Do you really NEED to hire a videogapher for your wedding?

Do you really need to hire a videographer? Do you need video if you have a photographer? Can’t you just have a friend film it, or ask people to use their cellphones?

All great questions, and ones asked quite frequently by brides and grooms all the time. You’ve probably heard lots of people say that it’s one of the biggest regrets, that it’s worth the money. But let’s face it… everyone is different! Do YOU really need to hire a professional? What if you aren’t really a fan of video, or just sticking to a budget? Well first off, IT’S YOUR DAY! Plan your wedding however you want, and don’t let anyone tell you how you have to do it. All I can do is tell you about my experiences to allow you to make the most informed decision possible.

I come to this topic from a very unique situation; I’m a wedding videographer without a wedding video. I was planning my wedding in 2014, right after graduating college. I had interned with a wedding videographer, and loved the idea of a wedding video but I had some reservations. It wasn’t really in my budget but I am also camera shy, and worried that I would get my video back and instantly begin critiquing myself on my posture, or that I was walking around with a stupid look on my face or something silly like that. I decided I just didn’t care; I had a couple great photographers booked for the day, and that would be ample. While I love my wedding pictures, it hit me a couple months after the big day just exactly what I had missed out on.

The day raced bye, nerves and emotions were high, and it all became a blur. Thinking back on the day, I had very few actual memories to reflect on. Especially from the ceremony. I couldn’t remember what was said, how long it was, or even the look on my husband’s face as I walked down the issue. My pictures gave me little glimpses, frozen moments in time that help me remember that one split second. But what about all those moments in between? What about the words that were spoken, the music that was played? The live action, real time, big memories you want to be able to relive for the rest of your life?

Some things a still image simply can’t capture; they are beautiful pieces of art that are great for hanging on your wall or putting in an album, but there is nothing like video for capturing emotions and allowing you to truly relive your once in a lifetime day.

Okay, so we’ve talked about the value of having a wedding video. But do you really need to hire a professional to do to? If having a wedding video matters to you at all, then yes. I’ve heard so many stories from couples who paid a friend with a camera to film their day and then regretted it. Between missed moments, wrong equipment, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time, there are so many ways for an inexperienced cameraman to just be… well wrong. And often important elements like audio and lighting are completely overlooked. Owning a “nice” camera in no way qualifies you as a wedding videographer. Even if everything seems to go well on the big day; is that person capable or ever going to get around to editing your video? The complaint I hear the most from couples, is that even years after their wedding, they have yet to see a second of their video.  

I know budget can have a big influence here… it definitely did for me. It can be very tempting to take a friend up on a free or cheaper option, but if I can give you any advice here; it’s to view your videography and photography as an investment. Weddings can be expensive and a lot of work; You’ve spent countless hours and your hard earned money to plan the perfect day and put on a wonderful event for your guests. I know there are so many categories and demands on your budget, but how many of those costs are for things that will last beyond the event?

It’s so easy to let nearly all your budget go towards putting on your wedding, without spending enough on capturing it.

Any wedding video is better than no wedding video, so definitely take what you can get if hiring a professional just isn’t an option. But I can promise you, you will not regret the money you spend on remembering your wedding. Because after you leave on your honeymoon, the reception hall is empty, and all your food and decorations are cleaned up. Your video and pictures will be the only thing you have to look back on for all those years to come.

Thanks so much for reading! You can check out my work, or get in touch anytime to ask questions about wedding videography on website: www.ashleylproductions.com