all of a sudden i feel really sad that i havent got a videographer

Can a family member not video it for you?

Don't be sad!

We're not having one, and although I had one first time round, it really wasnt worth it - I think photos are more fun to look at persoanlly...how often would you really watch it at the end of the day? And if you are lucky and have someone with a video camera who can film the important bits, I think this would be just as good...I honestly dont think youre missing out on anything by not having one...

I keep having the same thoughts but as Groomwithaview says, just how often would you watch it? I know if we had one, we'd watch it once, cringe at how awful we looked/sounded and then probably never bother again. Bit of a waste of £1k or however much a professional costs (I really have no idea on costs!). I think my OH would be totally weirded out if I suggested watching it instead of Stenders one night....

We wont be having one.

(asides from the fact I have a voice that resembles Moaning Myrtle, TBH, I think they are a bit of a waste of money unless you get an uber-sh!t-hot one).

x

How often does anyone actually watch their wedding video? No one other than the bride and groom would want to watch it anyway. I've been forced to sit through many awful wedding videos in my time and to be honest, I'd rather look at photos.

It costs a fortune and it's a waste of money in my view. Get people to video clips on their phones or cameras. That way you'll end up with some nice short vids on YouTube or something which will be much better and cheaper to look at than some long drawn out cheese fest!

You don't need one!

I went through a "stage" where i wanted a videographer, but my H2b echoed what everyone else has said. How often are you going to watch it. So we splashed out more on our photographer.

Knowing my luck if we did have a videographer, we would end up on you've been framed!

Thankyou for your replys & i think you are all prob right.

Think im at the stage of have i done it all right lol

I will be fine tho, you would think with 3 weeks to go i would be stressing over the stuff i have left to do not worry about things i dont.

We're not having an official one, but I do want someone to record the ceremony as I think it will whizz past in a flash so want to have the opportunity to see it again ... and for one time viewing only I can't justify the cost. I've got 2 guys who'll bring their cameras and anther guest who can edit it all together....

I went through that phase about a month before our wedding, even though for me spending the day being filmed was my idea of hell. And honestly I haven't regretted not having one for a second. The photos are fab and I've got enough amazing memories of my day.

We aren't having one either - my bridesmaid's husband is going to video the ceremony though but will be very amateur!

same here, i didnt think i wanted one but after being bridesmaid at my brothers wedding a few weeks ago and seeing how fast the day goes and the fact that there are huge chunks of it i dont remeber i want one for ours now, he's just going to record the ceremony and the speeches i think, haven't finalised it yet, someone had suggested videoing the first dance too but imagine us two stumbling around the dancefloor will be mortifying enough the first time never mind having video evidence of how awful it was!

x

Don't worry about it. Im getting married for the third time ...yeah I know....in a few weeks and I stopped H2B getting one. The first round I had one and it was pretty intrusive....we never watched it as it used to make me cringe....only up side is my Dads on there and he passed away 10 years ago.

The second time my mate did it and we did watch it quite a bit......used to make me laugh so much I didnt even realise that they were doing it.

So my advice would be....don't stress the small things....ask a mate if they will do it and if not...you'll still have a wonderful day with beautiful photos and wonderful memories

HTH

Cobbs

"How often does anyone actually watch their wedding video? No one other than the bride and groom would want to watch it anyway. I've been forced to sit through many awful wedding videos in my time and to be honest, I'd rather look at photos.

It costs a fortune and it's a waste of money in my view. Get people to video clips on their phones or cameras. That way you'll end up with some nice short vids on YouTube or something which will be much better and cheaper to look at than some long drawn out cheese fest!"

Who makes expensive cheesy wedding videos? Can you provide a link to an example or website? ?

In defence of my art and profession...

I'm sure to speak for other Videographers here when saying to those who have a relative filming their wedding with a handycam... good luck, but please don't expect very much in terms of viewing experience. Filming and editing correctly is an acquired skill, which comes into its own when you compare the work of a professional versus the efforts of 'Uncle Frank' on the day.

While the sceptical viewer may not be immediately impressed by the abilities and discipline that goes into creating a professional wedding video, there is no comparison between that end result and the attempts of even the most enthusiastic amateurs.

You pay for industry standard recording and editing equipment, correctly framed shots, carefully considered and stabilised camera positionings, correct lighting, experience in anticipation of 'the next move', lively cinematic editing between different shots and angles, well thought out timing of action to music, enhanced picture colour-grading and sound mixing, full DVD authoring. Add to that the vision of a professional camera operator who instinctively seeks out the most exciting and appealing shots, the meticulous prior planning and organisation of the film crew (just one chance to get everything right), and, very importantly, the discretion of the camera operators who through experience will work to get the best coverage while maintaining a safe distance and not intruding on the couple or guests...

All of this adds up, and should - if the Videographer is good - add up to a wedding film that is a romantic, lively, entertaining, amusing and memorable viewing experience which has not cost the earth (shop around - look at demos and look at prices, they vary just like for any other wedding service).

As far as how much your video will be watched goes, that again depends on the quality of the producer you have chosen from your demo DVD viewings, and perhaps your desire of a film of your wedding day in the first place. Some people have told us they were initially unsure but 'got one done anyway', and have been overwhelmed by the result and very glad they went ahead. Don't forget you receive several DVD copies, and family (especially parents) really like to see them too.

Unlike through still photographs, you can truly relive the atmosphere. I have a suspicion that it is not the formalities of the Ceremony coverage that has given us rave reviews from clients time and time again, but the more relaxed gatherings and celebratory moments between the Bride, Groom and family & friends. Set to music of the couple's choice, our Photograph Sessions, Receiving Line and Highlights segments provide a breezy yet punchy lookback at the big day, rekindling fond memories but staying far short of cheese and - thanks to our skills as editors - never, ever 'dragging on'. A good video will be complimentary to all throughout, and never 'embarrassing' as some people might fear.

Wedding films are not for everyone, but if the Videographer can really capture the atmosphere of the day, they will be as cherished as photographs, and shared and revisited surprisingly often.

OH#s uncle is filming ours, but purely because we're getting married abroad and wanted something to show the grandparents etc. who can't come.

Can't say I'll watch it much, but saying that a friend had a particularly good one done (even I was impressed) and every now and then she watches it just to ogle at herself ?.

Same as Tahdah, we're having ours filmed but only as we're getting married abroad so would be nice to show our relatives who aren't coming.

But apart from that...If I was getting married here, I wouldn't have bothered.

I'm the opposite; we booked one ages ago, one of the first things and FILs were keen and OH too and I'd heard a lot of people say "We're really glad we had it done" or "we wish we had done it" so went ahead.

Now the day is drawing closer and I'm wondering if we can cancel - I'm cringing at the though tbh... I've had recommendations that the guys is very discreet but still worried. I'm just hoping I'll be pleased when its all done and we can watch it back after. ?

Honestly from my experience, everyone says that they are really glad they had videography at their wedding - especially if they were unsure at first.

Laura: what is it you are still worried about?

I just think its a bit poncy tbh.

I know EXACTLY what you mean.

x

Coming from someone recently hitched I have to say I am so glad we had one. I can't wait to watch it and see what we missed from the day. It really does go past so quick and I can't wait to see everyone else enjoying the day.

TBH we didn't notice the vid man on the day as there is so much else going on. Not actually seen ours yet they are en-route now but every time I phone mum she is watching her copy. She is biased but also very honest so if she says its great I have to believe her!

Granted its not for everyone but I know I will watch it and my photo album will gather dust somewhere.

Ihey can cost loads for the v.v.v.professional ones but ours was £500 and we got 3 copies with that too.Also, I know people who have just had family members video the day and they have regretted not having a pro do it.

I know you don't all agree with this but I just wanted to give a different side to the discussion

*goes back to writing wedding report, on page 7! *

I'm with Cheska. I'm glad we had one. I've watched it about 5 times in a year ?. I think it's brilliant if you want to watch bits that you weren't there to see. It doesn't have to be cheesy ?, just pick the right Videographer.

Also, if he/she is any good then you won't even notice they are there. I saw so many things on the Vid and thought that i couldn't even remember them filming.

?

The video would be good too!?

We haven't got a videographer, I sometimes have a little wobble that I should. There's not enough left in the budget for one, but I think if I really wanted one I'd find the money. I'm always dissappointed when I see myself on video, including professional ones. I'm not planning on booking one, but will continue to wobble everytime I see someone elses video (such as Cheska's!).

We got married in november and i never even thought about not having one.

When we watch it now, there are still parts on it that we can't remember happening on the day. For me as a bride, the speeches were a whirl and i cant remember anyones only my friends (because i was more chillled by that stage) it was wonderful to listen to oh and my dad etc speak.

i loved seeing peoples faces as i walked down the aisle and the look on oh face as i walked in. no camera caught that expression.

I know in a year or two, i will hardly watch it but we have watched it about 4 times since our wedding, my parents are delighted to be able to watch it in northern ireland and we were able to send a copy to bil in america.

I never noticed our videographer on the day except for when i was getting out of the wedding car to go into the church and he helped carry my dress over the puddles!

I would def recommend having one if you can stretch to it. They are not cheesy (or i've never seen a cheesy one) and they are a bundle of memories that photographs alone can never recreate.

Yes there might be are some Videographers guilty of producing cheese or over-sentimentality (assuming that is what you are getting at), having seen a few drab examples over the years topped off with appallingly slushy music.

But really, the clients actually make a big part of the video's success themselves, by just being themselves on the day. It's film coverage, nothing is staged or manipulated (leave the 'direction' to the photographer ?). Yes the shots are edited into a 'story' of the day unfolding, but editing is what brings a film - any film - alive, and when edited well to suit the style of music, the result should be a fun, romantic and exciting movie of you the couple, on your big day, with all the best bits from everyone at the wedding including loads of stuff you probably missed.

Remember the music is also entirely your choice and can make a big difference to the first and lasting impressions of the production. So if you have good taste, choose a good Videographer and you can't go far wrong - check their demos are filmed and edited in a style that best suits you.

I thought you wanted links to these videos, because you'd never seen them?!?!

By poncy, I mean vain, not cheesy. Although I have seen a lot of cheesy wedding videos, but have never seen one of yours, so there is no need to be so defensive. (Your first reply) If you want links, I bet in 5 minutes of scouring "You Tube," I could find 20 wedding videos that give me goosebumps (in a BAD way!) But cheesiness is very subjective, what I find cheesy, others may not.

I will hate all the eyes being on me during the day. It will be bad enough having a photographer, but having to watch a video of me, however beautiful and well edited the video is, I will just cringe.

I'm sure you make lovely videos, so you don't need to be so defensive, but for me, I hate the idea having a videographer......it is so NOT me!

WOLLS.

I mean the idea of having a videographer is to me poncy. (and by that I mean vain, self-important, up ones own behind).

Its just seems to me that it looks as if you think your say is sooooooooo important that you couldn't possibly have one nano-second of it not recorded for all eternity... we are ONLY getting married afterall, hardly the fall of the Berlin wall.

I'm sure I will love it afterwards - as I mentioned we have already booked to have one done.

? You are not exactly unbiased though being a videographer

I don't know why but this has got my back up. I had a video and i am far from Vain and up my own backside.

I had one because there are some things from the day that you will not see. Your guests arriving, your Groom getting ready and having a laugh with the other Men, for me it was my Gospel choir singing (i only saw them during the hymns and that was with everyone else singing. Before i got there and while signing the register i missed all the best bits).

For me, watching a video is obviously more life like than looking at photos. You feel the emotion you felt on the day. I never even knew my Brother broke down when i walked past him until i saw it on the Video and i couldn't believe it. I also had the proof my H had to stop during his vows as he got upset which he denys to this day ?

I know you probably weren't trying to insult anyone with your comments but i just wanted to let you know there are other reasons people have them.

And Ohh la la, i am the same as you in that i do not like being the centre of attention. I asked if i could take my dress off at 3pm so i didn't stand out.

I have recently booked a video for the day of our wedding and have read this thread with much interest !!

I didnt think we had the budget for it initially and worried what people would think of me ?? odd i know !

but in the end I found a company who would do 2 hours for us: arrival at church, ceremony and departure from church - this is the important part of the day for me and the bit Im most nervous about so I think it will wizz by and I wont take it all in so really wanted a video to look back on.

I *think* dont shoot me here !! that it will capture more of the feel of the day and peoples emotions and probably some of the bits I wouldnt have seen otherwise.

I am pleased i have booked one but gald its only for church part as i didnt really want a video of me scoffing canapes !! LOL

each to their own I guess !!

WspringS

The reasons we're having one is because we want to see the bits we miss on the day, to go over things like the speeches that you might not remember, and to show our children - not because I'm vain. I hate the sound of my voice on video and generally avoid cameras / videos (until I've had a drink that is, then they become my best friend! ?)

But, each to their own and I'm not trying to knock other peoples opinions if they don't want one. Like Spring, just giving another side of the discussion.

<Runs and hides> ?

Noooooooooooooooo!

Sorry Spring and RaeF - I'm not saying you're vain for having one, I'm saying that I would feel vain for having one. I HATE being the center of attention.

I was struggling with the idea of an engagement shoot, but OH really wants to do it, as he wants me to have more confidence. He wants me to feel good about myself. I have a lot of hang-ups about the way I look and for me, having to watch a video of me walking, talking and "being me," I believe it would make me even more self conscious and upset.

These are all just MY opinions, so please don't take them to heart.

x

That's what I want... am hoping some guests would cover it but am now thinking maybe I should get a profesh to cover this section of the day (H2B has already said no to filming his speech and the first dance!). Hely do you mind me being beaky and asking how much this was? Don't suppose you're in Surrey are you?