Should I Hire a Wedding Videographer?

Wedding planning can get pretty hectic, I would know right now because I’ve been planning my own wedding! There’s finding a venue, hiring a caterer, buying your dress, etc. I’m surprised I haven’t lost the only brain I have yet, because it can be a rollercoaster. But during the planning, you’re also wondering if you should hire a wedding videographer to document your day along with the photographer. Is it within your budget? Would it be worth it?

There are pros and cons to everything, and that includes hiring a wedding videographer. Here are the negative sides to filming your wedding:

Con - A Hefty Price Tag

This is a big influencer: the price tag. Why must weddings be so costly??? But yes, quality wedding videography will cost a pretty penny and maybe leave a dent in the wedding budget. Filming a wedding can even cost more than hiring a photographer, because filming also incorporates audio and transitions along with color correction and framing like photography.

Con – Too Many Cameras

You’re already going to have at least one camera following you around all day, and that’s not including if there’s a second photographer. Hiring a wedding videographer would add to the cameras constantly facing you, and there may be more depending if the videographer also has a second shooter too or not. So, if you’re a person that prefers more privacy and less attention on you, maybe a filming your wedding isn’t meant for you.

Now while there are some negative views on filming your big day, there are many more positives!

Pro – Remembering the Vows, Best Wishes, and Speeches

As a bride, it’s so exciting to have gorgeous, professional pictures taken to capture your day and frame on a wall for years to come! But while a picture is worth 1,000 words, it can’t speak to you and repeat word for word what your maid of honor toasted to you. It can’t relive the ceremony where you spouse was choking up in joyful tears reading his or her vow to you. It can’t remind you of the exact words your father wished for you and your spouse. Audio is crucial, and most definitely worth it. You’ll want to hear those words from the ones you love to be repeated back to you over and over.

Pro – Recapping the Big Day Because of Wedding Jitters

Everything is so magical when it comes to the wedding! It’s also crazy hectic. One moment you’re getting ready to walk down the aisle, but then in the blink of an eye you’re bidding your guests farewell. What happened?? Where did the time go? With a wedding film, you can revisit your day over and over again and soak in the memories.

Pro – A Film to Share to Family and Guests Who Couldn’t Attend

We wish everyone could make it to our wedding day, but sadly things will come up or relatives and friends live too far away to travel. With a wedding video, they can immerse themselves in the video and watch the ceremony as if they were seated a few rows from you. Out-of-state family would be able to watch your first kiss and first dance as husband and wife. Your guests that couldn’t attend the ceremony and reception would be very grateful to watch your wedding film.

Pro – Memories Made to Share to the Next Generations

I remember when I was about 8 or 9 years old my mom and dad showed me their wedding video. Of course, with my attention span at that age, I couldn’t sit still and watch it all. But I remember watching it again with them years later and I’m so glad they filmed it! It was incredible to watch my mom walk down the aisle, my parents lighting the unity candle, and them sharing their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. I wasn’t born yet, but I was able to live it with them and experience their joy. That’s something to keep in mind, because this is a monumental memory to share with your kids and your grandkids.

Conclusion

So, should you hire a wedding videographer? Of course, the choice is ultimately up to you! If it’s not in the budget, it’s probably best to simply go with a wedding photographer. However, if there is wiggle room for your budget, I highly suggest having your wedding filmed! The memories captured and speeches recorded will be worth it, and you’ll be able to share it to your loved ones now or decades from now!