To hire a videographer

[Sweetener12]

We plan our wedding to take place in September (we didn't postpone yet, it won't be a huge party, so we'll move it relatively easily if necessary) but we can't agree on whether to have a videographer or not. The budget allows us to do so and my SO says I can hire a videographer if I feel like doing it, but my mother is against. She says it is unthoughtful and will be a waste of money and we won't watch this "film" about our wedding day more than once or twice. She is very practical woman so I can understand her position, but am I really being unthoughtful as she says?

I got a videographer as I felt it would be lovely to have a video to watch back with my eventual kids. Also my dad did a banger of a speech, super long and we wouldn’t have remembered most of it without the video. Not saying I’ve watched it loads but I think it’s worth it knowing you can watch it back.

I support LouiseTrees but it's all about money. If the videographer is in your budget then go for the movie, it will be so sweet even if you and your man will watch it only once some 10 years later. But if your mom is strongly against and you don't want to have a quarrel over that, you can ask your photographer to make the video with the photos later or DIY via SmartShow 3D or whatever OtherShow.

It has nothing to do with your mum . I love my wedding video more than my photos, seeing it come to life in a way still images can’t, it’s amazing.

Personally I feel they're a bit cheesy and tacky.
Each to their own though. Why does your mum get a say?

Same @peachypetite , I absolutely love our video. Just captures such lovely moments throughout the day that you might otherwise miss and being able to watch back speeches etc was great too.

We have a shortened version (5min or so of highlights) that we watch back on our anniversary each year.

We watched my pils wedding video a while ago after dmil got it converted from VHS. It was lovely.

We didn't have one for ours and I do slightly regret it. We enjoy looking at the photos, but the day went by in such a blur that it would be nice to have had a video.

The videographer was the best money I spent on my wedding.

I chose one that a friend has used and he produced a a short 1 minute highlight and then a longer 20 minute wedding video with music . I have honestly watched it hundreds of times. I think a good one that produces with songs and editing can give you the best memories.

He did also give me ceremony and full speeches plus footage from the day but the wedding video was worth every penny

I think the option to have a "highlights" video is great and I'm seriously considering whether we should now try to source a videographer too. I wasn't keen before as feel people are often very self conscious when they sense a video camera on them, but we're due to get married in October and we're thinking we may now want to share the evidence with people who won't be able to come.

Agree that it's not your mum's call at all (unless she's paying for it?) but if she's really uncomfortable with being on film you could ask the videographer to only focus on certain aspects or people.

Never watched mine, but the amount of money I spent in my wedding, it wasn't much so go for it.

The one thing I regret from our day is not having one. I was so caught up in it I can hardly remember it! We have lovely pictures but I’d love to have the speeches, the sounds, seeing everyone dancing. If I could go back I’d have one.

It really isn't down to your mother This is your day. If you want one, and can afford it, then do it.
Or, if you know someone that can just record for you, without charging you a fortune, then that is a compromise worth thinking about.

I've watched mine many times over, since our wedding (a long time ago - we've celebrated our Silver wedding). I love seeing all the family and friends who are no longer with us. My dc have enjoyed watching it. It's just a nice memory to have, and I'm thinking I must get round to getting it transferred to a different format before our video player stops working.

Be clear what you want. Some folk might try and focus on your two, but what I love is seeing all our guests. When a young relative got married recently, one Uncle got to the church early and filmed everyone arriving, so they've now got a lovely memory of everyone who shared the day with them.
Also the speeches, as you don't remember them afterwards and it is lovely to listen back later.

I didn’t get a videographer and really regret it. It’s your wedding - doesn’t matter what your mum thinks! If you want one, do it!

I didn't have a videographer and I have always regretted it. Do it!! All the best.

I didn't have one, I hate seeing myself in videos and felt being filmed would be distracting and make me feel self-conscious on my wedding day. I've never regretted my decision.

If you're mature enough to be getting married, you should be able to make your own decisions without your mum sticking her beak in.

Hi all, would anyone be willing to share how much their videographer cost and did they film the whole day? TIA

Well, I'm no help. My wedding was over 25 yrs ago, and my video footage was my B-i-L with his Dad's camera