You’ve got the photography on lock for your wedding day, and you’re already thinking about the dreamy photos you’ll get to collect in your photo album.

But… what about the wedding video? 

We’re not quite at the point (yet) where wedding videography is the status quo in the wedding day line-up of must-haves. And ya know it ain’t cheap. 

You might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Do you need a videographer? Do you not? What makes a wedding film something you just have to budget for? Is a wedding videographer worth it?

It’s certainly not for everyone, though more and more couples are considering it essential. Ultimately, you must make the right decision for your wedding. 

What Does a Videographer Do at a Wedding?

Why spend your hard-earned cash on wedding video coverage? Let’s figure out what a wedding videographer even does to answer that question!

Similar to your wedding photographer, a videographer is there to tell your wedding story. 

Their job is to string special moment to special moment and deliver it in a way that a photo simply can’t. And it’s not about one being better than the other. They’re just different. 

It may be hard to justify both in your wedding budget, but if you do, you’ll find that your videographer adds another perspective and dimension to your wedding day story. Not to mention another format. 

Video is the future, right? I mean, we see every platform around us prioritizing video, video, video! But there’s a good reason. We do love videos. They capture our attention in a way that other mediums can’t because it feels like we’re truly being brought into the experience. 

And that’s what a videographer does.

They film all the critical moments, the in-betweens, and the ones you may not have even known happened. Then they spend time editing wedding footage until they can deliver a succinct and beautiful wedding story that will probably (definitely) make you cry. 

What Would Videography Add to My Wedding?

Videography is genuinely a wedding gift to yourself. 

Although photos will never go out of style, the world is moving more toward the land of video. Modern-day wedding videography doesn’t end with a VHS tape that you pop in once every five years just to relive what color cake you had. 

Instead, you’re likely to get a couple of minutes of highlight-reel goodness to, ya know, add to your reels. It’s something that will live on in Facebook until Facebook dies and another platform takes its place (ehm, TikTok), and then it will keep living on that platform. 

This way, your social community will be able to truly take in how spectacular your wedding day was.

But, depending on the package you choose, you’ll likely also get a longer edit that you’ll be able to watch on your phone when you’re supposed to be working.

Your boss doesn’t need to know. 

So, is it worth it to have a videographer at your wedding? Yes… and no. Aren’t photos enough?? Yes… and no. 

It all depends on your goals and values and, of course, your budget!

How Much Should We Pay for a Videographer?

Speaking of… how much should you pay for a wedding videographer? 

Considering how much of an extensive, time-consuming process video coverage is, there’s no surprise that it’s not the cheapest thing in the world. 

However, what you spend can run the gamut of pricing, anywhere from $1000 for a novice to $10,000 and beyond for more luxury-focused professional wedding videographers. 

Things To Look For in a Wedding Videographer or Filmmaker?

So, what should you look for when it comes to your wedding video coverage? 

The first thing you should be looking for is their vibe or style, whatever you want to call it. You should be drooling over the videos in your videographer’s portfolio. If not, then why even move forward? 

If you choose to spend money on a wedding filmmaker, you should love their perspective and the videos they create. 

Once you have a handful of wedding videographers you love, you can start looking at prices. 

Typically wedding videographers will have different packages with varying price points. The base package might be a simple highlight reel or ceremony edit that’s just a couple of minutes tops. 

You’ll still get all the feels after watching it, but it’s not going to be a sit-down type of thing. 

The most expensive package might be a full-length feature film type of deal that includes shots of your engagement session or something as a little primer before getting into the whole wedding story. 

Most seasoned videographers care about what they do, and they’re going to want to find a price that allows you to take home a fabulous wedding video.

It’s a common misconception that you won’t be able to find a wedding videographer at an affordable price.

Do I Need Two Videographers for My Wedding?

Again, this comes down to what you’re hoping to accomplish and what you can spend. It may also depend on who you’d like to hire. 

If your dream videographer only shoots with a team, you don’t have much choice, do you? 

But, if you find a wedding filmmaker that really does it for you, and they’re open to shooting solo, then you’re gold! 

The benefits of having a team would be more wedding coverage, so you don’t miss a single moment. Moments like the groom and the bride getting ready won’t be a scheduling issue because there will be multiple people to cover both. 

The downside to having a team is that if you’re on a tight budget, it’s probably not going to be something you can afford. 

Is a Wedding Videographer Worth It?

So, we’re back here. Is wedding videography worth it? Let’s look at it another way, shall we?

Do You Want the Ability to Relive Your Wedding Day Story? Worth It. 

If you want to be able to sit down years from now, press play, and immediately be transported back to your wedding day, then you’ll want to make some room in your budget. 

Video can transform you to another place in time, and if you’re hoping to tap back into those memories, nothing can give you that experience quite like a wedding video. Plus it’s an irreplaceable keepsake to show your children and family members.

If your budget is a bit tight, see where you can trim the fat. If memory and story are of high value to you, then maybe you can remove some other things.

Do you need that top-of-the-line silverware? Are those cute rustic chairs essential for everyone at the wedding? 

There’s always a way to cut costs, and if you understand your priorities, it’ll make the decision easier. 

Are You Already a Bit (Read: Devastatingly) Over Your Budget? Not Worth It.

However, if you’re already pulling your hair out over how expensive this whole wedding thing is getting, then it may not be worth the extra stress. 

Again, come back to your priorities. If a video doesn’t land on the top end of the list, don’t stress it. 

Do You Love Film? Worth It.

Is the majority of your free time spent looking up new indie movies or watching said indie movies? Does a fabulous Friday night consist of binge-watching every film you can think of? 

If so, you’re going to want to prioritize a film for your wedding. 

Sure, photos will always have a place in your heart, but nothing will compare to watching the greatest love story ever told (yours, of course) whenever you want. 

If you love film. You should find room in your budget for your very own wedding film.

My guess is you won’t regret it. 

Do You Hate Being on Film? Not Worth It. 

But do you hate being filmed? 

Most people feel pretty self-conscious whenever a camera points in their direction, but that general anxiety shouldn’t stop you from documenting your day. 

However, if you get the sweats and need to run and puke anytime someone pulls out their iPhone to capture a moment, then wedding videography may not be for you. 

Being highly sensitive to a watchful eye or simply being an introvert will automatically make your wedding day feel overwhelming. 

Don’t give yourself a panic attack just because you think you should have a videographer. 

Don’t “Should” Yourself

And that’s really what I’d like you to remember. You don’t need to do anything. 

Don’t let thoughts of what you should or shouldn’t do steer all your decisions for your event. If you want a wedding videographer because you genuinely want to see your story in the film, then find a way to make it happen. 

If you feel like you should have it but can’t afford it (or you’re not even sure you want it), don’t feel bad putting it on the no-list and leaving it there. 

Nothing should happen at your wedding other than you having a good time. And you should also probably end up married.