By Kali Piersall

Top five reasons why couples choose to forgo video and reasons why video should be included. 

Take a moment to think back on your childhood — dance recitals, soccer games, graduations and birthdays. Can you picture them? Did someone capture it on video? Maybe it wasn’t every major milestone of your adolescence, but I’d be willing to bet that just about everyone has some kind of video of them growing up. 

As a professional wedding videographer, I continually hear reasons to justify not capturing this day on video. Why is something that was included for many major life moments so easily disregarded on the biggest day of your life? Why does videography consistently fall into the “maybe” category instead of the “must have?”

Oftentimes, the value of a professional wedding video is not seen. The worst part is that eventually the value is seen, but it’s too late. Don’t be one of those couples who look back and wish they had their wedding day on video. It’s one of the biggest regrets I hear.


Reason #1: We don’t need a videographer. We have a photographer.

Videos and photos are two entirely different mediums. Pictures capture one single still moment in time. Videos capture consecutive moments. Where one falls short, the other balances it out. Think about it from the bride’s perspective. She’s the last one in, first one out. What if someone sings a song before she walks down the aisle? Or something emotional or silly happens during the ceremony? Yes, the photographer can capture a beautiful still from that moment, but you won’t be able to relive what was said if all you have are pictures.

Reason #2: We are never going to watch it.

Maybe you will never watch it, but what about your kids or grandkids? What would you give to have the opportunity to watch a video from the day your parents or grandparents got married? To be able to see loved ones who have passed and to hear their voices on the day they committed themselves to each other forever is priceless. 

Reason #3: I don’t want all those cameras in my face.

If you’ve done your research and hired a good videographer, you will discover they are far from invasive. They blend in and flow with the day. By the end of it, you won’t feel uncomfortable or like you’ve been on a movie set with people barking commands at you.

Reason #4: I want one, but my parents don’t see the point in the cost.

Sit down and show your parents what wedding videos look like today. Show them the exchanges that take place between the parents and the couple and make them see the value from capturing emotions on film.  

Reason #5: It’s the biggest day of my life. Of course I am going to remember it all!

It’s highly unlikely that you will be able to remember it all. There are some people with photographic memories that will remember moments forever, but there are also things you are going to miss. The ring bearer causes a laugh before the bride walks down the aisle, crazy Uncle Rick had a full-on dance off with one of the bridesmaids, but it happened when you were at the photo booth. The point is, you missed it. In the aftermath, are you really going to be OK with the fact that the only video you have is shot by a guest from a smartphone?  

The saying, “time flies when you’re having fun,” couldn’t apply more to the events that take place during your wedding. You spend months planning this day and it’s over before you know it. Give yourself and future generations the ability to relive this incredible day time and time again. ◆

Kali is getting married in October and after setting the date, of course the first vendor she booked was the videographer!


Crooked Tree Productions

(321) 508-7555  |  Crooked-Tree-Productions.com