Videographer - Yes or no?

We did, and we're really glad we did.

But. Caveat.

I had a coworker who was also a filmmaker, and she wanted to try her hand at weddings, so she charged us a super low rate. She gave us a 5 minute highlight reel, and then ALL of the raw footage, as well. (This reminds me that she just asked for a review, because she's joining a wedding video company, so I need to go do that for her!)

If you can't afford an established vendor, reach out to your local school's film department. They might have students willing to work for a budget.

We don't believe we can budget for one but I've dabbled in videography and I asked quite a few people with iphones to record as much as they could and give me the raw footage to compile something afterwards. I wish I could afford a professional but I think my idea will help curb some of my disappointment.

We're just asking a friend to record the "special moments;" vows, first dance etc on their phone. That's good enough for our needs.

We went through this cycle like 5 times already! What we decided on is sort of a compromise though, because we aren't going to hire anyone, but we're going to set up cameras/phones to record in select spots for the ceremony and reception (really just intros, couple/parent dances, toasts, and cake cutting). Then we can do our own editing - or not! I do want a videographer because even though we probably won't watch it much, I still want to have a video of the day, but we can't afford someone. Now you've got me thinking to hire one lol!

We aren't getting one. Idk yet if it'll be a "regret", but I doubt I would spend much time re-watching the wedding anyway.. for me, the potential regret was worth it vs the cost of it and never obsessively watching it (and tbh, who besides me and the groom want to REALLY watch a wedding video lol.. I have only watched someones wedding video to be polite, not because I wanted to)

I'm sure the vows will be recorded by my social media crazed teenage siblings that's enough for me.

I'm still planning my day but a videographer was a top vendor on my list. My parents had a very basic wedding video on their day and it was one of my favorite things to watch as a kid. And now that I've gone to my friends weddings the wedding videos and highlights are some of the best things I've seen. I think it's a great way to relive the day and get that emotion and memories all over again. Plus as the bride, I'd get to see moments that I didn't see in real life, like my bridesmaids entrances. And then I get to hear things again like the speeches or vows. I have always loved that aspect to go along with my pictures. So when I booked my photographer a big priority for me was do they offer video services as well. I ended up choosing a photo & video team so my cost was more budget friendly as well as they will work amazing together on wedding day.

Thank you so much for your post, I am going back and forth about videographer because honestly they are so expensive. Your reply has given me a completely new perspective!

I hadn't planned on getting one but my fiance's friend from college does it on the side and he's giving that as his gift to us!

I didn't have one, as I was trying to keep the budget low, but I really regret it. I have photos, which we look at regularly, and I think I'd watch a video too. We did have a family member take video. You get what you pay for. The wedding was 4 years ago (our anniversary is tomorrow) and I have yet to see it.