Videography or diy camcorder?

OP - I second @Unaware about writing out budget. Use the budgeting tool on WW to get a feel of where money can/should be allocated. Eliminate any categories that don't apply to you (I took out wedding band and added that portion to my DJ for example.) That will help you get a clear picture/estimate of what money can go where.

That sounds like a lot to manage. i would skip it.

Honestly if we were to have a dj and photogragher ( i was just gonna have a friend do it but not to sure) then I'd only want to spend no more then $1500 taxes,fees and tip included.

I have a venue picked out and the cake now. I wasn't going to do a dj or videogragher but I changed my mind. FH doesnt want a dj but I think I do.

At this point FB99, let her do the friendor. I mean, what does it even matter at this point? You know what I mean?

Ok talked to FH and im gonna price out a dj for 4-5 hours and then the rest of the time we will just use our computer. And hopefully the dj will have a deal on a photographer otherwise Groupon has a 8 hour one I just found for 300 bucks to possibly keep in mind for future deals in the future

This is getting worse page by page. You wanted to spend no more than $1,500 for DJ *AND* photographer?!?!? No. No no no. That is not realistic. It makes me sad that you don't value photography and all the work that goes into it (same can be said for videography): http://rachellangerhans.zenfolio.com/blog/2017/8/why-is-wedding-photography-so-expensive-west-virginia-photographer

People can leave whenever they want. Our venue is also a bar so it's open til 2 or 230 so if people want to stay they can otherwise we have rooms for them to stay in. Its just nice to have that extra time just in case. We will also have a bonfire people can sit around if they want.

Like ive said before i wasn't planning on spending money on any of that but I've changed my mind.

I'm not saying I dont value what goes into a photogragher at all. I'm just trying to find something in my price range thats all.

Of course you changed your mind. BECAUSE YOUR WEDDING ISN'T FOR ANOTHER TWO YEARS!!!

I told you that before!!! You are going to change your mind constantly between now and then. WHAT AREN'T YOU UNDERSTANDING?!

@OP we are having a barn wedding we have the venue from 3pm to midnight - loud music needs to stop @10. We are having a DJ from 6-10 then bluetooth music for S'mores & a whiskey/cigar tasting for whoever plans on staying. We have heavy drinkers and lots of late nighters. Create a timeline (btw you have plenty of time) and come to an agreement on the things you absolutely want and do not want to go without.

No that's definitely not what i want at all. When we started planning I didn't realize how expensive everything was going to be and im trying really hard to keep everyrhing in our budget. I dont want to start a marriage already in debt ya no. So im trying to downsize on the little things to make room for the bigger things but make it still great at the same time.

That's just the Groupon price. Its originally about 900 just for the photo. It was 3000 if I do the dj, photo, and video. Our venue,food and drinks will be roughly about $4500

Its been on there for about 5 months but if not then I look elsewhere. I'm factoring the real price of the photo and if I can get the 300 deal awesome but not 100% counting on it.

@ asta. Thank you, that is very good advice. I will write some names down look them over and then when the time comes book a meeting with them.

Our photographer is $2k for 6 hours with 2 photographers.

Our DJ is about $800 (even though two of my friends own DJ companies, I'm still insisting on a contract and paying)

You're over two years out and you're trying to make too many decisions too early. You need to slow down and stop. You'll change your mind so many more times.

Our wedding is in April and I've changed my mind a few times on what I wanted. Hell I'm still on the fence about some things.

A Groupon for wedding photography??! Ummm no, I guarantee there's restrictions for it to be used.

How did I know this would happen. Advice only works if you actually listen to it

Wait, your budget is $12k?

According to you:

DJ/photo/video: $3k

Venue, food: $4500

You're worried about prices, yet you're still left with a hefty chunk....

I am listening to all the advice given now. I feel way more comfortable with a budget of 8 to 10 grand but will try and go up if needed.