Videographer budget

I don't really know anyone who is that upset that they didn't have a videographer. You may watch the video when you first get it but I doubt you'll look at it after your first wedding anniversary. That seems like a huge chunk of money from your budget.

I agree with Kate. If you have money in the budget after all the essentials, then book a videographer. Yes, $2,800 does sound about right (depending on your location, how many hours, what's included, etc.). But photography and videography are often expensive for a good reason and they are often a "splurge" for couples who choose to have them. $10,000 to $20,000 is quite a range for a budget, so I'd narrow that down more after looking at who you want to/can afford to invite, and go from there.

@el10717 Me! You now know someone who is upset they didn't have a videographer. There are so many moments I wish I could relive that just aren't captured by photography alone. I'm not saying you should let it blow your budget but that is incredibly reasonable. My lowest quote for 3 hours was $4000

We also have a lot of help from both of our parents and our siblings as well. My brother is actually giving us $1,000 for the videographer specifically so FH and I would have to come up with the rest $1,800 which sounds good to me. Just want opinions from others! I love the idea of checking how much is leftover after the big vendors are figured out. Thanks for that!

@el - then you haven't been around long enough, or read articles related to weddings. Not getting video is a couple's #1 regret (mainly brides) - that's a fact.

I've watched my 5 minute highlight video at least 40 times by now and I've only been married 4 months. Even if I don't watch it again until my wedding anniversary, at least I have it. It was money well spent.

Esmerelda, I can't tell you if that's a good price without knowing who the videographer is, and what's offered in the package. Price also varies by location.

@rica - I don't think you can compare getting a proposal on video versus having your entire wedding recorded. I remember the proposal because it was short. I don't remember my 5.5 hour wedding, the first look moments, and all of the getting ready moments. As a matter of fact, when we watched our 25 minute feature film, there were moments that H and I didn't recall.

We have our proposal on video (non professional) and I've watched it dozens of times. We didn't think we had room in the budget for a videographer, so we started looking for great videographers who might be willing to do shorter packages. Our date is a Sunday, so that helps. But we ended up splurging for the whole time (by going over budget - but we already had the money and could afford it). I'm incredibly excited for it.

DH and I always knew a videographer was a priority for us. We have watched it a few times but now- almost a year and a half later- I have a new appreciation for having the event captured on video. DH's Grandmother has since passed away and ours was the last wedding she attended. We now have a video, along with photos, to show our children since they will never get the chance to meet her. Sometimes you may not see the value now, but you may see the value in the years to come. Photos are wonderful but there are some things photos cannot caputre. For instance, I have photos of my stepdad's speech and our BM and MOH speeches which were amazing but those do not capture how perfect those moments were like the videos do.

Eh, brides number one regret is not getting a videographer? While wedding blogs will tell you that and videographers- most people don't watch their wedding video. It would be nice- but I don't think you should go over budget for it

@Cassidy: actual *brides* say that is their #1 regret. It's not just shit that's made up.

Also, most people do watch their wedding video, when it's done right. You know - not something ya wanna "DIY"....

I totally disagree. It is created by the wedding industry. Weddings survived just fine without them. If you want one- go for it. But I don't think it's worth going over your budget. But you know what's important to you. Don't be snarky with me, @gymrat. You do what's important. Do I think you need it? No. But it's your wedding not mine, not @gymrat's. Yours. Do what's important to you. If budget is- do that. If wedding video is- then go over budget. That's your choice. But you know what your priorities are. Stick to them.

While photos are great, I am so excited to watch the events unfold and hear our voices. Pictures are great but you cannot hear the emotion in someone's voice. You don't know the power of a moment until it becomes a memory. And once that moment is gone, you cannot get it back.

I am spending roughly $8500 on picture and video for the day. That's almost 1/3 of our budget but I could not imagine it any other way. Those are the only two things just for me and my fiance that day. And while you may not watch it that much now, in 30+ years, you will be able to watch your video with your kids and grandkids.

I found a videographer that was over my budget by $800 for the cheapest package they offered.

When I spoke with them I told them my budget and we coupled the photo booth into it and they customized a package to fit my budget.

Ways we fit it in budget was cut the second shooter, cut out 1.5 hours and only dud ceremony and reception (so not getting ready, pictures or first look)

I think I MIGHT regret not having those things covered but luckily MIL recorded on her phone our first look, so at least that's somewhere.

That's about right! My photographer is 3,000 and videographer is 4500

I agree with PP - you need to figure out where you are willing to spend a little more. 10-20k is a huge range.. and if you are comfortable with 'up to 20k' and want a good quality video, why not?