So, I guess if you are here, you are asking yourself one big question, should I get a wedding videographer? It will come as no surprise that I, a wedding videographer, think that you should. But if you stick with me, I will explain exactly why I think wedding videography is super important.
Often thought to be one of the most important days of your life, for many your wedding day will be a lifelong dream boiled down into a year or two of planning and about 8 – 12 hours of action. It is those 8-12 hours that are the most important. However, when you are in the moment things are really going to fly past. You are going to try and memorise as much as you can, at several times people will tell you to stop and take it all in, but with so much on your mind, and lots to do, there is only so much of this that you can absorb. As a wedding videographer, my job is to capture your entire day. All the important moments, the joy, the tears, the smiles and the laughter, every instance that you will never want to forget. I then carefully piece all these moments into a film that will make you feel each of these emotions as you watch. If I’m doing my job right it will make you laugh, cry, and smile. It should allow you to relive your day, over and over again for years to come.
It’s something none of us like to think about, but unfortunately our friends and family won’t always be with us. Whether it be a brother who has moved abroad or a beloved grandparent who unfortunately has passed away, having these loved ones captured on your day can be priceless. The look your grandma gave you as you walked down the aisle, or the words your grandpa said during the speeches, these moments caught on video can act as a time capsule, allowing you to remember those important to us as they truly were. Who knows, maybe one day you will even show your kids the videos and they can see what your family were like on your day?
“I hate to hear myself on video” I hear this way too often as a reason against videography, and I get it! It’s not very often we like the sound of our own voice but this should definitely not be the reason you decide against. Your voice doesn’t need to form the main narrative of your wedding film. I always ask before I use a couple’s voice in a film, and make sure they are happy for me to do so, and if not, it doesn’t need to go in. Often using your dad’s speech or the words of your celebrant can provide that extra context that makes the video more powerful. There are always other options, including simply having some well-chosen music to lead the story. (Music selection is in fact one of the most important and therefore most difficult parts of crafting the final film). If you are against your own voice then let your videographer know, we will be happy to work around it. But 90% of the time when hearing yourself say your vows or in a speech, the word hate won’t even cross your mind.
Finally, one simple point, video can capture memories that just can’t be caught in a photo. Wedding photos are incredibly important and can give you many cherished memories, but nothing captures the moment like a video, and that is why it is so meaningful.
Yes, wedding video is expensive, it can be hard to find the budget and can seem a little unnecessary. But for all the above reasons and many more, it is worth every penny. I can promise you; you won’t regret getting it, but you might regret not.
