Not all couples start their wedding planning knowing that they’ll include video in their day. As a matter of fact, video is often a last-minute planning decision tacked on at the end as something a couple has decided they can’t do without.

Unfortunately, when it comes to popular wedding dates, most videographers are already booked, which can make getting your ideal videographer impossible and a more stressful search than it needs to be.

These 5 questions will help you figure out if it makes sense for you to get video for your Cape Cod wedding day.

1. Are we really going to watch this?
The first and most important question you should ask yourselves is: “Will this something that we’ll get mileage out of?”

Video is a big investment, and if you don’t think you’re going to enjoy watching your own wedding film, then chances are good you can probably make a solid decision to cut video at your wedding right away.

Be careful when answering this question, though. An off the cuff “no” might be jumping the gun. It’s important to think long term and of your family and friends, too. About 98% of couples who decided against getting video regretted the decision immediately after their big day, because they didn’t realize they would miss so much of a day that took over a year for them to plan.

Do you have close relatives that would love to watch this? Are you planning to have a family of your own? Would you want to have your film for them to watch as they grow up? These are all questions you should ask yourself.

2. Do we want to add another vendor to our vendor list?
Planning a wedding is both exhilarating and exhausting. The average wedding uses 13 different vendors to pull their big day together, and the thought of adding one more vendor can seem like it’s just too much to handle.

That said, video is a special kind of time capsule that even photographs can’t compete with. Unlike photos which snap moments, video captures your entire day (and all its nuances), and then is edited together in a way that sweeps you back up in that moment like it was just yesterday.

The extra effort you’ll put into finding the right videographer for you will be worth it. The earlier you start with your search for the perfect videographer, the easier it’s going to be on your planning process.

3. Can we afford this?
This is a critical question that can’t be ignored. But also consider that price alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor.

The cake, flowers, invitations...these are all important, but temporary parts of your wedding. Video is something you’ll have forever and that brings a lot of worth to the table. The lasting value of your wedding film is an enormous part of the affordability factor.

Many videographers will be happy to work out payment plans with you, but be wary of negotiating for low-low prices. Videographers know what they’re worth and they won’t offer a lower price without taking something away, usually time and effort, and a rushed products is hardly worth the savings.
 

4. Will it be awkward?
Sometimes people get concerned that they’ll end up on blooper videos or that lavalier mics will pick up secret conversations not meant for anyone else’s ears.

Videographers know how important discretion is to their clients and not only would it be in poor taste to be in a blooper reel but it would be overstepping legal boundaries and a professional worth their weight in salt wouldn’t jeopardize a client relationship like that.

5. What if I end up with a bad videographer?
There’s plenty of proof throughout the internet that bad videographers exist but the best way to avoid a bad videographer is to make sure you hire someone with a solid reputation that understands your vision.

These professionals tend to be on the pricier side, since you’re investing in their years of experience and their eye for artistic composition. It’s the video chop shops and inexperienced weekend warrior video companies that are going to have the highest probability of giving you a bad experience.

Use your judgement. Your gut can usually tell whether or not you’re dealing with a good person. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Find more info on planning your Cape Cod wedding.

About the blogger: Sean Caughey is a videographer with Harborview Studios on Cape Cod.