Wedding Videos

[Kimmers127]

DF and I are on the fence as to whether or not we want a video. Orginally we planned to skip it, but now that we've watched some of the other dis brides' videos, we're starting to think we would really like to have one. Do you think it would be reasonable to get a decent video for $1000? (Getting ready, ceremony, reception) I've been trying to research videographers but I'm feeling overwhelmed. It's tough to know where to start! Disney is obviously way out of budget (a shame, because I've seen a few really lovely videos *cough, cough* Heidi).

Any budget friendly suggestions?

 

[Bride-to-be]

We got our video for half price because we only booked for a half day. That is my best suggestion. I would go for a higher quality group and just limit the time.

We used Simply Cinematic. I can't say enough great things about Rainer. He has been awesome to work with. Yesterday he started going through all of the raw footage with me clip by clip - Its going to take hours!!! - but that way we can decide exactly what we want in our video and what we dont. There are so many options for altering things - bluring backgrounds and changing colors and he is being a total and complete dream come true. Then we get to keep the raw rootage and multiple versions of our video in the end.

I can't show you our video as its not finished yet - but this is the sample we fell in love with that made us book him (aside from the fact that he is just totally awesome)-

http://www.simplycinematic.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/joyce-clifton/

 

[daisygirl902]

I went with Stan (STVS) - he is charging me $525 in total, coming for 3 hours, including getting ready, ceremony, and cake cutting. I was not going to do videography, until I saw Stan's sample video....I fell in love! Actually funny enough I was planning to get married at Boardwalk until I saw the video, and also fell in LOVE with the WP!

Going with Stan was a good choice for us, as it fit our budget and allows us to capture all of the important parts for us...

 

[tiggerrifficheidi]

Yeah, ours was definitely expensive, but we love it so much I would encourage you to use Stan or another vendor that has more reasonable pricing. I think you'll be really glad!

 

[MainStMandy]

We haven't seen ours yet but we only paid $400 and it was 2 hours (ceremony only). We really just wanted to get something so our Grandmother's who couldn't make it had something to see. We went with Apex Media and George is just great!!! We weren't going to go with video either, but at that price we couldn't pass it up!

 

[DisneyLeah]

Hi - I would just like to add one thing...

When you are choosing a videographer, you'll want to determine if they offer a short wedding summary video (usually 10 mins or less) along with a full length video (usually 45-90 mins depending on how long you have them shooting).

If you are watching the summary videos of other brides and really want something like that rather than a full length video, you'll have to see who offers it and what they charge. When I was researching videographers, I came to find that many of them charge additional fees for the short videos - even several hundreds of dollars.

Also, check with the videographer about their turnaround time because it may take months to get your videos back. Or, again, you can pay a large rush fee.

It all depends on what's important to you!
HtH!
good luck!
Leah

 

[kcampbell]

Kim- Definitely get some sort of a video. IMO, at the very least you need your ceremony. There are so many moments that you won't remember and you'll want to-- I had no idea our vows were as long as they were until I watched the video!!

 

[Kimmers127]

We got our video for half price because we only booked for a half day. That is my best suggestion. I would go for a higher quality group and just limit the time.

We used Simply Cinematic. I can't say enough great things about Rainer. He has been awesome to work with. Yesterday he started going through all of the raw footage with me clip by clip - Its going to take hours!!! - but that way we can decide exactly what we want in our video and what we dont. There are so many options for altering things - bluring backgrounds and changing colors and he is being a total and complete dream come true. Then we get to keep the raw rootage and multiple versions of our video in the end.

I can't show you our video as its not finished yet - but this is the sample we fell in love with that made us book him (aside from the fact that he is just totally awesome)-

http://www.simplycinematic.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/joyce-clifton/

Ok, I love the work I have seen by them, they look like they create such a quality product. I honestly never thought to ask for half a day's coverage, what a great idea! Did you feel that was enough time? What did they end up covering for you? To Leah's point below, did you get both a short and a full length video for that price?

Hmm at $3500 for 8 hours, $1750 for 4 hours is still more than my $1000 budget - I wonder if 3 hours is doable, and if that would be enough time.

I went with Stan (STVS) - he is charging me $525 in total, coming for 3 hours, including getting ready, ceremony, and cake cutting. I was not going to do videography, until I saw Stan's sample video....I fell in love! Actually funny enough I was planning to get married at Boardwalk until I saw the video, and also fell in LOVE with the WP!

Going with Stan was a good choice for us, as it fit our budget and allows us to capture all of the important parts for us...

I actually have not seen Stan's work, I will need to check him out when I get home tonight! Thanks for the suggestion as that is definitely a great price.

Yeah, ours was definitely expensive, but we love it so much I would encourage you to use Stan or another vendor that has more reasonable pricing. I think you'll be really glad!

Your video was so beautiful, and clearly a great purchase. Although we can't spring for Disney, yours is one of the ones that convinced me we need video.

We haven't seen ours yet but we only paid $400 and it was 2 hours (ceremony only). We really just wanted to get something so our Grandmother's who couldn't make it had something to see. We went with Apex Media and George is just great!!! We weren't going to go with video either, but at that price we couldn't pass it up!

Thanks Amanda! That is a great price - I will have to check out their work too! I can't wait to see your video when it's back!!

Hi - I would just like to add one thing...

When you are choosing a videographer, you'll want to determine if they offer a short wedding summary video (usually 10 mins or less) along with a full length video (usually 45-90 mins depending on how long you have them shooting).

If you are watching the summary videos of other brides and really want something like that rather than a full length video, you'll have to see who offers it and what they charge. When I was researching videographers, I came to find that many of them charge additional fees for the short videos - even several hundreds of dollars.

Also, check with the videographer about their turnaround time because it may take months to get your videos back. Or, again, you can pay a large rush fee.

It all depends on what's important to you!
HtH!
good luck!
Leah

Thanks Leah I would never have thought of either of those points! I definitely do want the shorter video as well if possible. As far as the wait, I'm sure it will kill me but I will probably suck it up and avoid the rush fee!

 

[Pooh Friend]

We are also going for the $399 video with Apex Media.

 

[daisygirl902]

Stan's email is stan@stvsvideo.com - email him for a sample dvd - it's free of charge and gives you a few different options.

 

[MainStMandy]

Hi - I would just like to add one thing...

When you are choosing a videographer, you'll want to determine if they offer a short wedding summary video (usually 10 mins or less) along with a full length video (usually 45-90 mins depending on how long you have them shooting).

If you are watching the summary videos of other brides and really want something like that rather than a full length video, you'll have to see who offers it and what they charge. When I was researching videographers, I came to find that many of them charge additional fees for the short videos - even several hundreds of dollars.

Also, check with the videographer about their turnaround time because it may take months to get your videos back. Or, again, you can pay a large rush fee.

It all depends on what's important to you!
HtH!
good luck!
Leah

Good suggestions!! Just wanted to post what our $400 package included:
1 Cameras/ 1 Videographer

Wireless Mic for Vows
Opening w/music
Full Ceremony Coverage
Photo Session Video coverage Montage

1 edited DVD w/ basic Chapter Menu
Names printed on DVD & case
Deluxe Editing

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Maybe Melissa can come tell you her story..but she paid for 6 hours and ended up with almost no raw video...video of people talking on their cells in her final video..

 

[puente0629]

DF and I are on the fence as to whether or not we want a video. Orginally we planned to skip it, but now that we've watched some of the other dis brides' videos, we're starting to think we would really like to have one. Do you think it would be reasonable to get a decent video for $1000? (Getting ready, ceremony, reception) I've been trying to research videographers but I'm feeling overwhelmed. It's tough to know where to start! Disney is obviously way out of budget (a shame, because I've seen a few really lovely videos *cough, cough* Heidi).

Any budget friendly suggestions?

Hey,

I was searching videographers and came across this website and I think the quality and price is right on point (i might even use them), still debating on who to use and what am i willing to pay, lol...packages start for one camera, movie trailer, 6hrs, etc for $949.00

www.visionsmediausa.com

 

[DisneyLeah]

Stan's email is stan@stvsvideo.com - email him for a sample dvd - it's free of charge and gives you a few different options.

Hi again!

I saw that you planned to check out STVS and I wanted add one MORE thing...ok, maybe a few things!

Stan's Sneak peaks on his web site are just ceremony coverage and, in my opinion, don't give a fair representation of what the final edited product looks like. I believe Stan and his wife put those sneak peaks together very quickly immediately after your ceremony and make them available online within 24-or 48 hours. In some cases, you even have them ready to show right at your reception! You should definitely ask for a DVD sample of an "actual" wedding video from Stan (or anyone you are considering for that matter) to see what the final product truly looks like.

Again, may videographers post their "summary" edits on their web sites (because they are flashy and fun and you are not likely to sit through someone's 45 min video!), but it's important to know what you actually pay for and get as a final product. Most companies are willing to drop a DVD sample in the mail to you so you can see the real thing.

Lastly, much like choosing your photographer, I think its important to talk to the video vendors, learn about their style, flexibility, etc. You may feel comfortable leaving the editing entirely in their hands, or you may prefer someone who will use your music choices and offer you previews at different stages of editing. I found it important to "interview" the videographers to learn about how they work. This helped me feel comfortable with our choice.

Good luck! Video is a tough one to decide on. We really toiled on it for some time because of the cost. I hope it ends up being worth the money (for you and me both!!)



Leah

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I found Melissa's thread..so you know about Jeff Stoner Video

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2345127

 

[DisneyLeah]

Hi - I dont mean to monopolize this thread, but something else just came to mind. I think Stan offers a "raw footage only" option which means he'll shoot your entire wedding and give you the footage - which you, Stan, or another professional can edit later.

That might be something to consider if your budget won't allow you to get the whole thing done right away. I'd bet others offer similar options.

Sorry if this is more information that you ever expected to have to review when you posted your question!!!


Leah

 

[figmentfan814]

We used Stan from STVS video and were extremely happy with everything. We had a larger package just because of the fact that I work in media and complete documention was very important to me, but this should still give you a sense of his style. When I originally put it online the video upload would stop partway through, so here is the video up to the beginning of the reception if you want to check it out. No DP because the video compressor cut it off.
http://www.viddler.com/explore/figmentfan814/videos/6/

 

[Kimmers127]

We are also going for the $399 video with Apex Media.

I will definitely check them out.

Stan's email is stan@stvsvideo.com - email him for a sample dvd - it's free of charge and gives you a few different options.

Thank you for this, I just emailed him requesting info and a sample DVD!

Good suggestions!! Just wanted to post what our $400 package included:
1 Cameras/ 1 Videographer

Wireless Mic for Vows
Opening w/music
Full Ceremony Coverage
Photo Session Video coverage Montage

1 edited DVD w/ basic Chapter Menu
Names printed on DVD & case
Deluxe Editing

Thanks Mandy!

 

[Kimmers127]

Kim- Definitely get some sort of a video. IMO, at the very least you need your ceremony. There are so many moments that you won't remember and you'll want to-- I had no idea our vows were as long as they were until I watched the video!!

Yeah the more I think about it, the more I think this is one of those things I will regret if we don't do it! I think getting an inexpensive videographer is a nice compromise for us.

Hey,

I was searching videographers and came across this website and I think the quality and price is right on point (i might even use them), still debating on who to use and what am i willing to pay, lol...packages start for one camera, movie trailer, 6hrs, etc for $949.00

www.visionsmediausa.com

Thanks for this! I just bookmarked the site so I can check it out later.

Hi again!

I saw that you planned to check out STVS and I wanted add one MORE thing...ok, maybe a few things!

Stan's Sneak peaks on his web site are just ceremony coverage and, in my opinion, don't give a fair representation of what the final edited product looks like. I believe Stan and his wife put those sneak peaks together very quickly immediately after your ceremony and make them available online within 24-or 48 hours. In some cases, you even have them ready to show right at your reception! You should definitely ask for a DVD sample of an "actual" wedding video from Stan (or anyone you are considering for that matter) to see what the final product truly looks like.

Again, may videographers post their "summary" edits on their web sites (because they are flashy and fun and you are not likely to sit through someone's 45 min video!), but it's important to know what you actually pay for and get as a final product. Most companies are willing to drop a DVD sample in the mail to you so you can see the real thing.

Lastly, much like choosing your photographer, I think its important to talk to the video vendors, learn about their style, flexibility, etc. You may feel comfortable leaving the editing entirely in their hands, or you may prefer someone who will use your music choices and offer you previews at different stages of editing. I found it important to "interview" the videographers to learn about how they work. This helped me feel comfortable with our choice.

Good luck! Video is a tough one to decide on. We really toiled on it for some time because of the cost. I hope it ends up being worth the money (for you and me both!!)



Leah

Leah, thank you so much for all of your advice, it has honestly been really helpful and given me a lot to think about. I had no idea that the "preview" type videos weren't a standard feature of videography packages, so that is definitely good to know because I love them! I also wouldn't have known that I could get DVDs sent to me but I do think it would be helpful to see a company's full and finished product before making a decision. Thanks again for all your help!

I found Melissa's thread..so you know about Jeff Stoner Video

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2345127

Betsey, thank you. I read this thread but would not have remembered the name of the company. Needless to say they are not on my list!!

 

[Kimmers127]

Hi - I dont mean to monopolize this thread, but something else just came to mind. I think Stan offers a "raw footage only" option which means he'll shoot your entire wedding and give you the footage - which you, Stan, or another professional can edit later.

That might be something to consider if your budget won't allow you to get the whole thing done right away. I'd bet others offer similar options.

Sorry if this is more information that you ever expected to have to review when you posted your question!!!


Leah

Hahaha no please feel free to come back if you think of anything else! I have picked up so much good advice from this thread in only a day, as well as a few suggestions of vendors to check out! I'm thrilled!

We used Stan from STVS video and were extremely happy with everything. We had a larger package just because of the fact that I work in media and complete documention was very important to me, but this should still give you a sense of his style. When I originally put it online the video upload would stop partway through, so here is the video up to the beginning of the reception if you want to check it out. No DP because the video compressor cut it off.
http://www.viddler.com/explore/figmentfan814/videos/6/

Vanessa, thank you for posting your video! I'm going to take a look at it tomorrow when I have more time. Also, I have been straight out but I did receive the welcome packet docs you emailed me, thank you for those as well!