Videography or diy camcorder?

@OP - Have a professional DJ until 10pm. By that time all the wedding events would be over anyway, and you can end the "official" party. Then transition into after party mode where it would be more acceptable to play a playlist from a bluetooth speaker or something.

You will really want the DJ to keep the night on track, and to announce you to the reception, let guests know when first and parent dances are happening, the cake cutting Bouquet toss ETC

@Keisha - I was thinking the same thing about editing.

OP- You might spend a lot more trying to edit multiple cameras unless you know someone who does that sort of thing.

OP, did you ask the venue for recommendations?

Its a bar/resort so i don't think they normally have weddings there so I didn't think to ask. But maybe ill call and find out.

Just do like that one guy did (or almost did?) and wear a chest-mount GoPro.

I just messaged a few people that possibly do all 3 but the dj only goes about 4 or 5 hours. You can spend 6 grand and have continuous music but thats like half our budget lol

@OP - Just because those are the only packages listed online doesn't mean they won't offer additional hours at a price per hour. I wouldn't worry about it until you speak with them, communicate what you want and then see what they offer

Also, as I said you can always have the DJ for the actual reception (which is traditionally only 4 or 5 hours) and then move into after party mode when they leave where you could switch to more casual laptop/ipod and speaker set up.

ETA: Just because the DJ left doesn't mean your party is over. Lots of people have more casual after parties at bars and stuff after their weddings nowadays

6k? That's even higher than some NYC DJ's. Where the hell are you looking? I also find that very hard to believe.

Look, this is getting out of hand. Why do you want to hang out at 2/2:30am at a wedding? Actually, who does? Is your wedding starting at 9pm??

$6K DJ? No way. The most expensive DJ price I got quoted for everything.. I mean the clouds and monogram all that extra stuff...was $1800

ETA OP Are there any bridal expos coming up in your area? I mean you have time but I would suggest going there, you can meet with vendors and a lot of them offer great discounts and savings there. I got my highly rated DJ there for 50% off by booking him there and saved $500 off my DOC package.

^Same questions as GymRat. What time is your ceremony? Most evening weddings end around 10-11pm. If you want to do an informal after party, you don't need a DJ for that.

I think going until 2:00 or 2:30 is a little extreme. You said there will be kids (and a bounce house) so I would think they would be tired and their parents will have to put them to bed. Skip the cameras, skip the bounce house and get a DJ.

Our wedding starts at 3 dinner at 5 and I figured dancing and things about 630 or 7. Our families are hard core partiers so we will be going til 2 or 230. Yes the kids will be tired and there is a hotel right next door that we are blocking off as well.

To have a dj,photo,and video yes they want Bout 5 to 6 grand for all 3 for continuous music.

@OP - So hire a DJ for the wedding events - anyone who wants to stay out once the DJ leaves can, and you can play music from a iphone and blue tooth speaker.

Lots of people with kids will want to put them to bed and stay with them. You cannot guarantee that everyone will want to stay out that late, especially anyone traveling the next day. The informal after party is your smartest choice.

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

This is absolutely ridiculous. I don't care how hardcore anyone is - you do not have an ELEVEN HOUR WEDDING!!!!!

You need to get this planning in order!! JFC here we go again.

@GB - It's essentially 2K for each of the three services, which for unlimited music wouldn't be unreasonable for a DJ.

I mean cut out the video, or just include it for the ceremony only... I know we all want it but it's a luxury, and I know you are on a super tight budget. I found a great photographer for $1900 and 6 hours of DJ with uplighting for $700..12 hours is a super long time to have a wedding.

Well, for 3 vendors from 3pm until 2:30am... I'm surprised it'd only be $6,000...

I think you need to listen to GymRat, You need to look at the big pictures and what is important to you and focus on those. You are spreading yourself way too thin and don't have realistic cost expectations.

@GB - I thought she said $6k for just the DJ. If it's all 3, then no, that isn't unheard of.

But regardless, OP can't see herself spending money on much. Skip an all day wedding, skip photo booth, skip video and just get a DJ for a 5.5 hour wedding.