Should I Hire A Wedding Videographer/Filmmaker?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Invest in Memories: Hiring a wedding videographer or filmmaker isn't just about capturing footage—it's about preserving memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. Whether it's reliving the vows or sharing a laugh with loved ones, a well-crafted wedding video can transport you back to that special day, evoking all the emotions and details you might otherwise forget.
Prioritize Videography: While booking a photographer is often one of the first tasks on a couple's wedding checklist, the importance of hiring a videographer or filmmaker is sometimes overlooked. However, as countless couples attest, the regret of not having a wedding video can linger long after the celebration is over. By prioritizing videography alongside photography, you ensure that you'll have a comprehensive record of your big day to treasure for years to come.
Value Over Cost: When it comes to budgeting for wedding expenses, it's essential to consider the value you're getting rather than solely focusing on cost. While it's understandable to be mindful of expenses, investing in a skilled videographer who can capture the essence of your wedding day is well worth it. Take the time to discuss the value that a videographer brings, and you may find that the cost becomes less of a barrier.
Ultimately, hiring a wedding videographer or filmmaker is about more than just recording footage—it's about entrusting someone to tell your love story in a way that resonates with you. By recognizing the significance of videography and prioritizing it in your wedding planning process, you can ensure that your special day is preserved in all its beauty and emotion.
The opinions expressed by contributors of Fox Brush Films are their own.
Couples’ Biggest Post-Wedding Regret
Many couples planning their big day are grappling with this question: Do we need a wedding videographer/filmmaker?
Well, let’s be upfront: We firmly believe that hiring a wedding videographer/filmmaker is key to preserving those precious memories! And it’s not just because we happen to be wedding filmmakers ourselves (haha).
Here’s a comment from a couple online that really resonated with us:
“22 years later, and we still watch ours [wedding film] through the crackling noise and the fuzzy features. If I were to do it over, I would concentrate more on the film and less on the extra little details that no one remembers!”
That hits home. We’ve heard similar regrets from other couples, too. But don’t just take our word for it—The Knot has a blog post filled with brides wishing they had hired a videographer. And according to the Huffington Post, a staggering 98% of couples regret not getting a wedding video!
Clearly, something’s missing after the fact. If given the chance for a redo, most couples would opt for a wedding videographer.
And with that, there are some things to consider.
Memories Fade, but Pictures & Videos Will Not
Almost everyone hires a wedding photographer—according to www.weddingreport.com, in Nebraska in 2023, 88% of weddings had one, and across the United States, it was 89%. And that's just counting the professionals; it doesn't even include the option of roping in your cousin's stepmother, who fancies herself a photographer with her Google Pixel. Booking a photographer is typically one of the first, if not the very first, things you do when planning a wedding.
But what many seem to overlook is the next crucial step—arguably the most important one: hiring a wedding videographer or filmmaker. While there's a gradual shift towards more people hiring videographers or filmmakers, reflecting our society's growing preference for video over photos (just take a look at what's happened to Instagram or TikTok), many still fail to recognize its significance until it's too late to do anything about it. You only get one shot at your wedding day. As time passes, memories start to fade, and that's why everyone understands the importance of wedding photography. But just like photos, wedding videos capture the essence of the day—not just in stills but by allowing us to relive the music, the voices of loved ones, the nerves in our voices as we exchanged vows, and the tears that fell.
Most couples agree that if they could turn back time, they would prioritize hiring a videographer—not just alongside photos, but perhaps even over them.
I always tell everyone this when explaining the importance of photos and videos for their wedding day: "You only get to keep two things from your wedding day forever: your photos and videos." The cake gets eaten, the flowers wither, and memories blur. And it's not just over the years; it's often the very next day when the excitement fades, and you're left wondering what exactly happened. When you get engaged, it's crucial to set your priorities from the start: #1 Videographer & Photographer. Don't fall into the trap of thinking, "If we have leftover money at the end, we'll find a videographer," because chances are, you won't. Expenses can pile up quickly, leaving your budget in tatters and only photos to show for it. Trust me, it's not enough. And don't just take my word for it—ask around. I promise you'll hear the same answer from everyone.
Choose a Wedding Film, Not a Wedding Music Video
Understanding the difference between a wedding music video and a wedding film is crucial. A video packed with a pre-selected soundtrack might look slick, but it lacks the essence of your special day—the genuine laughter, the ambient sounds, the raw emotions. Some companies offer cheaper options because they skip miking up the bridal party or sorting through footage themselves. They might even outsource editing after the wedding. A wedding video shouldn’t just be a music video; it’s about capturing those authentic moments, like the heartfelt chat with your dad before walking down the aisle or the jokes shared among groomsmen. These are the moments you’ll cherish, especially as time goes by.
Don’t get swayed by pretty visuals alone. That’s why our focus is on wedding filmmaking. I prefer the term "wedding filmmaker" because, to me, it’s about weaving a narrative, stirring emotions, and preserving memories—not just assembling beautiful shots with music.
Music certainly plays a role, but it’s not the whole story. I aim to capture the real sounds of your day—the laughter, the chatter, the whispers—because those are the details that truly transport you back. I’m not just concerned with your immediate enjoyment; I’m thinking about the nostalgia you’ll feel down the line, when memories fade and loved ones are no longer by your side.
Value vs. Cost
Let’s tackle the challenge of picking a wedding videographer. You already grasp how crucial this choice is, but with the sea of options out there, it feels like starting from square one. Just like selecting a photographer, this isn’t a decision to take lightly. I mean, why bother immortalizing those precious moments if the end result falls short?
Budget is always top of mind when it comes to hiring a photographer or videographer. You want to know what you're paying for and if it fits within your budget. Most of the inquiries I receive go something like, “Hey! I’m getting married on (wedding date), can you send me your pricing?” Then, after sending over the pricing, it often goes quiet. Some folks just want to talk numbers without considering the value. And while budgets are crucial—especially for weddings where costs can spiral—it’s important to recognize the value you're getting.
I speak from personal regret when I say that not hiring a videographer is something I live with. Google it and you’ll find many others who share the same sentiment. It’s worth asking married friends who skipped hiring one; you’ll likely hear similar stories of regret. My advice? Have a chat with the videographer. If they can articulate the value they bring in line with their cost, maybe the price won’t be such a sticking point.
The pressure is real for us creatives when it comes to capturing weddings. There are no second chances; it's a one-time deal. So, it’s vital to find a videographer whose style clicks with you. Meeting or chatting with the team beforehand is a must. Imagine investing time and trust in someone only to have a stranger show up on your big day. Trust me, it happens more often than you’d think. How can you be yourself if there’s a random person pointing a camera at you all day? Getting acquainted beforehand is key.
I always schedule phone consultations before locking in any bookings with my brides. It’s not just about outlining the value I offer, but also about getting to know you and your partner. I want to invest my time in you as much as I ask you to invest in me. My aim is to ensure we’re the right fit for each other, not just to sell you a wedding video. Some folks are happy with a simple wedding music video, and that’s okay! My suggestions always come from my own experiences and what I’d want for my own family. So, rest assured, I’m always looking out for your best interests.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to planning your wedding, the list of things to consider can feel never-ending. But if there's one piece of advice we can offer, it's this: prioritize your top three must-haves—whether it's the videographer, photography, or venue—and the rest will fall into place. It's tempting to splurge on every aspect of the big day, like shelling out $50 per plate for dinner. But for just $20 a plate, you could invest in the most exquisite wedding film imaginable. And remember, only one of those choices will stand the test of time.
Curious about what a wedding film entails? Take a peek at our portfolio here! Otherwise, best wishes to you, and happy planning!
