Making Your Special Day Last: The Wedding Video

By Lei Lydle Founder and Editor Last Updated: 10/14/2005 5:03:52 PM

The wedding video has become a standard part of the whole event. Wedding videos range in quality from home videos to motion pictures. I have literally seen some wedding videos that are as good in quality and editing as some feature films I have seen!

Some videographers have a knack for capturing the right moments, adding the right type of music, using special effects perfectly, etc. These videographers are excellent and they are worth every penny.

When I was getting married I could not believe how much videos cost. I am talking about $1200 and on up to $3000. If you can afford these prices, have a video of your wedding made! It's worth it because they really are fun to watch. One friend of mine has watched her wedding video at least 100 times.

The high prices are nothing to freak out about, you can find a videographer who will tape your wedding for as low as $500 - or maybe even less. You will just have to do some research. Be careful though - I know from experience that this can be disappointing. We couldn't afford a $1000 for a video so we found a guy who could do it for $350. I was very disappointed with the final product. Just remember: You get what you pay for!

Also, you may find a photographer who provides both wedding photography and videography as a package deal. You may be able to get both for as low as $2000.

Just keep a few things in mind. Your ceremony site may have restrictions on videotaping - especially if you are getting married in a church. Many churches restrict the videographer to the balcony and only allow one camera. You will need to find out the church's restrictions and give these to the videographer before the wedding.

Also, when viewing the tapes of potential videographers, pay special attention to the quality of the videotape. I know that I said that you get what you pay for a few paragraphs ago but here are always exceptions to every rule. Unfortunately there are scams in every business - wedding videography included. Meet with several videographers and check references so that you know that you are not getting ripped off.

And here is a suggestion - ask the videographer if you can choose the background music for the video. I think it is very special if the background music consists of songs that mean something to the bride and groom. Many videographers will allow you to do this. You can either select from their collection or provide your own tape or CD. I did not choose my own music and ended up with some VERY cheesy background music :-(

If you are on a really tight budget, following are some ways to save some money on the wedding video:

		Buy a ceremony only package where the professional videographer only tapes the wedding ceremony. Some videographers may charge less to tape the ceremony only.
		Ask the videographer if he offers discounts for weddings in unpopular months or on days other than Saturday. Some, but not all, will charge less at these times.
		Ask the videographer if he has any less expensive packages with fewer special effects, etc.
		If you need many copies of the video, ask your videographer for a volume discount.
		Ask a friend to videotape the wedding. Be careful with this one - you may end up with lots of footage of the floor or ceiling!

For more saving tips, read our article "Wedding Videography Saving Tips".

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