Videographer Worth the Splurge?

We did not have one and don't regret it either. Of all of our friends that have gotten one, they've watched it just once or twice then never again. They're beautiful, but we know we wouldn't watch it more than once.

I'm a wedding coordinator and the #1 thing I hear is that people wish they would've hired a videographer! IT's definitely worth the splurge on your big day!

I had a videographer and it was the best thing ever because I seriously watch my wedding every night 🤷‍♀️

We initially wanted one, but the photographer we chose did not have that option and every other person I looked at started at $3000. That was not in the budget, so we decided to forgo it.

I follow a donut shop on Instagram that was local to our wedding. They had a high school student shoot a "commercial" for them and it was amazing. This kid is really talented. I started following him, seeing all of the work he was doing. I DM'd him and asked if he would be interested in shooting a wedding and he agreed. He was $500. We could live with that. He posted a sneak peek and we can't wait to see the whole thing.

So yes, I would trust a high school student. I would want to see her/his work first. And I would be willing to pay them for their time/editing services, unless you are planning to do that yourself.

If I had it in my budget, I without a doubt would have had one, but I don't regret not having one. I will say, though, my wonderful big brother surprised me with recording the entire ceremony on his phone (he's such a dad 😂❤️) and my father recorded our send-off. So I do have footage.

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Wow @HayMrsO it sounds like you lucked out! When I was in high school my teacher filmed her niece's wedding and I got paid to edit all the footage into a nice video. I figured worst case I could go that route but I know that after the wedding I probably won't feel like sorting through 8 hours of footage even if it is MY OWN wedding (For example, 7 months post hiking trip to Utah and I'm only half done with that video so... lol)

After hearing your success story I might reach out to her to at least see if there are any aspiring film-making students she could recommend for me to hire! If you would be willing to share your video after it is complete, I would love to see it

View Quoted Comment Absolutely! One thing I forgot to add is that he worked very well with my photographer. He was hyper aware not to get in her space and she was really kind to him. It reallly couldn’t have gone better that day. I can’t wait to see the finished product!

Thank you so much to everyone for your responses! I definitely think I'm going to try to have a video now and will look into both the professional and the student routes since I still have 11 months to go.

If you have "highlight reel" videos and would be willing to share so us brides still in the planning process can get some ideas I would love to see them!

I found a videographer that offers the option to basically just come film for a set amount of hours, and then he gives you the raw footage. I can either edit it on my own or bring it back at a later time and have him edit it. I'm considering doing this because I have the ability to edit my own videos and don't mind taking the time to do so. So maybe look into something like this? He charges $475 for 4 hours, $675 for 6 hours, etc. So to me that's worth it for the professional video and audio equipment!

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Thanks, Erica! That sounds like a really solid idea especially since you enjoy editing videos already. I will definitely pitch that idea to the videographers that I contact. I'm all up for saving some money and getting to pick exactly what is in my video!

Have you looked into the bouquets that have Go-Pro cameras hidden inside? I'm DIY-ing my bouquet so I'm thinking I might add one so I can get another perspective.

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OMG no! I've never heard of that! I will definitely have to look into that since I'm DIYing my own bouquets too! and I do have a GoPro that I planned on having my bridal party pass around during the reception, and incorporate that footage.

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There's a few videos you can find online filmed from that point of view but I think passing it around the bridal party would be super fun! Definitely more of a surprise of what they might film

Maria.. I did a search on videographers and came across your post. Did you end up finding someone? I work at a college and have seen some really good footage from some students and I am going to reach out to see what they would charge. I've read a lot of people on here saying not to trust students, but they have to start somewhere too.. anyway, I just wanted to see what you had decided to do Thanks girl!

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Hey girl! We've been house hunting so spending money on a videographer was on the back burner for us until lately. I've actually been sorting through quotes recently and plan to get some more quotes from students as well. I can let you know what we decide!

If you have seen their work and it speaks for itself, I would definitely take the plunge! I would make sure you get the raw footage (of ceremony/toasts/etc at least) as part of the deal too just in case you don't like their editing style...you can take it to a pro after the fact!