Will I Regret Not Hiring A Wedding Videographer?

One of the questions I get quite often from my clients is, “Will I regret not hiring a wedding videographer?” 

A good friend of mine who is in sales once told me something that was simply awesome.  She told me “Sales is really nothing but allowing you to make a decision…which you otherwise wouldn’t have made…without the information I provided you.”  It made perfect sense!  We don’t have a need for everything this world offers, but if somebody can show me a few reasons for investing in something that will better my life or business, I’ll listen.

So, this blog echoes those timeless words from my friend.  And hopefully helps you avoid any regret from your wedding day.

ONE IN THREE COUPLES REGRET NOT HIRING A WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER

I don’t like quoting studies from larger companies because they usually favor the businesses that subscribe to their service.  But I am going to quote this study from Zola because I have a lot of respect for them.  Zola’s Wedding Planning Survey found that 35 percent of couples admit that if they could do one thing over again, they’d go back and hire someone to film their wedding day. What’s more…25 percent of people who DID hire videographers still wish they spent more money on the service.

DO YOU NEED A VIDEOGRAPHER AND A PHOTOGRAPHER?

The Zola study rings true.  Everybody needs a wedding photographer.  In fact, it’s often the first, if not second thing couples include in their wedding plan.  You only get to keep 2 things from your wedding day forever, your photos & videos. The cake goes away, the flowers die, and the memories get hazy.  And when we talk about memories…yes, you have some great memories from your wedding day, but when my clients see all of the video footage I’ve captured, they can’t believe how much they missed of their own wedding day! 

This is where the regret of not having a videographer comes in.  Depending on the photographic prowess of your wedding photographer, you could have some stellar pictures that capture the emotion, fun and excitement of your day.  However, videography captures sound…the spoken word…and movement.  Do you want to relive your vows?  How about the fantastic speeches from your reception?  Maybe a special conversation with the groom and his Grandparent that has since passed?  How about the first dance that you and your fiancé have been practicing for months.  Sometimes, events happen where close family members HAVE to miss your wedding.  Wouldn’t it be great to email them the highlight clip or full reel of your wedding day?

To sum it up, if the photographer and the videographer are worth their salt, they will both admit that the two professions will compliment each other and if the budget allows, would recommend hiring both.  Sometimes one will capture something the other has not.  A talented videographer can actually help your wedding photographer and vice versa.

MY BUDGET IS ALREADY MAXXED!

We know weddings are expensive.  In 2024, the average cost of a wedding is about $30k, with many couples budgeting between $30k & $50k.  You would love to have a videographer, but you’re not sure if you can add any more budget.  We get it!  I’ve been there myself.  It comes down to priorities as a couple.  What are absolutely the most important things you want at your wedding? 

VALUE VS. COST

The Zola article above rings true in another way.  It says 25 percent of people who DID hire videographers still wish they spent more money on the service.  

Videography can be a significant investment, but being able to relive all of the special moments of your day and share with your children (and grandchildren) for years to come is valuable.  Videography (and photography) doesn’t need to be expensive.  Businesses with many years of experience have established reputations and are in high demand and may command a higher price tag.  As opposed to me, who is just a girl with a camera (and a boatload of undergraduate and post graduate cinematography education and deep experience in directing, producing, post editing, etc) who charges a fraction of that price, but still delivers excellent footage.

Hiring an inexperienced videographer may not only give you poor videos of your special day, but they can actually interfere with your photographer or, even worse, your ceremony!  I get people sending me emails saying, “I’m getting married in August, how much is it going to cost?”  And that’s all fine and good, but these folks are looking at ONLY cost with no value.  I call them and discuss their needs and send them a proposal never to be heard from again. 

We recommend our couples ask their photographer who they would choose.  They are familiar with their work, their personality and they’ve probably worked together as a team in the past.  Online reviews are great too.  People speak openly about their experiences with the business (both good and bad).  In 2024, online reviews are trusted almost as much as word-of-mouth-referrals.  Beware of the company that has NO reviews…they are usually taken down by the business.

IN CLOSING

So, if you’re even considering hiring a videographer, do yourself a favor and call me.  Let’s have a conversation and we can get to know each other.  If you like what you hear, we can take the next step and establish a business relationship.  If, at the end of our discussion, you feel that wedding videography is still just “not in the picture”, we part as friends and you walk away with a better understanding of your wedding needs and priorities.

If you want to take this a step further, check out this article from a photographer in Ireland.  He sent out a questionnaire to his colleagues in the industry to answer the question, “DO I REALLY NEED A WEDDING DAY VIDEO AND WHY?”  The answers are great and come from people in the know!

Another step is just Google “regret not hiring a wedding videographer” and take a look at the actual comments by brides and grooms.

Thanks for reading! ~ Vanessa