Weddingbee boards

My fiance didn't want to spend the money on one.  So I asked a friend who does home videos all the time to just take a video of us.  I think he'll do a great job at capturing the event, esp since he focused more on things like interviews and the guests vs on video taping the formal portraits etc. I would say you should get a professional over a friend if

1) You really want professional quality image and sound

2) You want to have more than one camera for multiple angles or coverage edited together.

I would say you definitely should get some sort of video tape though, because you wouldn't believe how much of your own wedding you miss. i.e. you're at the end of the processional for both the ceremony and the reception.  People were telling me all these stories about the flower girl, ring bearer, etc but I didn't actually get to see any of it.  I don't even remember the music as I came in, so it'll be great to hear the quartet.  We did a newlywed game, but I didn't get to see any of the groom responses.  Anyway I can't wait to see it on the video.

$2400 is about right for someone who is pretty good and experienced, and should be full day coverage and edited DVD, usualy they include the raw footage too if you ask.  Sometimes you can get 2 cameras for that price. 

I originally didn't want one, thought it was a waste of money.  Then my friends got their's back.  And I had to have it!  I realized that I would want to someday look back on everything.  What I learned on our wedding day was thank god we had one!!!  It was such a whirlwind, I don't even remember the ceremony, we were all crying, and I am so glad I get so see it all from our guests point of view.  Not only that, but there were so many moments that were missed on camera, and now waiting for our video even my mother (who kept trying to convince me to cancel the videographer to save money)keeps saying she can't wait to see it, and she's happy I didn't listen to her.  As for price, it depends.  they can run probably around $1k to $3k.  Ours has been Best of Boston for the last couple years at least, and they are $2300.  Make sure the sample work is good!

definitely worth it.

photos are great, but it's apples and oranges..... photo's don't capture sound or your grandma deciding to bust a move on the dance floor. 

I always find it funny that people are ready to throw down major cash for flowers, monogrammed napkins and food.....stuff that is thrown away THE NEXT DAY (or crapped out in the mornin) but when it comes to documenting the event, many want a $999 product! Photos and video are the ONLY thing that last unless you're flowers are felt!

The comment that your friends never watch it, I guarantee it's because it's an el cheapo special. Just like with everything in this industry, you get what you pay for.

If you don't have the budget, then hire a professional to just shoot the wedding and on your 5yr anniversary, hire the company to edit the footage, but the most important thing is to have it PROFESSIONALLY SHOT. Invest in the editing later....maybe as a surprise gift?

I highly warn against giving your "friends" the task of capturing your wedding even if you stress that it's 'casual'. Unless they are starting their own company and using your wedding to build their reel..... you could be very dissappointed. And let me just say that nothing strains a friendship faster than finding out that your 'buddy' forgot to hit the record button while you were walking down the aisle because he was tossing back a heiniken or just plain forgot. I went to film school and yet I would never have a film buddy shoot my wedding, leave it to the professionals.

and by professionals I mean those that SPECIALIZE in weddings.