Wedding Video - Practicalities and Pros and Cons?

We had a VOG and I am so glad we did. To be honest I didn't even notice he was there most of the time, I did see him shoot past me a couple of times when we were walking getting photos done, but apart from that you wouldn't know he was there.

On the dvd there is a quick "summary" type video of the full day and then the rest is split into parts - ceremony, speeches (which you can hear all of) and then the first dance. We also have a marryoke on ours which was great to do and see the end product with all our guests taking part!!

I had a VOG and although I didn't pay anything for him (he was a friend of the family) I would have gladly have paid for one if I had known what I know now. On my wedding day, I was on such a high, everything was so busy and exciting and mad, that even though I paced myself with the alcohol, because of the very pace of the day, I feel there was so much I missed, or disregarded, or forgot. Having that DVD to look back on once the day was over, to remember everything, catch up on things that were occurring without me even knowing anything about it (like, before I turned up at the venue, for instance), and having a constant re-run of the day on hand to look back over whenever you want, is absolutely priceless.

I would whole heartedly recommend one.

I didn't feel remotely stalked, and judging by the attitudes of the guests on the DVD, they pretty much ignored him too. I love it.

We have the ceremony and speeches in full (no music etc) then a 1.5 minute trailer and a 15 minute film (both to music).

I never noticed she was there! I don't think any of my guests did, either.

We got a very good deal as our VOG was trying out new equipment but I think her standard rate is about £850? It would have been worth that.

I haven't watched the ceremony and speeches yet but I've watched the trailer and film too many times to count. It really brings it back.

It's the one thing I regret not doing. If I was doing it all again I would budget it in.

Thank you all for your very helpful replies!

See, I did not realise that the bits I've seen are only "trailers" and that all the important parts like ceremony and speeches come with sound and everything - now that sounds really good now... Darn it, I think I want a VOG! Many valid points there like the catching up on things you missed etc. and as it doesn't seem to be intrusive the only real con seems to be that we will have to spend money on it. Will have a chat with OH later and try to find the money. I hope it's not too late to book one for August 24th...

BTW, is any of your VOGs based near Cambridge - it would be great to know where to start looking...

I made sure to fit a video package into my budget. When my sis got married she said that she wishes she would've had it recorded because you're so busy during your own wedding that you can miss out on things! And its nice of course to have for memory sake.

Hi Ulli,

As the others on this post have already given you an indication of what you can expect from a wedding video, I won't repeat what they have said!

What you can expect from your wedding video and how the Videographer approaches filming depends on who you choose. Some may offer a traditional, 90-120 minute video that covers your wedding day in its entirety, whereas others may offer a 20-30 minute short form video that consists of highlights captured throughout the day. The latter is becoming an increasingly popular option.

We specialise in producing short form wedding films, but we also offer to include the footage of your ceremony, speeches and first dance in an unedited format, presented as part of your DVD.

Our short form films are essentially long montages, which include a soundtrack of specifically chosen songs played over a series of highlight video clips of your wedding day. Throughout the film, the audio of the songs fades down to allow lines of dialogue such as the vows and speeches to be heard.

As we are a new company and still building our portfolio, we are currently offering our films for £500 (excluding travel) to couples getting married before September 2013. Our website is skinnyboyweddings.com Please do feel free to get in touch.

Best of luck with all your wedding planning!

Kate

From the other perspective, I didn't have one, and don't regret it in the slightest. I can remember most of the vicar's sermon, and enough of the speeches - the vows etc are well and truely in my memory. I still remember being surrounded by the singing of the choir and the congregation as we stood at the front of the church. Apparently children made noise during the service - I didn't notice that in the slightest - but it would have shown in the video later.

Certainly can't imagine watching the thing - still haven't watched myself on the video I made of my appearance on university challenge many years ago - and there's no way I'd inflict it on my family or friends. If hubby and I do sit in front of the TV, we'll be watching something we haven't seen/done before, not the wedding!

Thanks to everyone who replied last night after I left. Random, thank you for this point of view - this is actually exactly along the lines of what I thought about it in the first place and what part of me still thinks.

Still haven't decided for sure, but when OH came home last night I greeted him with "I think I want a videographer!" and he simply said "Then we'll get one." So he is not opposed and we will have a look around on the weekend (and make up a budget for it).

Thanks again for all these useful replies, it has helped a lot!

24th August...Same as me!

We hadnt budgeted for it at the beginning but I thought I might regret it so we have one coming to see us tonight.