Videography - nice or not worth it?

spanglerwedding2012

This is directed towards those already married especially... Is videography is worth the $$? Of course, I want it and my FI thinks it's a waste. We've asked around and most couples say they watched it a few times and it's collecting dust now.

I see it as a nice keepsake - my parents especially agree. I found an awesome videographer willing to negoiate price. But my FI thinks it would be just as fun (and cost effective) to give friends flip cams and let them take footage throughout the night. Opinions?

paprika28

The wedding I went to this past weekend had a friend video the ceremony- but with the amount of iphones, cameras that flip back and forth between video/stills, it's almost not worth it. I didn't have a videographer for my first wedding and just had my cousin video it. It wasn't amazing, but it got the point across. I have a friend that i'll be asking to do the same thing for this ceremony, and possibly hitting up the families during the reception to say something to us- The nice thing about my uncle's video is that he has footage of my pop-pop a month before he passed, and my mom-mom a year before she got sick. It's nice to watch it just to hear their voices.

You could always set up a tripod in a quiet area for people to leave you a message:)

[Deleted User]

We did not get it and I DO NOT regret it at all.  We spent the money on great photog, other things in the wedding. 

I have only been to one wedding with a pro videographer and I felt they were in the way a great deal.  I couldn't see things b/c they were there.  I really felt it took away as a guest.  

cutie4420

I got it and watch the video ALL the time (its only been a few weeks lol) . I am so happy we did and I know I will watch it for years to come and still get the happiness I had on that day there was so many little things I would have missed. we had a big wedding (270) so it was nice to see everyone dancing when I was on the other side of the dance floor.

even if you just get someone to do it unedited you can really get it cheap.

boston88

My original plan was to have a videographer for just the ceremony.  That's what my sister did and 10+ years later she still watches it on every anniversary.  It was so nice to see my grandparents who have passed on the video, it really made them come to life.  Our officiant was actually the person who encouraged us to get a videographer for the entire day.  She talked about being able to capture people on film you have a very clear and vivid memory of them. 

I'm so glad we did. I usually remember everything, and remember almost nothing from the day--it was just so overwhelming to take in all the emotions and everything that was happening.  I'm looking forward to seeing the video.   We had a great videographer.  I barely knew shew as around, she was really respectful and at times where there was something happening private (like calming down a child) she did not video it, she just waited and then continued.  If it is in your budget I would definitely do it.  But as far as watching it, you know yourself best.  If you think you'd like to see it often then go for it, if you are the kind of person to watch it once and never again, then that says something too.

spanglerwedding2012

It's nice seeing opinions from both sides. I think I'd be OK without it but it's a definite nice-to-have as long as you watch it (which I think I will and know my parents/in-laws will). I'm going to negotiate price some more and see what I can do. Thanks!

jelybeancg

I am getting one and my thoughts mirror some of what was said above. I will probably watch it a lot in the beginning and maybe I won't watch it for 10 years but I know I will show our children and when our parents are gone it will be a great way to see them again.

That being said, I don't want to pay a lot. That is why I am using Martin's and getting a basic video and they are giving me the raw footage. It is just enough to remind me of the day and maybe see something I miss. I don't need fancy editing. And of all the weddings I have been to never once has the videographer been in the way.

ButtonsPepper

I got it for down the road. I watched it once, and it will collect dust, but I'm glad I have it. I got just footage, nothing special and no really high end videographer... I just wanted footage. God forbid something happen to one of us, we'll love it even more to have more memories of that day.

rockstarnat

I just recently watched a video of a family friend's wedding. I was 10 years old in it. it was neat to see them, me and my folks so long ago. it was cool and for that reason I am going to get one done. 

I agree with PP, though, and am worried about the videographer being "in the way" as I have seen at other weddings. I hate that. This concerns me about the videographer and the photographer as well.  

good luck with your decision. 

nat

Amerbutt81

I didn't have a videographer, and I didn't really miss out on it.  I had a friend do the ceremony, and the only reason I would watch it again is because I couldn't remember the exact moment the pastor called my husband 'Jason' instead of 'Justin'.

jennlynn979

We really didn't have a budget for it.  We were thinking about hiring a student and then we would edit it ourselves. We waited until the end and really hemmed and hauled but we are sooooooo happy we had a videograher.  Pictures are amazing and ours were! BUT it's not the same seeing everyone live at your wedding..watching your ceremony. You will be able to watch this the rest of your life.  I say do it and you won't regret it.

jennlynn979

We really didn't have a budget for it.  We were thinking about hiring a student and then we would edit it ourselves. We waited until the end and really hemmed and hauled but we are sooooooo happy we had a videograher.  Pictures are amazing and ours were! BUT it's not the same seeing everyone live at your wedding..watching your ceremony. You will be able to watch this the rest of your life.  I say do it and you won't regret it.