My wedding video sucks. What do I do?

As "a woman" said, review the contract. See if it also includes anything about getting the original film. You paid for it, you should be able to get the raw footage. Then you can take it elsewhere for re-editing.

As for the original videographer you need to be VERY honest with him about your dissatisfaction and find out what he is going to do to make it right. Give him a chance, he may come through. If not, you may need to go to small claims court.

And don't forget the power of the Internet and word of mouth. You can put feedback about him on The Knot or local wedding directories in your area. I'm not suggesting slander, but you can be sure that other brides know about your experience.

Remember this though, no matter what the video looks like, you had a beautiful day and your best memento is your husband. Best wishes.

**Additional: Okay, so no contract. I still think you should go back to them and see if they are willing to try and make it right. And you can still ask for the original film. Then there are always legal routes if you can't get satisfaction from them. You might try reporting them to the Better Business Bureau too. Go online and you can find your local branch and typically you can file a complaint online. It's free and the BBB will try to get resolution for you. Don't fret, there is recourse available.

First I would complain to the video company regarding the quality of the video you received. Tell them that you think the cameraman was drunk and the quality of the pictures is unacceptable and unprofessional. If you get no satisfaction, I would threaten a lawsuit...If they don't want to settle with you then I would take them to Small Claims Court and sue them for the amount of $1650. Also I would take an action out on your state Consumer Affairs and complain to them. If you paid by credit card, then you do have recourse through the credit card company. You can put a complaint in and then the video company has to answer to the credit card company. If you paid cash or check, then you should threaten to sue and then take them to Small Claims Court. You do have recourse and I would take advantage of it as the law is on your side, not theirs. Another thing you can do is call your local TV station hotline and tell them your story...If they run a piece on your dilemma, the company will pay up and pay up fast rather than have this terrible publicity. Good Luck but don't let them get away with this.

Also agree - check your contract....

In addition - was there any verbal agreement between yourself and the camera man in relation to the 'type' of video he would be producing (eg: did you talk about him moving around the reception?). If there was a verbal agreement that has not been satisfied then I would ask for my money, or a fair component of it returned to you. You may mention 'consumer affairs' if they refuse (that'll scare them and make them realise you are serious).

At worst, try for an original copy and make the best of a bad situation by editing to your liking....and learn from the experience. It's a shame.....but at least you have your memories in your heart =)

I would talk to the company about the quality of the video.

The contract would be very good to have. If there was a way you could ask for a copy of the contract from the company so you can view it without them thinking that you lost it, that could be helpful. Perhaps visit them, then ask for their copy of the contract?

I would talk to them. See if they can resolve this issue somehow. Perhaps a partial refund? Or re-editing it somehow.

Please, when you talk to them, be courteous. Don't yell, curse, or be very rude about it. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!

read your contract over and see if there is anything about a satisfaction gaurentee