Venue... check! Flowers... check! DJ... check! Photo... check!
Absolutely everything you will need on your wedding is on your checklist and crossed off... or is it?
Almost all my clients have everything they need to look into already listed on a checklist before we get started on the wedding planning. On a very rare occasion, there have been brides that have left out an item that I strongly suggest to be a big essential: The wedding video.
In my experience, these brides' initial reasons are that the photos will suffice in capturing the moments and saving the memories of the day, and that a videographer is an extra expense that is not a necessity. I never want a bride to have even one regret, so I always approach the topic and present my thoughts on why it is important to have a video to seize the day. Some come back to me after a few weeks, or even right up to the week before the wedding and realize that they actually will regret not having a video.
So, WHY have a wedding video?
It is inevitable that your wedding day will move in high speed for you and your parents. After many months, if not years, of planning the perfect day, when the day comes, it will go by so quickly that you will feel like you missed most of it.
Having a wedding video lets you look back at the entire day like a time machine and relive every moment, every emotion, every laugh, anytime you want and as many times you want. You get to relive the day all over again without the stresses and distractions and be able to feel the joy and love all over again. It is a document of one of the most special days for you and your families and later, you are able to share this with your children and grandchildren. Also, you will realize how important it is to have, if unfortunately, you experience the loss of a loved one that was at the wedding. Also, sometimes, there are loved ones, because of age, illness, or distance, who cannot attend and this is a perfect way to make them feel like they were part of your wedding day. Sure, photos capture special moments, but a video brings out emotion to a higher level and really bring you back to that special day, making you feel like you are there again.
This does not mean, at all, that photos are not important. You can frame a wedding photo, carry it in your wallet to show friends, or upload it to your phone, but you can't hear your vows, or see the tear as it rolls down your cheek. With the video, all your senses are there and you relive every sight, sound and emotion.
Your options for a wedding videographer can be a having a friend record the day with a digital camcorder, or go the safe route and hire a professional. My personal and professional opinion is to put your mind at ease and ensure you will have an excellent video of this important day. I suggest therefore to spend the money on the professional.
Couples who have their family members or friends videotape the day, have been disappointed because they have run out of tape or batteries, missed very important moments, taken shaky or bad footage and basically produced a video that they are not proud to show. This is one day and not a dress rehearsal, so you must get it right, as you will not be able to assemble everyone again and "Take 2" at this.
In addition, using a friend or relative may case bad feelings and damage relationships if the video is poorly done or not done at all. That person will also not be able to enjoy themselves while they are working.
So, how do you hire the right professional? The professional wedding video tells the story of the day. Creative camera work, attention to detail, artistic editing using music and the right blend of effects and transitions will produce a video that you will watch often and be proud to show others.
Photos and videos are both artistic expressions that vary from artist to artist, and it is important to look at the work of each and meet the people who will be producing your photos and video. Their styles and personalities must match what your expectations are.
Of course, it is the bride's decision whether to have a video or not. I just encourage them to consider that this day will happen only once in their lives, and to not regret not having the precious memories preserved so they may be relived and enjoyed over and over.
Written by Rita Wong,
Rita Wong Events http://www.ritawongevents.com