No Videographer.. just photographer?

AllysOop

Our wedding isn't until August 2011, but my FI and I are trying to get as much done now as possible (because we know that things will come up and we'll be swamped with stuff in the end). We are currently working on finding a photographer and have it narrowed down to a few. A couple are over what we have budgeted for a photographer.

The question is... if we go with a photographer who is more $$$ (which we honestly could because of some of the gorgeous pictures we've seen) we are thinking about not having a videographer to help with the costs. My only concern is that some day I'll be disappointed that we didn't get the events on video... (/DVD... whatever). I honestly don't have a major problem cutting the videographer but dont know if it'll be a regret later on.

Anyone have thoughts or opinions on this?

Muffin'sMom

Thirty years later, it's the one thing I wish I had.  Memory for details fades, and while the pictures are wonderful, I'd give anything to hear some of those voices one more time.

graysquirrel

I have hardly ever heard of someone watching their video more than once. If you want one, why not get a friend with a camera to do it? IMHO it isn't worth the expense. Do something fun on your honeymoon instead or buy a great camera for yourself.

Britty2010

I'm opting out of having a videographer myself. Would it be nice for an anniversary party 25 years down the road? Sure, but there's hardly going to be a time besides that when it would be watched. I'm afraid I'll spend the money and the DVD will sit and collect dust. I'd agree wtih asking a friend to video the ceremony.

~mRm~

I have to agree with Muffin'sMom. I think before you ladies are married its easier to justify putting the money into other wedding details. But after the fact, when all the planning is said and done it's one aspect of the whole wedding scenario you will wish you'd invested in. Your wedding day will be unlike any wedding you've ever been to or been involved in.  You can't even imagine how difficult it is to take everything in as the day unfolds AND to remember it. 

For us, to have the day captured in "real time" was worth every penny. To hear the emotion and inflection in my husband's voice as he exchanged vows with me - how can a photo do that any justice? To see the expressions of family and friends as the ceremony unfolded and to see everyone interact throughout the day was priceless. The day really does pass quickly and our video captured moments that BOTH our photographers missed.

Please don't think that you have to spend a fortune to accomplish this for your day. Most vendors can set up a custom package geared to your needs and budget. Check your local craigslist, colleges or even local high school AV departments. Do your homework and ask a lot of questions to get the most you can for your budget. Please try to see what's out there in your area before you totally disregard this detail.  Also ask if any of your photographers offer videography as a combined packed - it's becoming a popular trend.

If you can't manage to find room in your budget for videography please try to have a relative capture your ceremony, you will certainly treasure it!

stephdonjon

I get where mRm is coming from, but my FI and I aren't going to have a videographer either. I know it would be nice but we're on a tight budget and I'm a big photography gal, so I'd rather splurge on the photos anyways. But I can understand why you would want a videographer. Just don't feel like you have to.

MMWorld

You would miss out on things like this though:

http://exposureroom.com/members/Weddingfilms/78810ee044254e6d90f4523f1b67ee81/

sarah73180

Hey mmworld, that was a cool video who did you use?

unplainjane

i'm only having a photographer. we didn't even consider using a videographer and it wasn't just for costs. though i agree with mrm and if you have any doubt that you would regret not getting one then you should book one and try to find someone inexpensive. but for me we didn't consider it because there are many events that are important that happen in life and most of them are not video taped. i don't forget that these moments happened and not having them on video doesn't make the memory of them less vivid. i'm definitely not against people having their wedding videotaped but for us we didn't think it was necessary. though allysoop it sounds like you should get one as from your post i feel you'll regret not having one.

Agape Creations

As a Videographer, I am a little bias for having a Videographer shoot your wedding. Having a friend or family member shoot it... will not do, unless they can do this: http://vimeo.com/7262844

Check out our site: www.AgapeCreations.org to see more of why we think a Professional & Creative Videographer is someone you will want at your wedding.

We can put some of your video on facebook for those who were unable to attend, so they too can relive your special day. We guarantee you will watch our videos more than once!

-Daniel Wharton

AllysOop

Thanks for all the replies everyone! This is all great advice. I
 
think we will move forward with getting one because I just have that feeling that I will regret it some day. Maybe now I don't care for it as much and don't want to spend the money on it ,but years down the road I won't be as happy about that decision.
Even if it was just our ceremony that got recorded, that would be good. We did some research and found that some of the prices aren't as bad as I thought (we're not looking for any oscar-worthy prodcution either, which probably helps.

Again -- thanks for the advice

leilahaustin

IWe just booked our photographer and do not have a videographer.  I just don't think I would ever watch the thing...and it would be a waste of money.  Maybe I'll get the flip cam and have people record little moments throughout.