Should We Hire a Videographer?

From cutting the cake to sharing your vows at the ceremony with all your loved ones, the memories created on your wedding day are priceless. This idea leaves many couples wondering if they should memorialize every second with a video. While photography is almost universally considered essential, hiring a videographer to produce a wedding video often sparks debate over whether it is necessary. Photos capture many special moments–both staged and organic–but wedding videography offers something entirely different: the chance to relive the day as it unfolds, capturing both the visual and emotional essence in motion.

Wedding videos have come a long way in the past few decades. While it used to feel like something your parents would keep on VHS, social media has created a resurgence for its desire, and when professionally done, it can be an art form in storytelling. Though a wedding film makes an excellent gift for you to enjoy for years to come and share with friends, hiring a videographer may not be as important to your day as the essential things like hiring a caterer or an incredible music act. Plus, we all have smartphones, so you could easily DIY a video with the help of your guests! 

So, ultimately, hiring a videographer is a personal decision for you and your partner to make–but not alone, of course! We are here to help weigh the pros and cons, offer expert advice, and ask questions as you make the best choice for your big day. 

THE BENEFITS

There are many pros to hiring a wedding photographer. Here are a few to help you make your decision.

1. CAPTURE MOMENTS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED (OR FORGOTTEN)

While you spend months planning your wedding, the day of is busy, exciting, and emotionally charged. As the couple getting married, you are often so in the moment, that you may miss some of the things happening around you. A videographer captures all these candid moments so you can watch and relive them later. Think about the bridesmaids' expressions as they help you get ready or your grandparents wiping away tears during your vows. A video gives you the chance to experience these hidden gems long after the day has passed.

Perspectives from the Wedgewood Weddings team:

Carrie: Video will capture more than you can remember. Especially since the day goes by so quickly, you can't possibly take it all in. And a videographer might catch details your photographer missed. You may not watch it very many times but I would still rather have it than not.

Roxanne: We had a choreographed first dance (I’m a terrible dancer and thought this would be a good idea). I was so nervous that I forgot all the steps, but my husband talked me through it the whole time. The video makes it look like we’re having a sweet, casual conversation, but in reality, he’s preparing me for the next step. You can also read my lips during the father-daughter dance when I told my dad, “This is so much better,” since it wasn’t choreographed. It’s a funny moment that I had forgotten about until we watched the video and we still laugh about it 10 years later.

2. PRESERVE VOICES, SOUNDS, AND ATMOSPHERE

Photographs are beautiful and they freeze a moment in time, but a video takes that moment and brings it to life. Your wedding day will be filled with voices and emotions that matter to you—your officiant delivering a heartfelt ceremony, the looks on your guests' faces as your best friend shares a funny toast, or your spouse’s voice cracking as they read their vows. These are moments that photos can’t capture. A video, however, preserves those voices and sounds forever. 

Perspectives from the Wedgewood Weddings team:

Alex C: I am a very sense-driven person, and I would want to see the movement in the shots, hear the background noises, and also hear the tone and emotion in people's voices. That helps me remember and connect to those memories way more than a photo.

Roxanne: Our video allows us to watch my father-in-law’s toast and hear his voice. He passed away a few years ago, so this is a very treasured piece that allows my husband to see and hear his dad’s voice again. 

3. SHARING THE DAY WITH ABSENT LOVED ONES

As much as you would love for every person in your life to attend your wedding, there will always be a few who cannot make it. Having a videographer ensures that those who couldn't be there still feel included. Many videographers now offer edited highlights or even full wedding films that you can share online. For couples with friends or family across the globe, this can be a meaningful way to bring the celebration to everyone, regardless of distance.

Perspectives from the Wedgewood Weddings team:

Austin: LOVE them! They could be for a couple I've never met and I'd still get a little emo. My teammate Angel showed me one from a friend's wedding, and I sobbed!! Definitely, for them, a great way to capture a memory and relive it again and again!

THE DRAWBACKS

There will be cons with every vendor you hire, a videographer included! Here are a few questions couples often think about when deciding to have a wedding video. 

1. IS IT WORTH THE COST?

For many couples, a wedding video seems like a costly vendor to add to their budget. We completely understand this! When you’re working on your budget, it's worth considering whether this is an area where you might regret cutting corners. While you may have fewer flowers or a simpler cake, the memories of your wedding will last a lifetime.

Perspectives from the Wedgewood Weddings team:

Brea: All you get to take with you after the wedding is over is the memories. Immortalizing that on video (especially the candid moments) is a great privilege.

2. WHEN WILL WE EVER WATCH IT?

This is the hot topic question for every couple and us included. Sometimes, it feels like an expensive video to share on your Instagram. However, we’ve found that a lot of couples like to watch their wedding video on their anniversary to reminisce on their special day, or they like to have it to share with their future children. The speeches are especially emotional and fun to rewatch any day of the year!

Perspectives from the Wedgewood Weddings team:

Julia: Even though I've watched mine twice in the 6.5 years I've been married, I'm still glad I have it. I would rate this as a nice to have, not a need to have for the wedding experience.

3. CAN’T ANYONE DO IT?

This is a fair question to ask as well. In a world of smartphones, you could easily DIY a video by using guest footage from the day. This is definitely an option and if you choose it, we recommend assigning a family member or friend to record the ceremony from the front row. Other special moments you might want on video: first dance, parent dances, toasts, grand entrance, cake cutting. 

However, we will say that professional wedding videographers bring expertise, high-quality equipment, and an artistic touch. They know how to frame shots, capture emotions, and edit footage in a way that tells the story of your wedding day beautifully. If you choose this option, it’s important to let them know some of the shots you want captured so they match your vision. 

Perspectives from the Wedgewood Weddings team:

Cassie: Photos only capture so much, and video brings it to life. It's easier to skate by with a mediocre photographer than a videographer, though, so I would only invest if the quality was top-notch.

So, should you hire a videographer? 

The answer is the decision is up to you! We’ve found that each couple we work with is typically very happy with their choice. Couples who choose not to hire a videographer to produce a professional video don’t feel like they’re missing anything and couples who do have a video to watch can’t imagine not having one. Our biggest piece of advice is to do what’s best for you, your partner, and the vision you have for your big day. Video or no video, your memories are with you forever and always.