Q: How much do you charge?
A: This is by far the most commonly asked question, and rightly so! We are always upfront with the cost of our services, but the truth is, each wedding is different, and involves different requirements based on your wants and needs. The best way to get a quote is to contact us and give as much information as you can about your wedding day, and what parts of the day are important to you. Once we hear that, we may have some additional questions, but after 1 or 2 emails or phone conversations we should be able to give you an accurate price...Other factors such as the time of year, location, etc. can play into the price. We do offer discounted rates for Friday, or Sunday weddings.
Here is an article on the average wedding vendor costs in the Detroit/Metro area for 2010.
You will find that our prices are very competitive and very comparable to this average...even though we offer an above average product! Remember, you always get what you pay for. Couples who book with us tend to have Videography high on their priority list, and are looking for quality, creativity, and personality. We are not the cheapest Videographer in town, nor are we the most expensive.
Q: What makes Complete Video Solutions different from other Videographers?
A: Unlike some who really have nothing different to say (saying "we treat our customers great" or "we do quality work" is NOT setting anyone apart as there are a lot of good videographers in town!), we truly have features and products that NO OTHER VIDEO COMPANIES IN MICHIGAN CAN OFFER.
First, the on-line integration: When you book you will receive your own personalized webpage with Complete Video, where you can make changes, add info, update contract or make payments. Any paperwork or checklists that I need filled out will be sent to you digitally for you to fill out at your leisure, making it unnecessary to schedule countless appointments.\
Second, we truly offer style and services that are untouchable and totally unique. From our "Motion Montages" to 3-D Montage Presentations at your Reception, you'll find creative ways to make your wedding stand out that you won't find anywhere else.
Third, I am a writer for a website called Examiner.com and my title is the Detroit Wedding Examiner. This gives me access to an incredible wealth of information and contacts to help you in your planning that simply no other wedding vendor can offer you. I will be much more than your videographer, I will try to use my experience and connections to help answer any question you may have, get you the best deals, and provide you with everything you need for your wedding.
Fourth: How many videographers have a perfect 5-Star rating on EVERY SINGLE WEDDING WEBSITE? For being in the business for 10 years, our reputation speaks for itself. We simply come through with an amazing keepsake, and we were voted #1 Wedding Videographer in Detroit for a reason.
Those are just a few unique ways that Complete Video is different than the rest!!!
Q: What are your packages?
A: See our most current packages here. It is common that video companies offer "packages" for weddings...Although we do offer package deals, our belief is that you don't fit into a certain mold, or package. Every bride, every wedding, is different. So we custom-build a package that is right for you. Most commonly, we offer a "Basic" 5 hours of coverage, used however you need. Or we can offer "Unlimited" coverage, which is just what it sounds like: Unlimited coverage throughout the entire wedding day, from morning until night, at as many locations as required to cover your day. In all scenarios, we never "charge more" for the editing: it is included in all packages, regardless of number of hours of coverage.
Q: How many cameras do you use?
A: We always use at least 2 cameras, and by "cameras" we mean video-cameras. Some situations require more than just 2. We never, ever, do a 1 camera shoot, and advise you to look elsewhere if you find a "pro" video company that does. There is no good way to make a 1-camera shoot look professional.
Q: How will my video look?
A: The "style" of our videos is definitely described as "Cinematic" or "Highlights". We will ultimately edit the video according to how you want it to look, so you will get everything that is important to you.
Q: Do you offer 8mm shooting?
A: 8mm filming is becoming popular again, adding that nostalgic look to your video. We can definitely offer this cool effect, click here to view a sample of it.
Q: Do you offer HD (High Definition) shooting?
A: We do, for additional charges, and not all weddings are good candidates for HD Shooting (HD requires much more light, and some weddings and/or receptions in dark places may be better off in Standard Definition believe it or not.) I can provide you with my opinion if your situation is suited well for HD.
Q: How much input do I as the bride have on the finished video?
A: The answer to this is: "as much or as little as you want!" Some brides know EXACTLY every detail on how they want the video shot and put together, while other brides give us complete creative control over their video...There is no right or wrong approach to it! We are here to create for you your unique video, and we guide you through the process to make it easy for you, and one less thing to worry about.
Q: How far will you travel?
A: Short answer: Anywhere!!! In Michigan, out of Michigan, anywhere in the United States or Canada, or beyond! Let me know the details and I will include all travel arrangements in the cost of the package.
Q: What happens if I want to find out more or book your services?
A: First I'd say, congratulations and thank you, you've just made one of the best investments you can make regarding your wedding! To hold the wedding date, a flat non-refundable deposit of $600 is required. After the deposit and a contract is signed, you will receive a Welcome package from Complete Video Solutions, describing what will follow leading up to your wedding. Generally, we will meet a few months before your wedding, where I will walk you thru a Video Checklist, finding out all of the important details of your wedding, and some guidance on how you want the finished video to look. If we need anything from you (photos, bridal party names, etc.) you will have been given a list of the needed items.
Typically, the remaining balance (after the deposit) is paid prior to the wedding date. Keep reading to find out some other options!
Q: What are some ways to cut some corners and save a bit of money?
A: We are very aware at how expensive planning a wedding can be! We do everything we can to work with you to make it affordable that you get the perfect wedding video for you. We offer our popular "Create-Your-Own" payment plans, where you can set up the payments as you wish. One popular option is to defer a portion or portions of your balance until AFTER the wedding...where many people tend to have more money as compared to before the wedding.
Another cost-saving option is to have us just shoot your wedding, and defer the editing until later....even years later. Since a lot of the cost of a wedding video comes in the editing, many brides are choosing to have their video shot, and then just collect the raw footage. This ensures that your day is captured professionally and in the right way, but nobody says you have to edit it right away...it can be months later, or even years...but you will always have that option, whereas if you decided against video altogether, you will only have regrets!
Q: How long until we receive the finished video?
A: I take it as a compliment that many brides want their video back the day after their wedding!!! The truth is, I try to get the video back to you as soon as possible, but with that said, I also am focused on providing you a quality video that includes all of the things we discussed. I would never "rush" thru an edit just to get it to you on deadline...So what that means is, I do not guarantee any return time on the video, but I can say that it is normally in the range of 3-8 months from your wedding day. You will have the video forever, keep that in mind, and the extra time spent waiting is resulting in your video being given the attention that it deserves!
We do however, offer our "Complete Package" or our "Same Day Edit Special", that gives your video "VIP Editing" status, meaning we guarantee the video delivered to you within 90 days of your wedding.
Do you have any other questions that were not answered above? Contact us with your questions and we'd be happy to answer them!