Video or No?-Opinions Please!

DRB366

I really wanted a videographer for my ceremony, my fiance is iffy (wondering whether or not we "really need that", and my mom (who's paying) said she wasn't "planning for that" in the budget b/c it's the same as pictures.  Will I be missing out if I don't have a videographer at my wedding?

S_A_Friedel

I recently got married - I did not have a videographer at my wedding.  I was debating whether or not to do one before the wedding and decided not to b/c of the cost (it would be a minimum of $2,000).  If it was cheaper I would have totally done it.
However, now that the wedding is said and done - based on how our Church set-up is and our religion - no good video would have been taken anyways.  Our backs were to guests the whole time and photogs/videographers are not allowed in the front part of our church - so it would not have been worth it.
I wish I did have one though because they can be really nice.
Although another thing to consider - - how many times will you actually watch it?

I guess overall, my advice would be to consider the pros/cons with the cost as one of the more determining factors.

Hope I helped somewhat :-P

prusgirl

It depends on the memories you want to have!

I have friends who nixed videos and pictures.  I have friends who said it was nice when they FIRST got them and they haven't looked at that stuff since.

Me.  I got both.  I'm still waiting on my video (impatiently I might add).  I got it because I really want to see things I missed.  The wedding event was 5 1/2 hours.  I only remember about 15 minutes!  No, I wasn't drunk, heck I didn't even eat!  So, I'd really like to see how it went.  My husband...he isn't concerned. But, I am sure when the video comes in he will be the first to host a watching party!

Good luck.

Beachy730

We chose not to get one and put the money towards a photo booth instead. 

Do you have any friends or family members with a video camera?  One of my BMs had one and brought it to the salon with us and to my parents house to get ready before hand.  At the church she gave it to her husband and he recorded the important parts of the ceremony, the intro to the reception, cake cutting, first dances, and speeches.  He put it on a DVD for us and even made a menu and everything on it.  We were so happy with it, and it had all the parts we wanted, so we were so happy we didn't pay someone. 

We have watched it once and not again yet, but its only been 2 months.  I have heard mixed things from people, some say they never watch it, some say they watch it more than they look at their pictures.  It wasn't a necessity to us, and we were just as happy with our amatuer video.

fallbride1109

I opted to not have video and it is one of my few regrets.  Although I don't necessarily think I would watch it hundreds of times, not being able to see my ceremony again even once is something I regret.

vgmartinez

I'm in the same boat, $2,000 for video isn't in our budget. We have two camcorders that can be used but no one to use them. I don't want to ask family or friends to do it and I really have no clue who else can do it for us. If nothing else, We will just have them set up on tripods and hope it catches atleast the important parts.

bethpier

If you really want try looking on craigslist.  That is how I found my videographer.  It was only $200 nothing great but I wasn't looking for spectacular I just wanted something to remember the day by.  If I wouldn't of found one for that cheap I wouldn't have gotten one at all. 

hannahhannah1

Absolutley...I was offered video for free, so I was lucky. At first I was not even going to do it, but once it was free (from my cousin's wife) I was game. I am so GLAD! I like it just as much as my pictures, and trust me pictures were a splurge item for me! You only get to do this day once! Anyways, I made a blog about weddings with tips and DOS and DON'TS for future brides. I guess I just can't get enough of this wedding stuff. You should check it out, because I just wrote about Photography. 

http://weddingdaygroundhogday.blogspot.com/">

http://weddingdaygroundhogday.blogspot.com/

srkropf

We're planning on amateur video for the wedding because I'm not worried about it looking like a music video, but I do want to see myself walking down, hear the vows, see the kiss, first dance, etc. I think I'll really be happy with it, and would be sad without it-- plus then my kids can see it. 

AnniesWedding2012

I've been going back and forth on this my self and I have made the decision to do it.  Two friends both had one and they can't stop talking about it.  Both got the video before they got the photos.  I watched one last night and I cried the whole time.  I asked her who she used and she told me.  I have called him and it sounds like a good idea.  One of my friends said the best part was going back and hearing the vows they said to each other and I have to admit, it was pretty cool to hear what they said to each other.  I'm doing it. 

Muffin'sMom

It is the one thing I wish I had from 30 years ago.  It was the last time I saw my grandfather, and I would give anything to see him having fun, dancing and talking.  He was the life of the party.  I made sure my daughter had one!

arianek

Yes, make sure you get some footage of your wedding.  I didn't and really regret it!  If you can't afford a pro (which is highly recommended) don't let cost be the issue.  Check out this blog post, near the end are alternatives for a custom wedding video for only $200.

http://bashertweddings.blogspot.com/2010/08/wedding-videography-great-debate.html