When planning a wedding, couples face countless decisions, from choosing the venue to picking out the perfect attire. Among these decisions is a crucial question: Is wedding videography a must or a want? While photography often takes center stage, the decision to include videography can sometimes feel less clear. Let’s break it down to help you decide whether wedding videography is essential for your big day—or simply a nice-to-have.


The Case for Wedding Videography as a "Must"

  1. Reliving the Full Experience
  2. Photographs capture moments frozen in time, but video brings those moments to life. From hearing your vows to watching your first dance, wedding videography allows you to relive the sounds, emotions, and movements of your day. Decades later, being able to see and hear your loved ones as they were on that special day can feel priceless.
  3. Capturing the Moments You Miss
  4. Your wedding day will be a whirlwind of love and activity, and it’s impossible to be everywhere at once. A videographer can capture moments you may not have seen—your partner's expression as you walk down the aisle, your guests’ laughter during cocktail hour, or your grandparents sharing a sweet dance.
  5. Preserving Emotion in Motion
  6. Emotions on your wedding day are fleeting but powerful. A video captures the tear in your partner’s eye during your vows, the laughter during speeches, and the joy of everyone dancing together. These nuances are often best captured in motion rather than still images.
  7. Creating a Family Heirloom
  8. Wedding videos are timeless keepsakes that can be passed down through generations. Imagine your future children or grandchildren watching your wedding video and seeing firsthand the love that started it all. This kind of connection is a powerful reason many couples say videography is a must.
  9. Highlight Reels for Social Media
  10. In the digital age, many couples love sharing their wedding highlights with friends and family. Videographers often create short highlight reels perfect for social media, allowing you to share the joy of your day with loved ones near and far.


When Wedding Videography Might Be a "Want"

  1. Budget Considerations
  2. Weddings are expensive, and it’s essential to prioritize based on your budget. While videography adds immense value, it’s not always possible for every couple to include it alongside other must-haves. If you're working within strict financial constraints, investing in a top-tier photographer may feel like the better option.
  3. Personal Preferences
  4. Some couples prefer to experience their day as it happens, without the presence of multiple cameras. If the thought of being filmed all day feels overwhelming, it’s okay to focus solely on photography. Every couple has their own comfort level, and that’s what matters most.
  5. You’re Not Big on Rewatching Videos
  6. If you know you’re unlikely to sit down and rewatch your wedding video after the first year or two, videography may not feel as important. Some couples are more visual than cinematic, preferring the experience of flipping through an album over watching a video.


Finding Balance: Is It Possible to Have Both?

If you’re torn between wedding photography and videography, consider a hybrid approach. Many videographers offer customizable packages that fit a variety of budgets. For instance:

  • Opt for a highlight reel instead of a full-length video.
  • Choose a videography package that focuses on key moments, like the ceremony and speeches, rather than the entire day.

This way, you can preserve the essence of your wedding without stretching your budget too thin.


So, Is Wedding Videography a Must or a Want?

Ultimately, the answer depends on what matters most to you as a couple. If reliving your wedding day in motion and sound feels like a priority, videography is a must. But if your budget or preferences lean more toward still photography, it’s perfectly okay to skip videography and focus on other aspects of your celebration.

As a professional wedding photographer, I’ve worked alongside many talented videographers and can tell you that the two art forms complement each other beautifully. Whether you choose one or both, what matters most is capturing your day in a way that feels true to your love story.


Still deciding? Contact me to discuss how photography and videography can work together to preserve your wedding day memories. I’d love to help you explore options that fit your vision and budget!


Would you like to emphasize any particular angle further, like the emotional value or budget considerations? Let me know!