Yes, I own and operate a wedding video company here in Macomb, so one may tend to believe that I am a bit biased when it comes to the thought of wedding videography. But believe it or not, there is much happening in the world of videography that is relevant to you. Are you considering video, or have you already decided against it? Here's what you need to know: It's in your budget, you just don't realize it. The word "budget" is a funny thing. Obviously there are limits, and the massive expense of throwing a wedding celebration can become outrageous. Nobody wants to "throw money away", and everybody wants the best value possible. But when you say something "is not in your budget", aren't you really saying "that's not a priority to me."? Things that are a priority simply get budgeted...to you, it is probably a priority to look beautiful, for example, or to have your dream Reception. So if you say "wedding video is not in my budget", we need to figure out why video is not a priority for you. Trust me, I see it all the time...couples will spend $25,000 or more on their wedding, then say "we have a budget for video." The real truth is, you will spend money on what's important to you.
So why is video not one of your top priorities? Think in the "long-term". Not to get all "lecture" on you, but marriage is forever...that's quite a long time, if you think about it. Are you preparing for forever, or are you only preparing for a single day? Unfortunately many brides are only looking to their wedding day, and not to their marriage. Do you realize that of all the wedding expenses, only your photos and your video are investments made for your future? The flowers will die, you'll take the dress and jewelry off, and the party will end. The next day, you will remember a whirlwind of excitement and emotions, and you will be absolutely amazed at how fast it flew by. Pictures are great and can capture great moments, but only your video will include the sights AND sounds of the day. Yes it's a cliche but it's a truthful one: if a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine what a video is worth. Video holds unexpected gifts. Plan it out all you want...you cannot possibly predict what actually happens on your wedding day. That's not to say disaster is lurking, just that there are surely going to be unexpected moments of love, friendship, or flat-out silliness. Do you realize that following your wedding day, without having a video, you will never ever be able to hear the words spoken at your wedding? Your vows will only exist in your memory, all the toasts, the songs, and other moments that may be important to you. Video is timeless. Now you may not watch your wedding video every Tuesday for the rest of your life, but it will be there forever as a keepsake and as a time capsule of one of the best days of your life. When parents, grandparents, family or friends pass away, how valuable will your video become? Again, photos are brilliant and important, but compare a photo to a video clip of a loved one talking, moving, smiling...it's truly priceless. And just think what that video clip will mean to your future family...kids, children, you haven't even met yet. Think back to your own grandparents, great-grandparents...wouldn't that be unbelievable to have a video of them? Back to the budget. So if you've planned a multi-thousand dollar event and really believe you only have a budget of $500 for a video, consider the above and ask yourself the following: Is video a priority? And whether it is or it isn't, where did you get your "video budget" from? The average price of wedding videography in Michigan for 2010 was just under $1700, and just like everything, you should try building your budget on what's important to you. Sure, you can get a cousin or friend to shoot your video for a couple hundred bucks...and the same can be said about everything. Why not have your sister bake the cake? Why not cook your own food? Why not just have Uncle Mike drive everyone around in his van instead of the limo? This "I can just have a friend do it for cheap" can be said with all of your vendors, but you will end up paying the price. Why is video seen as a corner that can be cut, when it is the only wedding-day investment you are making into your future? Of course, nobody is thinking 50 years down the road when planning the wedding day....but do yourself a favor and plan your marriage...not just your wedding. And if it's not about the memories, about family and friends, and about celebrating love (all of which a video can preserve), then ask yourself...why even get married?
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AuthorTom Santilli has been in the Detroit wedding industry since 2002, and in that time has established himself as one of the top in his field. His company, Complete Video Solutions , was named as the #1 Best Wedding Videographer in Detroit by local brides and Channel 4 FIVE consecutive years and is currently inducted into TheKnot.com's "Vendor Hall of Fame." He also has won several awards for his wedding production, and is a member of WEVA (Wedding & Event Videographers Association.) As the Detroit Wedding Examiner, he has helped hundreds of brides with their weddings, with a local knowledge not found anywhere else. Being in the industry for so long, he is an expert in all areas of wedding planning, not just videography. He welcomes your questions, article suggestions, or feedback, and he can be reached Archives
January 2024
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