback so let me know your thoughts!
I'm with you on this one – definitely go for a videographer! Mainly for the different perspective, but the videos are also fun to watch after the fact. Especially if you have some fun dancing going on because you can't capture that as well with photos.
My biggest, and probably only, regret is NOT having a videographer! Our pictures were perfect, priceless, BUT, I wish that we had of gotten someone to follow us around for everything. I have trouble remembering it all because it is such a blur!
Do it, do it, do it!! No matter the cost, make room for it! It is my biggest regret from my wedding. I swear I tell my husband once a week that I'm sad about it! We do have our best man and maid of honor speeches record and even those I watch ALL the time!
We didn't hire a videographer. It just wasn't even something I considered. We paid such a huge sum for our wedding photographer that the idea of dropping any more money on documenting the day kind of made me cringe. We had a family friend who ended up filming the entire day–but I've never seen the footage. Thinking about it now, I wish we'd had someone do exactly what you're saying. I wouldn't sit and watch an hour long video–I just wouldn't. But it would be nice to have even just a youtube length clip of the day cinematically edited. If I could do it again, I would have made it more of a priority.
DO IT! Such a must, such a huge must. I've talked many friends into spending the money on a videographer and they always tell me they are so glad I did. You will want it down the road.
We were lucky that one of our friends does video work and my husband asked him to do our wedding so it was wonderful. We paid him, of course, but it was awesome already knowing him and feeling comfortable with him in the room and at the ceremony/reception. I went to a wedding where the videographer was incredibly intrusive on the dance floor and they had lights that flashed and it was completely distracting. Not a fun experience for the guests, at all.
Make sure when you meet with the videographer choices that you and your husband to be feel comfortable. And set the expectations of exactly what you want from them in the video. GOOD LUCK!
I'm not married, but I've been involved in lots of weddings in the last couple of years.
I never used to think a videographer was important – all that came to mind was the video of my parents' wedding that was from the exact same angle for the entire ceremony (Ukrainian Catholic – so it was looong) and then didn't include the reception – not even the speeches. But then some of my friends started having really talented videographers who stayed with them for the entire day, getting ready to party take down. The videos they produced are absolutely beautiful.
Some of the couples that I attended their weddings have said having a videographer allowed them to preserve their day in a completely different way than photos can provide. You can hear voices, see skirts twirling, watch a tear fall, experience that first kiss as a married couple over and over again. Plus, with a great videographer, they capture emotions and moments in almost a heightened senses way. The way they mix the clips and music just can't be beat!
Sarah
Sweet Spontaneity
P.S. A really great videographer that has done pretty much all of my friends' weddings is OnReel Media
I love the wedding videos that aren't hours long but a beautiful 4 or 5 minute compilation of the big day set to music =]
So, obviously I'm not planning a wedding just yet, but when I do, I'm wanting to use LifeStage Films. You HAVE to check them out — many friends of mine have used them and I could watch all of their videos all day. They tell the perfect story!
xo Southern Style
AHHH! I was so torn on this for our wedding…and at the end of the day we chose not to do it…solely because of budget reasons. We had someone record the ceremony so we could share with my husband's family overseas but I would have LOVED to have someone record the moments throughout the day. My advice would be to definitely do your research and price comparisons. I have seen some videos that were SO expensive but the finished product was not worth the price.
It wasn't even a question for us to hire a videographer, because to us still photos can only show so much. We made a tradition to watch our wedding video every year on (or around if we're traveling) our anniversary. And it's amazing to look back and be able to hear us say our vows, watch all the fun and dancing, listen to the speeches, etc.. and the most important thing of all is hearing my now late grandparents and cousin and their laughter. It's worth every penny and more 😉
I didn't have one, I wanted to remember the day by the feelings I had that day. I was scared that looking back on a video would distort my memories of it. I somewhat regret this decision, however I was extra careful to soak up all the moments! Heart Stone Films is AMAZINGGGG… check them out!
I am not even close to being engaged but a videographer is a definite must for me!! Specifically for the reasons you mentioned above!! Capturing those moments is a must 🙂
Can't really give any advice on this topic since I'm not married but I wanted to say hi! I found your blog through the link up today. I work in a hospital as a medical social worker so I enjoyed reading about your latest rotation! Also I went to college in NC! Sounds like you are a busy girl w/ everything going on – hope you get some rest from time to time! I know how busy school/work/rotations can be!
you must do it!!! that was my number 1 thing!
Have you thought about using a smartphone wedding video app and cameras? That way, you still get a professionally edited wedding video for way way less than a videographer. Plus, you'd able to see all the angles of your wedding through the eyes of your family and friends — even stuff before the wedding like your bachelorette or rehearsal dinner.
Do it and don't think overwise! My husband and I love watching our video on our anniversary, and "reliving" the best day of our life is such a special feeling! The expense is well worth it! Having pictures captured on your special day is one thing but having the video, listening to the audio of vows and speeches, etc. is something you will cherish for life!
Meant to add to above: Silver Feather Stuidos is amazing! they are out of Burlington and are willing to travel!
For me, a videographer was an absolute must!! We hired an amazing company and we no doubt paid an arm and a leg for it (in my opinion, if you aren't going to hire a good company, you're better off just skipping it because it can be so expensive!), But I have ZERO regrets!! We bought a "main feature" (20ish mins), a next day edit to show at our day after brunch (3 mins) and then purchased the raw unedited footage (good for watching the full ceremony with no cuts, etc). We dont watch it a ton (maybeeee once a year), but having it will be priceless when we have kiddos to show!! You won't regret it, and it captures memories in a way different way than photos 🙂 🙂