Jan

27

Things to Consider Before Hiring a Wedding Videographer

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These days it’s pretty common to attend a wedding and see videographers running around the ceremony and reception like paparazzi, capturing every moment from multiple angles and occasionally getting in the way. But for most couples, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime affair, and they want to make sure that they can look back on the event in its entirety (especially since the day itself is so overwhelming for the pair at center of attention). And yet, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to hiring a videographer. So here are just a few things you’ll want to think about before you make a down payment.

1. Do you really want a wedding video? Although friends and family members may be pushing you to memorialize your event in every stunning detail, you might be hesitant for any number of reasons. First, you may have seen examples of wedding videos gone wrong. Although you almost certainly want to capture fond memories of the festivities, you may not be so keen to watch footage of mascara running down your face as you sob through your vows, or your cousin getting drunk and puking on your dress, or a fight between your parents and your new in-laws over the bill. Yeah, it happens. Perhaps you’re just a traditionalist and you’d rather spend your money on a fantastic photographer rather than splitting the budget between photos and video services. Just don’t let anyone push you into video if you’re not comfortable with it.

2. References. You want your special day to be smooth as silk and that means hiring vendors that will relieve your stress and take care of everything. So rather than running through listings in the phone book or online to find a videographer, ask family and friends for referrals. The people you love and trust won’t steer you wrong. But you should still do a consultation to make sure that the vendor you choose offers the services you want and that your personalities mesh.

3. Skill and artistry. Some couples want their wedding to be a serious and traditional affair while others prefer to emulate spring break in Cabo. The point is, each duo has different goals and aesthetics. The trick is to find a videographer who can capture the essence of who you are as a couple and display it in your wedding video. For this reason, it behooves you to see samples that showcase the skill and artistry offered. For example, do the videos look like they came out of a Hollywood studio, or are they something your 12-year-old nephew could make on his laptop? Quality and feeling are both important factors in choosing the right vendor.

4. Price. Most people don’t want to start with a number, but everyone has a budget. So if the cost of services is a major issue you should definitely ask for a price guide before your fall in love with the videographer.

5. Methods of delivery. This modern medium pretty much
demands digital duplication services, but you can probably decide if you want your raw footage and any edited video clips delivered on DVD or via some sort of download. Just make sure that you will have access to ALL of the footage taken so that you have it on hand if you decide you want to do something else with it down the road.

Jan

12

Fun for the Groomsmen: Decorate the Getaway Car

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There are a few responsibilities that come with being in the wedding party. Although the best man is generally responsible for planning the bachelor party, getting everyone fitted for tuxes, getting the groom to the church on time (and sober), and giving a toast at the reception, the whole party is on the hook to make sure that the wedding and all associated events go off without a hitch. And the duties don’t end until the happy couple drives off into the sunset to start their honeymoon. Unfortunately, many groomsmen never make it past planning the festivities for the soon-to-be-married man’s last night of freedom (so to speak), which means they may not be ready for their final task: prepping the getaway car. And yet, this could be a lot of fun for the groomsmen willing to put some thought into the shenanigans and do more than paste a “Just Married” sign and some soda cans to the back of the vehicle. So here are just a few tips that can make the experience memorable.
The first thing you need to think about when it comes to decorating the getaway car is tact. You might be tempted to throw in a few suggestive items (a backseat full of blown-up condoms, for example), but while these might induce a chuckle from the groom, the bride may not find it very funny, especially if she has to climb into the back and winds up with lubricant all over her wedding dress. It’s not a very appealing thought. However, attention to detail and a little forethought can go a long way towards helping you to avoid such blunders. Now you just need to get creative. And there are a lot of ways you can add some pizzazz to the proceedings without getting gross.
For example, you could go fairly traditional with the outside of the car (sign, cans, etc.), but spice up the interior in a special or romantic way. Although not every couple has the money (or inclination) to hire a limo, you could help them to feel like they did by having one of the groomsmen throw on a chauffer’s cap to ferry them to their hotel (or other destination), and then put rose petals on the floor of the back seat, along with a bottle of chilled champagne in a bucket of ice and two glasses to sip it from.
Or you could go all out with a very special theme. Ask the groom about his first date with his wife-to-be. Get him to give you as many details as possible about where they went, including what they ate, the music they listened to, the movie they saw, and anything special that he might have said to her. Then use your newfound knowledge to decorate the inside of the car like their first date. They’ll both be surprised and the spark they felt during that first date will be carried down the road with them to their honeymoon suite.
You might know more about changing tires, bleeding brakes, or installing used Volkswagen engines than you do about decorating the getaway car for your just-married friend, but that doesn’t mean you can shirk your groomsmanly duty. Certainly you can get away with minimal effort (a few window markers and some beer cans tied on with string), but if you put just a little time into doing more, the grateful groom and bride will remember it for the rest of their lives.

Jan

11

What to Look for When Hiring a Wedding Photographer

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After the flowers have died, the cake has been eaten, the guests have all gone home, and the honeymoon is over, your wedding photos will help keep your happy day alive for you by preserving those magical memories forever. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the rest of the wedding planning, finding an affordable and talented wedding photographer can be a daunting task. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when hunting for the perfect shutterbug.

Can you work well with your prospective photographer? You want your personalities to be compatible, so make sure to find someone you feel comfortable with. You may want to consider asking a close friend or family member to use their skills as a wedding gift. It is important to keep in mind that not just anyone with a camera has the appropriate level of skill to shoot the most important day of your life. Ask to see a portfolio. Examine their aesthetics and style to see if it meshes with your own ideas. You can test the waters by asking the candidate to shoot engagement photos, giving you the opportunity to see how well you work together as well as a chance to measure their talent and test their artistry. However, it is important to remind yourself that if you are going to use an amateur photographer, don’t be surprised if the results don’t live up to your expectations. Hire a professional if it is within your budget.

Ask for recommendations from your friends or family who have recently been married. Comparison shop by visiting local studios and asking to see portfolios. When interviewing a prospective choice, inquire about the types of cameras or special effects they will be able to offer. Make sure to ask if they have backup equipment they can use if their regular set happens to fail at an inopportune moment.

Discuss your budget with the photographer you choose and see if they can work with you if their prices are outside your set cost limit. Make certain that you understand the price package and everything it contains. This includes the actual hours the photographer will be working as well as the time they will spend developing prints after the wedding and creating wedding albums.

Make a list of the specific shots you want before your wedding day. If you can, visit the sites you plan to use with your photographer ahead of time, preferably at roughly the time of day when you intend to shoot. Discuss the time you want your photographer to arrive and the time they will be finished shooting. Little decisions made ahead of time will save you money and energy when you are distracted by enjoying the actual wedding itself.

The biggest regret most people feel after their wedding adventure concludes is that they are not satisfied with the wedding photographs. Investing some time into researching local studios or photographers as well as understanding a bit about how photography works will help you in your quest to find the perfect person to capture your special day.

Sarah Danielson is a contributing writer for Essence Photo and Video, the best in Chicago wedding photography and videography for your special day.