Will I regret not having a videographer?`

Eh.....I have only seen two videos that didn't look like every other video. If you can afford someone terrific, then go for it, but if it's going to be the video guy the big photo company recommends, I'd pass and go with a great photographer instead.

I'm kind of in the same boat as Promike. The overproduced stuff isn't my style.

I would like some kind of video, mainly because of family when they are no longer here.

But taken from my BM who just celebrated her one year anniversary in August, she said she watched the video a bunch the first week she got it, and hasn't touched it since and has no desire to really sit down and watch it much. So she feels like she spent x amount of money on a video she may watch every 5 years or so.

I decided to have one because my mom had one. My cousin who was killed by a drunk driver at 17 was her flower girl. She was 3 at the time of the wedding. My moms wedding video is one of the only videos my family has of her and one of our favorite memories of her. That is why I decided to have a videographer. If something were to happen to my FH or a member of my bridal party, I would be so thankful for the video to help me remember them.

This issue probably isn't as relevant now days because people take videos on their phones all the time. It all just depends on you and what is important to you!

We didnt do one and we dont regret it at all.....its just money spent towards something you'll watch a whopping 5 times maybe in your life

Chances are you do NOT want raw footage, like Promike says, but documentary style. Raw footage would be absolutely everything shot, including out of focus, or blocked cameras.

A lot of those 3-5 minute highlights are pretty over produced. I can't stand the ones that don't even include the vows or people talking, just a song.

There are also longer highlights out there. I always make my couples one that is 12-20 minutes long, so it shows more of the day, but is still... idealized and easy to watch and rewatch. Here is how I make one, if anyone is curious: https://vimeo.com/148450746 Less perfect, more genuine.

So, if you're not sure, look around and see if anyone will get you what you really want. No sense in paying $2000 for a 4 minute video set to music, no vows, and nothing else. And yes, that happens. One guy I've seen around literally only films for the highlight. I have no idea why people still hire him.

I originally didn't budget for a videographer, because - like you - photography was THE most important thing for me. But after coming on here and talking to some friends, I decided to find some money for a videographer. I went with budget package (like, not even advertised) from The Pros which is a national company. We had very basic video - 4 hours of coverage at one location, edited down but raw footage - no music, special effects, etc. We paid $650. Honestly, those 10-minute highlight videos are cool to look at but NOT what I wanted. I wanted to be able to hear our vows, I wanted to hear the toasts, I wanted to relive the first dance and dance with my dad... things that can be captured but never fully captured in pictures. I didn't want just snippets of those moments in a highlight video to post for others on fb! I am so, so happy with my decision to find the money for a videographer. My husband and dad - who both thought initially it was a waste of money - were SO excited to watch the video after the wedding and BOTH of them CRIED as we watched it! To me, it was absolutely worth it.

We still haven't decided. So far we are staying pretty well under budget so we're now debating on whether or not to use that extra money for additional vendors, put it towards our honeymoon, or save it.

I didn't have a video and I don't regret it. I still haven't done anything with my pictures. I have a digital copy only.

It's also not a priority to me to have a video. But my grandmother LOVES watching the videos from her kids' weddings. Part of it is because it's one of the only videos she has of my grandfather and other relatives/friends who have since passed away. I know that's kind of morbid but it makes me think I'll regret it if I don't.

I do think that this one is a question best for people who have been married a long time, not engaged couples and newlyweds. I'd like to find out how many people actually watch their's.

I want high-quality photos, but maybe a home-video is enough? I know there's a great program at my local high school that works with video. I'm sure those kids would love a little job. Something to think about if you're trying to save money. Especially if you are paying for nice pictures.

I was in the same boat and was really unsure about hiring a videographer, mostly because of the cost some of them charge and it wasn't in my budget (quotes I got were over $2000) so I crossed it off. But I was lucky enough to come across someone who is just starting out and he was advertising a video package including travel at no additional charge to anywhere in the province for $600 (he lives 7 hours away!!!). He will be with us from 2 hours before the ceremony (1pm) until midnight. It might not turn out to be the best quality video but I'm just glad I will be getting one So maybe if you look around for someone in your area that's just starting out you could get a wicked deal too!

Although I am not married yet, I sympathize with you. I was in the same situation a few months ago. We did decide to hire a videographer along with a photographer. After talking with a few friends and family members, that seemed to be one thing most people either loved having or regretted not hiring one. I look at it this way.. What's an extra 2,000 in the grand scheme of my life? (I know the price varies by region) It's something I will be able to watch for the rest of my life and reminisce about the day. Just my opinion. Good luck!

DH said, flat out-- "We're NOT having a videographer"-- I think he was afraid I'd make every friend watch it for years. I've been married 17 years and have never once pined for a video of my wedding day. In all honesty, though, I've never seen anyone *else's*, and maybe I would regret it if I knew what I was missing.

There is nothing like hearing and seeing the raw emotions of the wedding day. When you watch your video it places you back in the moment and on the day. You can't hear pictures and the feeling you get from a video in comparison to a photo is totally different. Go for it if you can afford it. Also if you have a set amount you have to spend be up front with a videographer....we all have X amount of clients that we may curve pricing for per year you are close to your date and can be one of those clients for a local videographer. Good Luck!

Posting to follow, same situation! I'm really worried about not capturing the wedding and having something to look back on, but my FH doesn't want a huge portion of our budget going towards it. Might go with a DIY service like WeddingMix if we can find someone who's good at recording to hold the cameras, my cousin said good things about it! Still a little anxious, keep me posted