Video
"I have just finished watching our wedding video for the first time. I know I will watch it until the tape wears thin. It really took us back. Just watching the video, my heart pounded just as it did on May 17th at 5:58 p.m." . A California Bride
Just as this California bride has experienced, you will find that a wedding video can be one of your best values and most memorable means of saving and savoring your wedding day. It will give you the opportunity to experience parts of your wedding day that you might have forgotten or not even seen.
Imagine, not only the sights of the day being captured forever, but the sounds and feelings as well. Your wedding video will take you back again and again to that special day. It will serve as a wonderful part of anniversary celebrations in years to come and delight future generations.
Today, couples are using their wedding videos not only as personal mementos, but also as gifts to their parents, as well as sending them to out-of-town family and friends or ill relatives who were not able to attend the wedding.
Because wedding videos play such an important role in preserving your memories it is important you take special care in selecting a professional videographer.
As is true for other wedding professionals, popular wedding dates are booked with many videographers a year or more in advance. It is important to begin your search early for a quality videographer. Allow as much time as you would for the selection of your photographer and no less than six months if possible.
The quality of videos varies greatly, as do costs. Prices generally range from $700 for a basic video to over $3000 for a high-end video. Just as you would not price shop for a selection of wedding gowns without seeing them first, it is wise not to price shop videographers without seeing the actual video recordings.
It is important to see a videographer's work so you can evaluate the quality you receive for the price. Most videographers offer packages. Coverage time and feature options can be adjusted to fit your budget. To prevent misunderstandings, complete and sign a contract agreement with the videographer you select.
A wedding video can be one of the most exciting and moving ways to document the beginning of your life together as a married couple. It's worth the time it takes to evaluate your selection of a professional videographer and invest in the best.
Relive the Moments
Let your videographer help you share the good times with those you love!
For close family members or friends who are unable to attend your wedding, giving them a copy of your video will make them feel like they didn't miss a beat. A professional videographer will ensure that all the special moments are included - from that first kiss as husband and wife, to the father-daughter dance, to the moment when you and your husband wave farewell.
Not only is a video a good idea for people who can't attend, but for you and your groom to see what you missed! You've spent a lot of time and money on your wedding - you should be able to see all that happened! Curious about what he was doing moments before entering the church? How about that funny joke your uncle told that got everyone laughing for days?
Catch the look on his face when he first saw you in your wedding gown. Listen again to the toast your best friend made in your honor. Watch how the flower girl kissed the ring bearer and then ran away.
Relive the moments . what better way to celebrate every one of your anniversaries?
The Dos and Don'ts of Selecting a Videographer!
Do review a demo. Look for the quality in its color, clarity, and audio. Also look for fluidity in the camera movement and angles. Your wedding video should look like a movie — not Uncle Ed's funniest home video! That goes for editing, too. Transitions should flow easily together in a sensible fashion.
Don't trust your memories to an amateur! Do your homework — make sure your videographer is experienced and has a good track record. Ask for references from couples whose weddings he/she has worked — personal testimonials can go a long way in establishing your comfort level.
Do make sure your photographer and videographer work together! Arrange for them to meet beforehand and communicate what kind of look you're going for.
Don't depend on cutting-edge technology. Just because the videographer's equipment is the best doesn't automatically mean your video will be. While good equipment is important, talent and creativity are key.
Do request a DVD. We can all agree that a DVD is more convenient than a VHS, but is it really necessary? Yes! As technology improves, VCRs are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Not only is the lifespan of a VHS cassette debatable, the question lies - will there be machines to play the tapes in 20 years? You might want to ask if you could also get a VHS copy, just in case someone who does not yet have a DVD player may want to watch it.
Don't look back and wish you hadn't skipped the video. Time after time, couples have commented that they were on the fence but decided to go ahead with their wedding video and are so glad they did! Nothing can surpass the feeling of seeing yourselves as you were during those most wonderful moments. For years to come, you will be able to relive the memories in the laughter, voices and emotions of the loved ones who shared in your special day.
New Vistas in Videography! - Through Technology Today
Videography has come a long way in recent years, offering cutting-edge technology leading to expertly crafted, movie-like productions. Talk to your video professional to find out what the new technology has to offer and how it can best be implemented for your wedding. For example:
• A clear picture isn't the only "new and improved" product of modern video technology. With top-of-the-line equipment, sound editing is better than ever, offering the possibility to focus in on whatever you wish to emphasize . or not! The sweetness of your wedding vows will forever be remembered . minus the giggles, sniffles, oohs, and aahs that may have gone on along the way.
• Graceful transitioning from scene to scene can be achieved by fading in and out. Adding subtitles or animations is a fun way to personalize your video memoir.
• He said/she said's, along with photos of the two of you, can add humor in a fashionable way.
• Be sure to request a DVD recording. As the VCR is gradually being supplanted by a new generation of equipment with more and different capabilities and options, VHS tapes are taking a back seat to DVDs. And, DVDs have a longer life expectancy than videotapes. But don't forget to also ask for a VHS - not everyone has a DVD player yet!
• For those who can't make it to the wedding, consider doing a live Webcast to assure they'll be with you no matter where they are!