Wedding Video Ideas: Ranked from Least Expensive to Most Expensive
Footage from your wedding day is a valuable keepsake. You want these cherished moments, but what’s the best way to go about them?
To help find what works best for your budget, we ranked wedding video ideas from least expensive to most expensive.
Document your big day:
#1 DIY Options
If you’re on a strict budget or enjoy a hands-on approach, DIY wedding videos can be a great alternative.
Cost: $0-$800 plus editing
How to pull this off:
Guest Cam:
Have a friend use a camcorder or record footage on their phone.
Make sure to give them key moments you want them to document!
Time Lapse:
Set Up a camera in position to capture the entire event in a time lapse video
Make sure to move it between ceremony and reception if you want to capture both parts!
Go Pro:
Attach a Go-Pro or clip on camera to capture unique angles, such as attaching it to the bouquet or the groom’s jacket for a first-person view.
Advantages:
Cost-effective: DIY options are more affordable as you can rely on friends and family.
Personal Touch: You’ll get video footage from your friend’s perspective and they can add a unique sense of personality to the video.
Flexibility: You can ask them to capture whatever you want!
Disadvantages:
Someone needs to be “working” the wedding, instead of just enjoying the day, which can feel like a burden on your guests who are involved.
Post-production can be time consuming and editing capabilities may be limited.
Video Quality will not be as high as a professional quality video.
Only one perspective is captured, so you’ll likely miss some moments and people who aren’t friends with the one holding the camera.
# 2. A Video Booth
A video booth can add a fun and interactive element to your wedding and be a good alternative to a photo booth or guest book.
Cost: $800-2800
How to pull this off:
Rent a video booth from a trusted company and make sure your rental dates will accommodate all the festivities you want to capture.
Set up a video booth for your guests away from the DJ, in a quiet place so your guests can record their messages.
Give your guests prompts to answer on screen, and make sure to let them know you want them to leave messages by putting it in your wedding program or reminding them in your speech!
Advantages:
Guest Participation: gives your guests a fun activity and talking point from your wedding!
Personal Messages: leave personal messages, share stories, and send their best wishes freely, giving everyone the chance to participate.
Variety: If you get a weekend rental, you can bring the booth to all of your wedding events and collect videos from people at different times throughout the celebration.
Make it your own: You can have different props, signs, and backdrops to make the experience even more customized.
Editing: Depending on the video booth you choose, editing services may be included.
Disadvantages:
Limited POV: Because the video booth is in one location and is focused on people, you don’t get a cinematic montage of things like the venue, details, or wide angle shots.
# 3. A Content Creator
A wedding “content creator” is someone who captures photos and videos throughout your wedding, typically from an iphone, and shares unedited content with you.
Cost: $1000-5000
How to pull this off:
Connect with a content creator whose style you like and make sure they know what the important parts of the day to capture are for you and your content goals.
Advantages:
Personal Touch: Every content creator is different, so you will be able to choose someone who aligns with your vision for the day and you can give specific directions to.
Quick Delivery: Typically, content creators do not edit the content, which means they can share everything that was captured at your wedding very quickly. This could be a good way to informally share about your wedding on social media before you get the professional galleries back.
Disadvantages:
Content Varies Greatly: Because content creators are typically working with less equipment, there might be challenges like lighting, sound, and angles that don’t result in a flawless end product.
Limited coverage: Your content creator will be hired for a certain number of hours, so if full coverage is not in your budget, you may have parts of the day, or weekend, that are not included.
#4. Professional Videographer
A professional videographer is a popular choice if your budget allows!
Cost: $2000-6000+
How to pull this off:
Choose a videographer with a style you enjoy. Make sure they are communicative, have a good track record with previous clients, and have an editing style that is in-line with what you’re looking for.
Highlight any important moments you want to make sure they capture in a pre-meeting.
Advantages:
Expertise: Hiring a professional means you can ensure your wedding video is documented the way you want when you hire someone who you trust to put your day in high quality film.
Comprehensive Coverage: Your videographer can capture all the key moments, from getting ready, to ceremony, to the first dance and the after party.
Editing: Editing is usually included in a videography package, and you’ll get cinematic style highlights from your day, making it look so epic!
Second shooters: Some videography packages will have second shooters included, meaning you will have multiple viewpoints throughout the day.
Disadvantages:
Cost: Videography packages with a professional can be expensive and simply not in your realistic budget.
Cinematic Focus: Many videographers are focused on the cinematic elements of your day, and may not be able to focus on your guests and capturing authentic moments and messages from everyone.
Can I choose multiple options for my wedding?
Of course! You don’t have to stick to just one method. Combining a traditional videographer with a video booth and some DIY elements can result in a rich and varied documentation of your wedding day. For example, the professional can focus on the main events, the video booth can capture personal messages, and the DIY cameras can offer candid and unique perspectives.
What is right for my wedding?
Your wedding video will be a treasured keepsake, allowing you to relive the emotions and joy of your special day. Whether you opt for a traditional videographer, a video booth, or a DIY approach, what matters most is that the video reflects your personality and the love you share. Take time to plan and consider what will work best for you, and most importantly, enjoy the process of capturing these unforgettable moments.
Want to find more ways to engage with your guests? Get the free Guide: No More Boring Weddings!
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