The short answer
Yes, if hearing your vows, speeches and people’s voices again matters to you, and it fits your budget. Photography and video keep different parts of the day. But a wedding film is not something you have to book to have a good wedding. Watch a few complete films together, decide what you want to remember and choose coverage you can comfortably afford.
When the wedding budget starts filling up, video can feel like another thing you are supposed to find money for. “It’ll be lovely” isn’t quite enough. You need to know what it adds to your day’s memories, and whether that matters to you.
Think about what you want to hear again
It might be your vows. Your mam laughing halfway through a speech. The cheer as you walk back up the aisle. Those are the sorts of moments I would think about before worrying about drones or how impressive a package sounds.
A photograph can show you that moment. A recording can let you hear it. If that feels important, video has something different to offer you.
Just check what is being recorded and delivered. Selected lines in a short film are not the same as the whole ceremony or every speech. You might want one, the other or both.
You can love photographs and still want a film
They do different jobs. You can frame a photograph, flick through an album with a cup of tea or send a favourite picture to your family. A film brings back the movement and sound.
If the budget only stretches to one, think about what you actually enjoy. Would you love an album on the coffee table? Are you already the person who watches family videos back? There isn’t a right answer you need to give a supplier. Choosing photographs first is perfectly valid.
What if you hate being on camera?
Say that on the first call. Ask how much direction there will be, what the couple is expected to do and how much time filming takes out of the day. A beautiful finished film does not show you how it felt to make it.
I would ask, “Will we need to repeat things for the camera? How long do you usually take the couple away from the guests?” If being left to enjoy yourselves matters more than a carefully directed scene, say so. You do not need to spend the wedding performing in a way that feels unlike you.
Plan the timings together, too. If you want ten quiet minutes together rather than a long portrait session, have that conversation before the wedding morning.
A smaller amount of coverage might be enough
If it is the vows you want to hear again, ask about ceremony-focused coverage. If the speeches are the big thing for your family, ask exactly how those would be recorded and delivered. You do not have to buy the biggest package to make a meaningful choice.
Check whether the complete ceremony and speeches are included, extra or not offered. The wedding video cost guide explains how to compare the hours, edit and recordings before you commit.
My advice: watch one together, with the sound on
Not a showreel made from ten different weddings. One complete film. Notice whether you connect with the people, whether the voices are clear and whether you like how it feels.
Then ask each other, “Would we like something like that of our day?” If the answer is yes, work out what fits. If it is no, that is useful to know as well.
If you do start looking, take these questions to ask a wedding videographer with you. You deserve clear answers, not a sales pitch about how much you will regret saying no.
Still working out your overall budget? Use our free wedding budget calculator to organise your costs. Already collecting offers? Compare two photography or film quotes, or see our own optionswhen you’re ready.
A film to try that with, if it helps
This is Chisanga and Pan’s wedding at The Biscuit Factory, filmed by DS Media Moments. It is one example, not the only way to make a wedding film. Watch a few different filmmakers before deciding what feels right for you.