The 1-2-3's of Wedding DVD's

The 1-2-3's of Wedding DVD's

Just when you thought selecting a wedding video couldn’t get any more complicated, it has. DVD, with its incredible features, can be the greatest thing to happen to your wedding video, if done right. It can also be one of the most complicated to understand. Read on and learn what you need to look for when shopping for a wedding video with DVD.

More Isn’t Always Better

Most, if not all, videographers will provide a demo tape. This, after all, is one of the best ways for you to view a prospective studio’s work. But be sure to view a full-length DVD. This is important when shopping around for a DVD wedding video because unlike a simple VHS tape a DVD has no set time limit. A DVD’s length is determined by how much the images are compressed during production. Depending on the quality of the production equipment and how much the video is compressed, the visual quality of the end product can be affected. Therefore, that 20-minute demo might look great, but will your full-length version look as good? Do yourself the favor and ask to view a full-length DVD. After all, you wouldn’t buy a car you saw in a commercial before seeing the real thing, would you?

If you want your DVD to be longer yet have excellent quality, be sure to ask your potential studio ahead of time if they use what is called “Dolby AC-3 Audio.” If the studio doesn’t know what this means, find another studio. Simply put, this audio format takes up about 1/8th the space of another format that is typically used, called PCM Audio. While using AC-3 Audio costs more, it will enable the video to not only be longer, but have better picture quality as well. However, if you’re interested in a video that is shorter than one hour, this won’t be as important.

In-house Versus Out-house

It is more desirable to have the DVD completely done in-house by the actual wedding studio as opposed to an outside agency. This allows for better control of quality. When I create a DVD I use different compression levels for different parts of the video to optimize the visual quality. For instance, I compress the ceremony smaller than the reception. Why? The ceremony is comprised primarily of people standing or sitting, therefore it can be compressed more without any noticeable loss of picture quality. On the other hand, the reception contains video of an action-filled room full of people dancing and lights flashing. If I compressed the reception at the same level as the ceremony, the ceremony would look fine, but the image quality of the reception would deteriorate. An outside company would be more inclined to have the entire video compressed at the same level.

Technology Speaking

Mass duplicated DVDs, such as those you buy at Blockbuster, are created with a different process then the one your wedding video will be done in and may not be compatible with some DVD players that are more than two years old. Fortunately, DVD players today cost little more than a good VCR. Also remember that the quality of your wedding DVD will only be as good as the equipment used to tape it. There is no magical cure for poor camera quality.

Know What You Want

One of the benefits of a DVD video over a typical VHS is that you can have chapter points that allow the viewer to instantly go to various points of the video, similar to changing tracks on a music CD. You can go from your vows to the first dance in just seconds. This will eliminate the need to pay extra for a shortened “coffee table” version of your video. It’s also another reason why you should view a full-length DVD rather than a 20-minute demo. This feature will allow you to get a good idea of the length and quality without having to sit through an entire two-hour production. Since these chapter points must be programmed into the DVD during production, don’t assume that your wedding DVD will have them. Be sure to ask about this ahead of time if you want this feature.

While the technicalities of what goes into a DVD may make any soon-to-be bride or groom’s head spin, the quality and length of your video depends largely on everything mentioned above. By doing simple things like viewing a full-length wedding DVD and asking a few questions before you sign into a contract, you can be sure that you won’t be welcomed by any unpleasant surprises.

10 Wedding Day Mistakes NOT to make!

10 things you DONT want to do wedding day!

10. Don't Rock the Cash Bar - When it comes to alcohol at your reception, what you serve is entirely up to you. Whether you choose to serve a full bar, limited cocktails, Beer and Wine, or no alcohol at all will be based on various factors including budget. The one option that is not recommended is a Cash Bar. Your guests should be gracious enough to accept what is being offered to them. If however a guest feels the need for a drink selection that is not offered, chances are that he or she will be resourceful enough to find it.

Also, request that bartenders not put out tip jars. If you are hosting the bar, tell your catering contact that you are happy to pay gratuity to the bartender(s) but that you do not want your guests to feel obligated to tip.

9. Go flat! A huge number of brides give feedback that they wish they had worn flats, having kicked off their heels during the reception. As a bride you can expect to be standing for 8-12 hours on your wedding day. Be sure to break in your shoes well in advance. Even when wearing flats, unexpected blisters can form after a few hours on your feet.

8. Have a little faith. D.J.'s are perhaps the wedding vendor most micromanaged by couples. Too many song requests may actually impede the flow of your party. You hire your D.J. to judge when to play what music. You wouldn't instruct your Caterer step by step on how to prepare food, or your Photographer on what angles and lenses to use. Limit your D.J. request list to a few favorites and a do-not-play list of only the songs you cannot stand. Do not get carried away and have some trust.

7. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. What really matters most to you, the photographer, the music and dancing, the food and wine, the decorations, or being able to accommodate a large guest list? Put your money towards what you care about. You will have regrets if you skimp on what really counts. When you, the Bride and Groom are not footing the bill yourselves however, you may have to forfeit some financial decision-making. If this is the case you will need to compromise on certain priorities or if you really want that pricey photographer offer to pay for one yourself.

6. Bibbity Bobbity Boo. Wedding Dress shops are notorious for having your dress shipped in at the last minute. Think about it, if you owned a Wedding Dress Boutique you wouldn't want every brides dress held at your shop for nine+ months before their weddings. Schedule your first fitting well before your wedding. Your final dress fitting should be no less than 1 week prior to your wedding so that alterations can still be made.

Tuxedo rentals for all attendants must be tried on, that includes Dad. Whether the Tailor seemed to take precise measurements or not, too many men still show up at weddings with high waters or baggy tuxes.

5. Don't hit the road, Jack. Your wedding day is one of the biggest, most important days of your life. You will be exhausted and a bit disorderly the following day. Going away is the last thing you will want to worry about. Wait at least a couple of days before venturing on your honeymoon. Your wits will thank you.

4. Last night of single life. DO NOT hold your Bachelor or Bachelorette party the night before your wedding! This may seem like a no-brainer but many brides and grooms still practice the archaic ritual of drinking all night on that fatal evening. It is simply not worth it, as the Bride/Groom and your attendants will no doubt feel tired, look tired, have a hangover, or worse be sick walking down the aisle. If necessary, request that any out of town attendants arrive a day earlier to help you to prepare and celebrate a different night.

3. No Guidance. With no Director there are too many details left to too many people at your ceremony. Having a Wedding Coordinator allows for one person to coordinate your wedding party processional, music, minister, seating guests and to resolve any unexpected last minute complications. A Coordinator will ease the stress level of everyone, including you, tremendously on your wedding day. So if your location does not include a Wedding Day Coordinator who also directs your rehearsal, hire your own. A Wedding Coordinator may be much more affordable than you think.

2. Stretching yourself too thin. As the bride you will make everyone around you crazy by waiting until the last minute in planning and finalizing details. If you have a hard time planning and prioritizing on your own then get help. You don't want to be remembered as “one of those brides” that put everything off and then expected her friends and family to pick up the pieces, do you?

Do not commit yourself to social events the day before your wedding. This day is meant for you to wrap up loose ends, beautify yourself, attend your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner in many cases, and most importantly get some amount of rest for the day ahead. You are going to need it!

1. High demands. Try to keep in mind that although your Bridesmaids and Groomsmen may offer you extra help, these friends can become taken advantage of. The only "official obligations" of wedding party members are emotional support, the financial expense of wedding attire and travel, participation in the rehearsal and the obvious role on your wedding day. In the case of the MOH or BM, reception toasts are traditional as well. Other help that these individuals may offer should not be viewed as duties, but rather as acts of kindness including: setting up/tearing down, transporting ceremony goods, throwing a bridal shower or other party, distributing gratuities, and any other help that is offered.

Remember to be thoughtful towards your attendants. Bridesmaids may not be comfortable in 4 inch heels, purchasing new jewelry or paying to have their hair or makeup professionally styled. Do not forget to personally thank any bridal party members for taking part in your wedding, as well as family members who gave you assistance. A small thank you gift is always appreciated.

Tips on HOW to pick your Bridesmaids

GREAT tips on selecting Bridesmaids

Anyone who said best friends are forever never planned a wedding. Just because you’ve known your bridesmaids since kindergarten doesn’t mean they all envision your wedding day as the same spectacular event you’ve dreamed of since you were 12.

Picking your bridesmaids is one of the most important decisions in planning your wedding. And even though you may feel obligated to choose someone you’ve known your whole life, you should consider the purpose of a bridesmaid before deciding who she should be. First and foremost, a bridesmaid is there to witness the commitment you are about to make to your future husband and to emotionally support you throughout your marriage. So if you’re considering a bridesmaid who A) doesn’t like the guy you’re marrying, B) doesn’t believe in marriage, or C) hates men, you might want to think about giving her some other ceremonial task, like managing the guest book. The last thing you need is a scowling bridesmaid in every picture.

Bridesmaids also help fulfill many of the small jobs that need to be done the day you walk down the aisle. In many ways, your bridesmaids are your ambassadors, representing you to your guests and the people you hire. So if you have a friend who sometimes forgets to show up, has colorful language, or likes to get tipsy at parties and tell embarrassing stories about your childhood, you may not want her front and center at your wedding.

But even with careful consideration, it’s possible to unwittingly pick a bridesmaid who turns out to be a horror show. If that happens, it’s okay to fire her. So where do you draw the line on bad behavior? Anything that resembles the following is just cause for the boot:
1. She misses important wedding-related functions like fittings, appointments, parties, or rehearsals.
2. She’s so wrapped up in the drama in her life (like a break-up, stress at work, problems with her children, etc.) that she can’t focus on her bridesmaid duties.
3. She criticizes every decision you make (but doesn’t offer any realistic options).
4. She tries to take control of your wedding plans. (Remember this is YOUR wedding. Her input is appreciated, but not the final word.)
5. She has a negative attitude about the man you’re marrying (and/or his family).
6. She makes changes to your existing wedding plans (like the seating chart or flower choices) without consulting you first.
7. She takes it upon herself to have her bridesmaid dress altered to include a plunging neckline that would make Britney Spears blush.
8. She refuses to help plan pre-wedding functions such as a shower, hens’ parties, or a girls’ night out. (Or worse yet, she says she’ll plan them, but then doesn’t.)
9. She tells your fiancé about your past 10 boyfriends when you’ve only told him about four (and he’s not impressed).
10. She insists on being the center of attention in any group of people.

It may seem obvious that these bridesmaids must be sacked, but when the culprit in question is your sister-in-law, a favorite co-worker, or a life long friend, guilt can prevent you from making the hard choice. Above all, you have to ask yourself, is my bridesmaid causing me more undue pain than if she weren’t my bridesmaid? If the answer is yes, she needs to go.

So how does one fire a bridesmaid? Start by making a list of her inappropriate behaviors and privately talk to her about each one and why it bothers you. If she’s truly sorry and vows to change her conduct, you might give her another chance. If she becomes defensive, take the high road and let her have her say. When she’s finished calmly explain that you value her friendship and want to stay friends, but that every friend doesn’t have to be a bridesmaid. If she chooses to sever your friendship, then ask yourself, was she really that good of a friend to begin with? Only dear friends want what’s best for you when planning your wedding. And let’s face it, isn’t that who you want surrounding you on one of the most important days of your life?

How to Plan a Mid-Week Wedding!

Plan A Midweek Wedding For Substantial Savings

Ten years ago, the idea of planning a weekday wedding was unthinkable. Today, due in large part to the substantial savings involved, it has become not only commonplace, but has spurred another wedding industry trend.

The concept of midweek weddings always has been a part of European tradition, and Manhattan society picked up on it at least two decades ago. The custom has slowly made it's way throughout the country.

For Stephanie Alswang and her husband, photographers in Livingston, New Jersey, it was a second marriage for both of them. They wanted to celebrate grandly, but cost was a major consideration. Additionally, since weekends were their busiest times, with weddings and other family celebrations that require photography, a personal weekend wedding was virtually impossible.

The Alswangs represent the thousands of couples a year who are opting for weeknight weddings. During the week, couples are able to enjoy the elegance of every weekend amenity, every desired extra, at considerably lower pricing. The cocktail hour and dinner menus are usually the same, the white glove service is the same, and, of course, the facilities are the same. Only the payment amount is different.

By opting for a Thursday "or any weekday" wedding date opens a world of possibilities for couples and parents who are planning an affair. For the majority of couples who announce engagements a year or even two years before a wedding, weekend dates at well-known facilities throughout the major metropolitan areas are already reserved, especially during the high-volume months of April through November.

If the bride and groom and their respective families are flexible, they can save themselves a lot of legwork and phone work, and will not need to settle for vendor alternatives. For a weeknight wedding, they have a strong chance of obtaining their first-choice musicians and others who can fulfill their wedding dreams. It all falls into place.

Midweek also works well for couples who want weddings with all the trimmings soon after becoming engaged, and cannot book a weekend easily. Thursdays are usually available within four to six months and off-season midweek weddings are even more cost-effective.

For those getting married, and for those attending, a weeknight wedding can add spark to a normal workaday week. Generally, most invitees know about the date far enough in advance to work out their personal schedules. If they want to be there, they will. And once the festivities begin, bridal parties and guests are aware only of the elegant surroundings, and they don't think about what day of the week it is.

When the Alswangs sent out their engagement announcements, they included a "save the date" segment. Their friends and family knew well ahead of time that they were getting married on a Thursday, and were able to arrange to travel earlier or to arrange to leave work early, if necessary. There wasn't anyone who could not come because of the date. In fact, many of them were happy to start the weekend as early as Wednesday, and they combined the wedding with other vacation plans. It also allowed the newlyweds to use Friday for tying up loose ends before leaving on their honeymoon the next day.

A Wedding Photographers Wish List

A Photographer's Wish List: How You Can Help


Finding and hiring a professional photographer to document your wedding day is a sizable investment, in not only money, but time as well. By doing your research and hiring a professional that suits your style, you can rest assured that he or she is going to capture your day exactly how you want. But achieving the best possible results doesn’t end with the signing of the contract. Below are a few simple things you can do as a client before and on your wedding day to help you and your photographer capture the photographs of your dreams.

Develop a personal relationship with your photographer. Hopefully you have selected a photographer whose personality meshes well with yours, besides your fiancee, they are the person you will be spending the most amount of time with on your wedding day. By the time your wedding day arrives, you should consider your photographer a friend, not just another vendor. This can seem like a difficult task to accomplish, considering how busy and hectic the months leading up to the big day can be, but it can be done. Most photographers understand the importance of this dynamic and will take the initiative, but it does take a little bit of effort from you as well. You must make yourself available. Though most beneficial, it doesn’t necessarily have to take place in person. Phone calls, emails, any form of conversation will work. And it most certainly doesn’t need to pertain to the business of your wedding. The stronger this sense of friendship is between you and the photographer, not only will you feel more comfortable and relaxed around him or her, the rest of the wedding party will as well. As soon as the guard comes down, the photographic magic happens.

Be yourself. This may seem like common sense, but it can be more difficult than you might think. Most people aren’t used to having a photographer document their every move, especially with intimidating looking professional equipment. Though they may not realize it, people tend to carry themselves and act differently as soon as a camera is pointed at them, which looks stiff and unnatural in photographs. Others just freeze up altogether. Unless your photographer is giving you specific direction, the best thing you can do is relax, be yourself, and act as if the photographer wasn’t even there. Pay special attention to your hands, they are a good indication of how tense you really are. Relax your hands and the rest of you will follow. No need to put on an act, simply be yourself.

Don’t rush your wedding day. When planning the schedule of the day, allot a realistic amount of time for each separate event. Planning a shorter, more casual wedding is one thing, but attempting to pack an eight-hour event into four makes everything feel rushed, like you’re trying to run a race. Not only does it make it difficult for everyone involved to enjoy the day, it makes it more difficult to capture natural looking photographs when you’re sprinting from one thing to the next. Pace your day and cherish every moment, it is, after all, a once in a lifetime experience (hopefully).

Look through magazines, on-line, and, of course, through your photographer’s portfolio for specific examples of images, scenes, and body positions that appeal to you and share these ideas with your photographer before hand. It will give both you and the photographer a better sense of direction when working together. Also, if you internalize these ideas and are able to carry and position yourself in a similar way without having to be completely directed by the photographer, the photographs will look much more natural. The more the photographer must direct, the more awkward you will feel and it will show in the images.

Communicate with your fiancee about the photography. Often photography is of much greater importance to one half of the couple, typically the bride, but occasionally the groom. Sometimes the photographer wont even meet the groom until the day of the wedding, as everything related to photography was arranged and booked by the bride. This usually translates to the groom and groomsmen standing around in complete disinterest, with a ‘this is her deal’ attitude. If you communicate openly with your fiancee, and, even better, the core wedding party, beforehand about the photography, it will make it much easier and enjoyable to achieve your desired results.

Enjoy your wedding day. Again, this may seem like common sense, but with the anticipation and stress involved in planning the perfect day, it can be difficult to actually enjoy it. While there is certainly no way to eliminate the stress and worry completely, you can minimize it. If you don’t have a professional day-of coordinator, appoint someone you trust to handle the logistics of the day and let them worry about the details. You have been planning this day for months, even years, once it finally arrives, relax and enjoy it. You certainly deserve to and doing so will translate to more natural looking, joyous images.

How to get the "perfect" wedding shoes.

Considerations as You Shop for Wedding Shoes

As you search for just the right wedding shoes, there are other attributes to consider besides their style. Here are some tips to help you create a perfect wedding-day experience in no small part because of your choice of shoes:

Comfort counts. The phrase "to die for" takes on new meaning after standing in excruciatingly uncomfortable shoes for several hours. Comfortable wedding shoes don't have to be dowdy or boring. You can find a wonderful selection of low heels, slippers, and sandals online. You may also consider buying two pairs of wedding shoes -- a fashion-conscious pair for the ceremony and slippers or tennis shoes for the reception.

Heel height affects the length of your gown. If your gown is floor-length, shoe height determines whether the hem falls above, at, or on the floor. As you shop for gowns, try on different heel heights with each dress. When you go for the final fitting, be sure to bring your wedding shoes so your wedding dress can be altered to perfection.

A balanced look matters. Consider how elaborate or simple your gown is when choosing shoes. The key is a balanced look, which you can achieve by wearing understated shoes if your dress is heavily embellished (or vice versa). Choosing the same accents for your shoes, gown, and/or jewelry (pearls, beads, crystals, rhinestones, etc.) can also create a beautiful, balanced look.

Outdoor sites can trip you up. Outdoor or beach weddings call for more stability in your shoes. Consider satin bridal flat shoes, ballerina shoes, sandal bridal shoes, wedding tennis shoes, or going barefoot.

How to Hire a GREAT Video company for your wedding.

Tips For Hiring a Brilliant Wedding Videos Company


When it comes to the big day of your wedding, there are special moments that you want to video. There is so much to remember, from the preparation, to the marriage itself, and even what happens after. Naturally you will wish to record these memories as absolutely as you can.

Video makes greater memories of a wedding than pictures do. Videos are able to show movement, the fun and also the sounds that the guests make during the marriage ceremony. They are records of the full event as it happens in time, which means you have progression from one thing to another unlike photos. To produce the right video that seizures the event and then tell the story well, needs expertise. Requiring a videographer with the required technique to supply outstanding shots that will better show the events at your special day.

If you had to choose videographer over the Net, try to meet them in person. At the meeting, you will be able to assess his competency by seeing his samples and determine whether his shots are looking good.

Also ensure that he has professional top quality equipment and not the low cost type camcorder. Professional video cameras has a better zoom lens, many features and defined shots than amateur home camcorders.

Find a videographer who has helpers to work with him over the ceremony. Some like to work alone to reduce costs, but this can be extremely unproductive when they need to cover a important event such a event where an assistant is required to assist with the microphone and light.

Ask your videographer what format he will give his finished product. You should be able to receive the video in various electronic formats so you can use it for numerous purposes including transmitting them online to your friends. Uploading the video on internet sites such as YouTube and playing it on your home tv or digital recorder.

You need to make sure your videographer has not created hundreds of wedding videos that are exactly the opposite approach appeals to you. It is also important if he interprets what you require from him. You don't have to watch all his videos and you don't want to see a video montage of greatest clips. You want to view what he has created as a complete project. Look Into if the videos were steady. Is he using a hand held video camera instead of a tripod. Is the editing right, does it go from the wedding ceremony to the reception or from the reception decorations to the ceremony? Has he captured all of the members of the wedding party? Was he too slow and didn't get the brides entrance? Where the close ups just too close? Are you having an open air wedding? What if it is windy? Does he have unnoticeable mikes for the wedding ceremony? Or will you end up with the sound of wind on the wedding video and quiet voices? You can also speak to previous happy customers from the wedding videos you liked the most.

Effective videos call for a expert video. Look for a qualified videographer with the correct software and equipment to produce the correct results for your big day. Your videographer must be experienced enough to get in just the right places to cover the day completely. The fact is, you will spend a lot of money on the coverage so make sure your happy with his work and how he can give the completed video to you in a variety of formats for your records and lasting memories.

A top videographer will ensure the videos still lookfinished product looks good no matter how long has passed since the marriage occasion.