To Videography or Not To Videography
October 22nd, 2007 @ 6:15 pm by Mrs. Corn
There have been a couple of posts recently on the Bee about hiring videographers, and I wanted to jump in and share our decision with you readers in hopes that it might help someone.
Mr Corn and I never thought twice about whether we wanted a videographer for our wedding. The choice was clear; we didn’t. The reasoning wasn’t because the tapes can be cheesy, or because the music can be bad. Rather, we both felt that it was stupid to spend any amount of money on a videographer for a video that we might watch once.
About a month before the wedding, it dawned on me that I wasn’t actually going to get to see most of the wedding since I was in it. (For instance, when my cuter-than-cute two-and-a-half year old nephew escorted my mom down the aisle, I was still around the corner hiding from view.) I called up a couple we know and asked if one of them would mind just taping the ceremony for us. I knew it would be windy, and we probably wouldn’t be able to hear a thing, but at least then I would be able to see the processional.
It turned out that our friends didn’t own a video camera, so they ended up borrowing one from someone else who warned them that the camera had been having issues lately and just might not work. I was aware of this, and totally unfazed. I really didn’t think I would care about the video that much anyway.
The day of our wedding, the camera did decide to work. And not only that, but my friends tapped into the sound system so that we could hear the entire ceremony. They also taped parts of the rehearsal party, interviewed people at the wedding and taped the speeches, toasts, and dances. Then they went home and edited it on their Mac and gave us a DVD, complete with menus and titles.
It is hands down, the best gift we received.
You see, from the moment the veil was placed on my head until about two hours into the reception, everything was a complete blur to me. I barely remember any of the ceremony. Having the DVD allowed me to see my own wedding.
Now, the video is poor quality and the lighting is terrible. In fact, in the lowest light, you can barely see through the grain. But would we go back if we could and spend money on a professional? Not a chance. I will admit, I will most likely watch the video more than the one time I figured I would; but both Mr Corn and I still think it would have been a waste of money for us to hire a videographer. For one thing, for the amount of a videographer, we were able to serve lobster to all of our guests at the clambake. But I will admit, I sure am glad I asked my friends to help us out!
In the end, it is obviously a personal decision. However if you are deciding against professional videography, I would highly encourage you to find someone to stand quietly and at least tape the ceremony. I promise you won’t regret it.
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26 Responses to “To Videography or Not To Videography”
Our friends did something similar for us. They brought their camera and taped all the best moments for us, in exchange for tapes. We bought some at bestbuy for a steal, and they got 8 blank tapes out of it. The best part was that we were able to see our dance, which we practiced for a month before the wedding. The quality is really bad, but it’s decent… and it still captured every emotion we both felt that day.
I didn’t think I wanted a video of the wedding. The husband’s mom passed a few years ago and he once said the only place where he can hear his mom’s voice was in his brother’s wedding video. After hearing that, there was no way I could deny him of getting a video. Honestly, it was probably one of the best decisions we made. I watch the highlights ALL the time and was able to see a lot of the moments I missed on the big day.
Being a Videographer myself, I couldnt bring myself to spend money on one. I figured I’d go without, but I ended up recruting a friend of mine to do it.
I think if you dont have the budget for a video, it wouldnt be a bad idea to recruit one of your video inclined guests to capture as much as they can on tape!
My dad recently was invited to a wedding and taped the whole thing for the Bride and Groom (he is a friend of their parents so they didnt even know he was a videographer)…I think they just about DIED when he gave it to them…they were so grateful, watched it at their sendoff brunch and cried! So, i guess a video does have an impact!
I didn’t want a video either at first. It actually was my dad that talked me into it- saying that he had wished he & my mom had a video of their wedding to go back and look at. Now I can’t wait to see the finished product, so much of our wedding is a blur to me!
Great minds think alike! i just wrote today about what I wouldnt change. One of teh best things we did is have a friend tape the ceremony. I treasure that video more than any other videos we own! I plan on doing some editing with our wedding pictures and the video, add some music and ta dah!
My family has one video of a Christmas family reunion, and it’s about seven minutes long, but oh to see my aunts and grandpa in it is priceless. They’ve been gone for years, and it’s the only way to really see them now.
I agree, it’s a personal decision and from the beginning I knew that I wanted a quality video. But yes, at the very least have a friend/family member/guy off the street tape it.
Heck, if you’re in the area, I’ll bring my sony.
If you get a friend to tape it themselves rather than hiring a professional, does anyone know what needs to be done to ensure that the video captures the sound, so you can hear the ceremony? It’s my one concern. But we just don’t have the budget for a professional videographer so DIY is our only video option.
We also had a friend tape just the ceremony and it was the BEST decision. I hadn’t wanted a videographer - too expensive - but just having the casual tape is perfect, and it was so fun to watch the ceremony later. For sound - my sister rented a small wireless microphone and attached it to the front pew of the church. Perfect!
I’m with you 100%….I’m sure if I had one of those super produced fancy wedding videos I would love it and watch it all the time but with so many wedding expenses I don’t have the 3,000-6,000 extra to make that happen (seems like anything less then that amount gets you a pretty cheesy video). I’d much rather put that money towards something my guests could enjoy or towards my mortgage payment.
Jen (Comment #1): If your camera is of the MiniDV variety, it should be able to connect to your Mac via FireWire - regardless of it’s age. That’s one of the benefits of MiniDV - it’s connectivity options are always acceptable. Just look on the back or side of the camera for a connection marked FireWire, or “1394″. If it’s compatible, a $20 cable at Best Buy will be all you need to get it connected.
Don’t forget to talk to a videographer about a package where they shoot the video and give you the masters - it can be MUCH cheaper than a full editorial package. With easy access to any Apple computer these days, lots of people can really surprise themselves! As a wedding videographer, I started offering this type of “do-it-yourself” service for my clients this year, and it’s pretty popular for the budget-minded brides. But I can’t stress how important it is to have someone shoot your wedding that at least has a 3 CCD camera, or something professional grade. It can make the difference between watching the footage once, or watching it once a year forever…
“But I can’t stress how important it is to have someone shoot your wedding that at least has a 3 CCD camera, or something professional grade. It can make the difference between watching the footage once, or watching it once a year forever…”
Yeah, Zack…I have to respectfully disagree. The reason I wrote this post is because I feel like brides receive an awful amount of pressure to have everything they ‘need’ for their perfect wedding.
Obviously, everyone has their own opinion on what is or is not necessary when it comes to the quality of their wedding video’s, or if they even have a video at all. I wanted to highlight that it is perfectly ok to have someone take a not-so-professional video. I love ours and I most likely will watch it just as much as I would had it been professionally made.
To me, the most important part is having the memories. Whereas I originally thought that photography was all I needed/wanted to achieve that, I did change my mind and I am glad I did. I think insinuating that only people who have professional grade videos will watch them yearly is a bit irresponsible.
Mrs. Corn:
Having seen my fair share of weddings filmed on consumer-grade cameras without wireless microphones, I think it’s important for people to know that the equipment (not to mention the operator) can make a huge difference! I’m not suggesting the the only way to get quality video is to hire a professional. I’m only suggesting that they pay attention to some of the technological details, as they can be the difference between quality and not-so-quality. Heck, if you can’t afford a videographer, and you’re having a friend shoot the ceremony, I suggest renting some professional-grade equipment for the day - it’s very cost-effective! Start with a good quality wireless microphone. On-board camera mics don’t cut it for the quiet vows happening 25 feet away from the camera.
In regards to me being “irresponsible” - I think that’s rather harsh. I’ve spent many years as a professional camera operator and film editor. I have a vast knowledge of consumer and professional grade equipment. In my opinion, suggesting that a consumer-grade handycam can produce images anywhere near that of a broadcast-quality camera is irresponsible. I wasn’t suggesting that ONLY a professional cameraman can produce better images. The fact I was referring to is that better equipment produces better results.
Totally agree, we didn’t have the budget for a professional videographer so I just posted on craigslist for somebody with a camera equipment and a steady hand. Some footage came out really good and some were not so good but I actually liked it better than had it been edited professionally. Some of the best moments on the tapes were actually things that would have probably been edited out. Professional or not, a video of at least the key moments is totally a must since you do miss out on a lot of the action that day.
I think we are both arguing valid points. What I am saying is that so many brides feel pressured to have the best of everything to ensure their day is perfect. The purpose of this post is to say to those brides that I made it through my wedding and I am perfectly happy with my non-professional, moderately watchable video.
I don’t think you are irresponsible. However, I do think the statement, “It can make the difference between watching the footage once, or watching it once a year forever…” whether you meant it this way or not, seems like a rather contrived marketing statement that preys on the vunerability and sentimentality of brides-to-be.
If a bride is considering video, than yes, your advice is very helpful. But if they are on the fence about paying for video or paying for something else in their wedding, than perhaps my post can be of guidance.
“whether you meant it this way or not, seems like a rather contrived marketing statement that preys on the vunerability and sentimentality of brides-to-be”
I think I should make something pefectly clear: I’m not here to drum up business. When I “accidentally” found myself doing wedding videography several years ago, and thought about making it a full-time business, blogs like Wedding Bee helped me learn about the entire wedding experience. As a single guy, I’ve yet to experience first-hand the trials that many brides face when planning a wedding.
My statement about “It can make the difference between watching the footage once, or watching it once a year forever…” comes from years of experience. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this EXACT phrase from clients. It’s not a marketing ploy, my friend. It’s simply been my experience.
When I submitted my article about videography (and responded to your post here) my intentions were never to profit or deliver “contrived marketing statements” to “vulnerable brides”. I have helped so many couples make the right decision about videography over the years - the right decision for them! I’ve even turned away plenty of business, simply because certain couples are on the fence. Sometimes, when I explain everything in certain terms, some couples realize that videography isn’t for them. To each their own.
I’m certainly not going to argue an extremely subjective medium such as video and/or film with you. You’re totally right: Some couples want professional videography. Some couples don’t.
I’ve been told the information I’ve relayed on this blog has been informative and helpful. Please, don’t assume that I’m some sort of troll, preying on potential clients. I don’t think I should be subjected to that type of judgement by offering helpful, and completely free advice.
I plan on sending out a general request for friends to bring DV cameras, and then I will hand out tapes for everyone to use.
Then at the end of the night I will collect them and do my own editing magic.
Beccs - OH MY GOSH! Thats a WONDERFUL idea! Takes the whole “disposable camera” on each table one step further, doesnt it???
I might have to steal that idea 
beccs: That’s an awesome idea! I’ve suggested that to several couples, and it always produces some really cool footage. Here’s a tip for you: Make sure that everyone uses the same settings on their DV cameras, to avoid editing headaches when you gather all the footage. Here are a few things to check:
1. Frame rates: Some cameras can shoot different frame rates from 24 frames-per-second, to 60 frames-per-second. Make sure everyone is shooting at the same frame rate. Mostly, this applies to pro-sumer grade cameras. If everyone is using consumer-grade cameras, you probably won’t have to worry about this.
2. Audio: Most camcorders have an audio setting menu, that will allow the user to select different audio bit rates - make sure everyone is set to 16-bit audio.
3. SP vs. LP: Don’t forget to have all the cameras set to SP, or “Standard Play” - this will keep the video compression to a minimum, and maximize your resolution/quality!
Another tip for you: Ask all of your “camera operators” to shoot continuously during special moments, like toasts, dances, ceremony, etc. That way, you can do some cool multi-camera/multi-angle editing in post-production. (Programs like Final Cut Pro, and Avid will allow you to “multi-cam” very easily, as long as the footage is continuous.)
Hope this helps!
We asked our brother in law to tape for us. They have a camera already and FIL has a DVD burner. He taped the ceremony, entering the reception, the toasts, cake cutting, and the exit. He also talked to a few people at the reception.
It’s basically non-edited, but it’s so personal!
BIL is pretty shy, didn’t want to sit up front with the family, hardly wanted to be in any pictures, but he loves videoing stuff, so he was so excited to do this for us.
Having a video was very important to me but for my SO it is. While videography is not a part of our budget we plan, however, on having a family member do it for us. His family is really big on recording important family moments so having a member do it (and for free!) sold me. Plus, now after reading Our Special Day’s story in her comment I realize that it is important to at least have some form of video of the nuptials.
I actually do regret having my aunt videotape it, but only because the battery ran out and she missed my new husband’s speech and our first dance, and he was so terribly disappointed after watching everything else to not get to see his speech that I feel like it would have been better if we hadn’t taped it at all and he’d never gotten excited to see it.
Plus my aunt managed to position herself juuuuust so that there was a plant in front of my face for the entire ceremony. I am not able to tell you why she didn’t move, but it takes away a little bit from the whole thing.
We did hire a videographer for our wedding day and I have to say it was the BEST investment! If it came down to it and I had to choose between having a photographer or videographer, hands down it would be the videographer. Of course I would want both and both did an amazing job, but watching the day on DVD, seeing TRUE emotions… is priceless. It is pricey to have both videographer and a photographer, but I say spend less on your photographer and spend more on the videographer. With photos, you blow up a few, have some in an ablum… but the DVD truly helped me relive the day… hearing our vows again, watching me dance with my father, listening to the best man’s hilarious speech… I can’t stress enough about how much we love our video!
Zach,
I do think you have provided some very valuable information for the weddinbee readers. I guess I was just feeling a bit sensitive last night because I truly wrote this post with the intent of encouraging brides who are not planning on having a videographer NOR having any kind of video recording, to at least find some way to tape their ceremony.
Hope that clears it up.
Mrs Corn
[...] thank you cards, programs, newsletters, escort cards, and four sets of stamps) Photography: $2,863 Videography: $0 Ceremony Music: $905 (string trio) Reception Music: $3,990 (The Belltones, the most awesomest [...]
I have found totally the opposite, our wedding I wish we did have a pro Videographer. I had a family member film it and it was ok but missed important moments which is fine as they were a guest and this brings me to another point which is to ask friends who should be there to enjoy the event is a bit much to ask, as they then will have the pressure to provide a service and on top to still come and ask them to buy a present as well. It seems most people are ok that paying heaps for a photographer is fine to capture the memories but then value capturing moving moments not at all.
Mrs. Corn, Newport, RI
Age and Occupation in '07: 31, HR for public accounting firm
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Consultant for public accounting firm
Engagement Date: October 7, 2006
Wedding Date: September, 2007
Blogging Since: June 1, 2007
Venue: North Lawn of Fort Adams State Park
About Me: I am a lazy scrapbooker who loves the instant gratification of making cards and I am very easily distracted by all things shiny. In honor of my childhood nights spent hibachi BBQing on the beach with my family, we are hosting a traditional New England Clambake for our reception.
I so needed to read this. My take on video is: I don’t want to regret not getting it. Like you said, I don’t want to miss out on the things that I didn’t see with my own 2 eyes.
I have a miniDV video camera that’s about 10 years old, but I think it’s too old to hook up to my Mac. I need to confirm a family/friend camera operator.