I want (but can't afford) a videographer :(

Have you tried looking for students? Film students? I have heard people doing this and have gotten a steal on the price and it still being good quality.

Also there is the app/website called WedReel. They can make wedding videos on any budget.

Oh Lort. :/

That thinking is why we have a business shark as president.

Today's videos are so much more amazing than back in my day, but I've only watched mine once in 24 years. If it's not in the budget, it's not in the budget. You could put some of your still pics together in a montage with music as an alternative.

My cousin recorded mine. It's good enough and was free.

Our videographer charged us a 50% deposit and the other 50% is upon delivery of the video 2-4 weeks after the wedding. Maybe you can find a videographer with a similar policy

I know this sounds CRAZY and I didn't do it, but BOTH of my sister in laws hired "videographers" off Craig's List for like $700. They were in school/just starting out. They both have beautiful videos. I'm too scared to do it (found one for $1200 luckily) but it did work out well for them if you want to roll the dice.

@Jay Thanks or the info. Unfortunately for a lot of people price is the main factor in sorting potential photographers (ETA or vendors in general). If you're not in my budget, I'm going to move on just like if I was shopping for anything else. I definitely understand needing more info before a quote and talking with clients is part of the process. I just feel a little embarrassed wasting a photographer's time sending in an inquiry and having them come back with a $3000 quote and I think "well, moving on".

Sorry to sidetrack the convo OP. I still stand by my original advice. Contact people about only doing the ceremony and see if that could be in your budget.

Thanks everyone!

I don't want anyone to feel embarrassed...that's one reason I list a starting point at least....but usually a couple emails and i can get them pricing info they want. It's not like that's too much effort or time investment on their part. It's not in my interest to waste time either, but I'd rather build a solid foundation. Everyone on both sides needs a little patience, but not making one jump through hoops. A delicate balance.

I had a couple who said they were a little short but loved my approach, so we worked together to create something that worked for them, just slightly less coverage than they originally thought they needed....we were both pleased as punch. But it took a little effort and patience, my whole point. Sometimes all you have to do is ask. Thanks for a good civil discussion, mad respect!

They are expensive. You do have choices, do you just want documentation or some fancy video etc.

You can just get documentation so at least you don't miss out on much.

@Jay Same to you! The "just ask, worst they can say is no" is the biggest lesson I've learned in wedding planning.

Ha, my comment got unflagged. Such a sensitive bunch on here! At least the mods cleared that up. No violations there. Thanks ghost mods!

Good Luck OP, I hope you find something you can afford.

Weddings are expensive

Wait....we have a president?

I got a good deal for 4 hrs for 200 dollars but he will only by formatting it onto a thumbdrive no editting but that is fine with me because all i care about really is being able to hear the ceremony because i will not remember it at all due to a medical condition i cant remember things that happen during highly emotional moments like when FH proposed i have a 15 minute blank in my memory. So i want to be able to hear/see it after so i can then "remember" it even if im just remembering the video not the actual event

Someone probably already recommended this, but you could always look into wedreel!

We weren't going to do video, but decided to go for it after hearing from others we might regret not having the video. Yes, it was another cost. Yes, it is expensive. But, we know the big day will go fast and we will miss details that the video will capture. For us the money is less valuable than the precious time the video will capture.