I should be writing about how wonderful and how important photographers are at weddings. I shouldn’t even consider writing a blog on videographers! Should I?
Do I need a videographer If I have booked a wedding photographer? I am wedding photographer who didn’t book a videographer for her wedding and regretted it.
The simple truth is, most of us know that we want and need a photographer at our wedding. We understand this is an investment for the future. We don’t always think of video.
Do you need a wedding videographer if you already have a wedding photographer? Well that depends on what you want and what is important to you.
I have planned my own wedding, worked with a budget and made some mistakes along the way. I spent hours deciding what colours we needed for the wedding décor, what flowers looked best with my dress and what alcohol we should buy for our open bar! Like I said I made mistakes, people can really drink at a wedding!
I thought all of this was what was really important me. Turns out memories of friends and family are. I always take photos they mean the world to me but video was so far off my radar it wasn’t even a thought let alone a consideration.
Preserving those memories! Video and Photography Combo
Spending lots of time (and sleepless nights) thinking about the little details for the day, I completely neglected to think about after the wedding. When the dancing stops and the guests go home. What’s left to help preserve those memories?
Photos… and, if you have budgeted for it, VIDEO!
When I got married I had an amazing wedding photographer, no regrets there, but I wish I had booked a videographer. So focused on centre pieces no one will ever remember, I could have saved money for a wedding video. I would be able to watch it back and hear voices of people I cant be with any more. It makes me emotional even thinking about it. Will the colour of tablecloths be important in 3 years time? NO. Save your time and money for what really mean something to you.
Wedding photography and wedding videography are 2 very different beasts. Completely different service, different products, and different perspectives. You can’t hang a video on a wall and you can’t hear people laugh in a photo. The end product is not the same, yet people still ask me if its worth paying for a videographer as well? Absolutely.
While reading through some statistics for a blog on wedding photography costs, (you can read my other blog post on this Wedding Photography Prices: Average wedding photography cost) I came across an article that said that 75% of couples who didn’t hire a videographer for their wedding said it was their biggest wedding related regret. That’s a big number.
It also said that 98% of couples that did book a videographer would recommend it to future couples. That’s huge! Why didn’t I know this?
Covid-19 has stopped so many of us seeing family and friends. Now more that ever, video has come in to its own. Things like live streaming for guests that can’t be there on the day are priceless (especially with current regulations) and all within reach if you budget for a videographer.
No one will care if your chair covers are a shade a darker than the bridesmaid dress. Literally no one. However, you will care when it gets to midnight and the day you have been planning for so long is over and all that’s left are the memories. Don’t get me wrong, photos are an incredibly important aspect to a wedding but having video too is an amazing option. Do I need a videographer If I have booked a wedding photographer? Only you can answer that but the following video may push you to consider it.
With this in mind I thought I would ask Josh Hyde a videographer based in near Peterborough, who I worked along side at this wedding and many others, to share some insight on videography.
Tell us a bit about the service you provide?
Full length video documentary, capturing the entirety of the day. Making the most of those precious moments; getting ready with your wedding party, arriving at your long-awaited venue, the vows, the speeches, the laughs, and of course – the dancing.
Short cinematic version which takes your day and condenses it to show your ‘best bits’. This can easily be shared with family and friends for years to come.
Why is video so important at weddings?
This could be biased, but it is a timeless way of capturing the moment exactly as it was. So much emotion can be seen and experienced from a video.
Speaking from experience, the reaction of the couples after seeing their video is always so lovely and heart-warming. It’s a pleasure getting to be part of such an incredible, personal part of a couples life and then creating a video they can cherish.
Have you got a favourite wedding Venue to film in?
I have been fortunate enough to photograph / video many weddings both abroad and in the UK . Each wedding is special in its own way, making it difficult to have a favourite. Being somewhere I’ve not had the privilege of being before is exciting. I spend a lot of time at venues in and around Peterborough so I am familiar with wedding coordinators which makes things run smoothly.
What one bit of advice would you give to couples who are camera shy?
Be natural and enjoy the moment with your partner as that is what generally creates the best material. I always tell my couples that I should somewhat become a ‘guest with a camera.’
Final thoughts?
I have worked alongside Peterborough Wedding Photographer Sarah Carter at lots of weddings. As a combination of Photography and Video we work together to capture some beautiful moments. If you are considering booking a videographer talk to your wedding photographer to see who they would recommend. People who frequently work together will be far better than strangers.
Best of luck to all the couples planning their special day, I hope you can see the value of pushing up your wedding checklist the booking of a videographer.
If you would like to see more examples of Josh’s work…
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6wDfWRURlf44NpdOwBuQJg (J Hyde Weddings – Youtube)
To see more of Peterborough wedding photographer Sarah Carter, you could check out her portfolio here Portfolio