Why 98 Percent of Brides Say You Should Definitely Get a Videographer

When we were in the midst of wedding planning, we agreed pretty wholeheartedly on just about everything…like waffles being a “go,” of course, and videography a “no.” I don’t know, filming everything seemed kind of unnecessary at the time, I think. But then, last night, I was watching some video from my cousin’s wedding in—oh my gosh, 1995, I think?—and the funniest thing happened: I suddenly had videography regret! There, on my cousin’s video, were loved relatives who have since passed away—it was amazing to see them again, looking so happy and celebratory. And my little cousins when they were still just tiny, dancing and singing. According to a 2006 survey, only about 50 percent of about-to-be-married brides thought videography was one of the top ten things to include in the wedding. After the surveyed brides had gotten married, though, that number climbed to 75 percent—more of them wished they’d actually had their weddings filmed. And 98 percent of the newlyweds said they’d recommend videography to other couples. We have fantastic photographs and sweet wedding memories, of course—but now I kind of wish we had video of my dad’s speech so I could again hear exactly what he said, and When we were in the midst of wedding planning, we agreed pretty wholeheartedly on just about everything…like waffles being a “go,” of course, and videography a “no.” I don’t know, filming everything seemed kind of unnecessary at the time, I think. But then, last night, I was watching some video from my cousin’s wedding in—oh my gosh, 1995, I think?—and the funniest thing happened: I suddenly had videography regret! There, on my cousin’s video, were loved relatives who have since passed away—it was amazing to see them again, looking so happy and celebratory. And my little cousins when they were still just tiny, dancing and singing.

According to a 2006 survey, only about 50 percent of about-to-be-married brides thought videography was one of the top ten things to include in the wedding. After the surveyed brides had gotten married, though, that number climbed to 75 percent—more of them wished they’d actually had their weddings filmed. And 98 percent of the newlyweds said they’d recommend videography to other couples.

We have fantastic photographs and sweet wedding memories, of course—but now I kind of wish we had video of my dad’s speech so I could again hear exactly what he said, and of my husband playing violin during the reception. Because I think—someday—our kids would like to see it too.

So what do you think: How important is filming your wedding and/or your reception?