Wedding Videography – Must or Maybe?
Because after all is said and done, the videos will be the only memories (with motion and sound) to capture the ‘I dos’, the touching toasts, the first dance or replaying it at your future wedding anniversary.
Alright! Let’s be honest, wedding expenses BURN a hole (a big one) in your pocket. You’re trying to save as much money as you can, well unless you are a Kardashian or a Prince.
While you might save some on the food, a bit on the venue and the decor, even some on the DJ (droppin it like it’s HOT) and maybe compromise on your beautiful dress (doubt so!) ……but don’t you dare try to save up on the videographer. Absolutely not!
Because after all is said and done, the videos will be the only memories (with motion and sound) to capture the ‘I dos’, the touching toasts, the first dance or replaying it at your future wedding anniversary.
So, here’s 5 reasons why hiring a wedding videographer is not a maybe but rather a MUST.
1. No second chances!
“Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.”
People are blessed with a wedding once in a lifetime (most of us) and you wouldn’t want to miss this opportunity to not being able to capture all the moments from the day. Your wedding day will be over before you know it, but a good wedding videographer will capture those beautiful and intimate moments to make it timeless memories for life. You need to remember, there are no repeats!
2. Been there, seen that, done that
From a bad weather to fickle family members, seasoned wedding videographers have seen it all and are prepared for the worst. On the other side, an experienced wedding videographer will be in tune with what’s happening on your special day, the handsome groom, gorgeous bride, the beautiful smiles, exchange of vows and all the candid moments. They’ll be ready to film it within seconds before the moment even happens. You won’t miss a thing!
3. Resounding sound!
When it comes to videography, unlike photography, we can record the sound. Duh! After decades, you will still be able to hear the sound of the laughter and joy of your family, the funny stories, the toasts, the vows, the voice of your father giving last advice to the groom before handing you off to him. Now wouldn’t you want to capture all this?
4. I like to Move It Move It!
Photographs are good but not as good as videos when it comes to displaying motions. Videos captivates more by capturing your facial expression, the hugs, the way the little flower girl drops off the flower petals down the aisle, how you held each other on your first dance and the funny dance moves by your guests. Let’s face it – beyond the tears and the sentiments of your father walking you down the aisle, is the fact of watching your dress walk down the aisle again and again. Photos don’t do justice to that!
5. #1 Bride regret
News flash! The number one regret for brides (not sure about the groom) is NOT having hired a good wedding videographer. Let’s put it like this, you need to make sure when you watch your wedding video, it reminds you of the beautiful memories of your special day and not a video of regret which reminds you how important videography is, was and always will be and wishing you’d spent a bit more on a better wedding videographer.
You know what, I’ll throw out two reasons on why a wedding videographer would be a maybe.
1. Selfie mode 🤳🏻
Nowadays the smartphones in our pocket come with pretty good camera resolution and quality which you might want to leverage on. Have your friends bring their smartphones to the wedding and film it all. Everyone can take loads of videos and post it out on your exclusive wedding Instagram page. Now that’s a cool way to show off your wedding. You’ll have the largest collection of videos that every wedding should have! BAM! Savings!
2. No paparazzi 🙅🏻♀️
Getting the best angles and shots means that photographers and videographers are always prancing around the aisle on the big day. YOUR BIG DAY. As many have certainly commented, “they were in the aisle for the entire ceremony” and “a distraction the whole day”. Don't want “traffic” when you’re walking down the aisle? Have it old school with zero coverage.
Keen to hire a wedding videographer? Give us a call. You know we've got your back!
8 Practical Wedding Planning Tips for a Happy Healthy Marriage
Chris Chang Photography presents 8 Practical Wedding Planning Tips for a Happy Healthy Marriage.
Are you planning your wedding and feeling the weight of it all? We feel you.
At Chris Chang Photography, we’ve served countless engaged couples and shared in their wedding experiences. It’s easy to get all worked up. After all, it’s the single biggest day of our lives.
So here we’ve distilled a healthy list of advice and pointers that will hopefully help you and your partner take the stress off wedding planning.
1. Have your common objective in mind when the going gets tough
Wedding planning can be a full-time job on its own, on top of our day jobs. The reality truly sinks in when contracts are signed and commitments are made.
Be it time pressing financial decisions, or small decorative details - every element can be a source of conflict if you so choose it to be.
In these times, we would do well to ask ourselves and remind our partners what we are truly after:
A picture perfect wedding day or a happy healthy marriage?
Focusing on a strong common goal helps every couple fight together versus fighting against each other.
2. Embracing each other's differences
““A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.””
Variety is the spice of life. When two unique individuals come together, it’s inevitable that both of you may oppose or even clash in opinions. What makes a marriage exciting is often when we are able to appreciate our partner’s differences over being shocked by it.
Developing an acceptance of who each other enables a healthy environment for communication without judgement or disrespect. While this can take considerable time and effort initially, figuring this out in the early stage will set the both of you up for success in the long run.
3. Even with heavy discussions, remember to love each other.
Let’s face it: we’ve seen our fair share of couples parting ways even in the wedding planning stage. Granted, every context is different. But it doesn’t change the fact that loving marriages are defined by just that - loving.
It’s easy to let loose when we are not our best selves. That’s when heavy discussions have the potential to lead to destructive conflict. Some words once spoken will leave scars even if forgiven. This is when it’s often wise to be quick to listen, slow to anger.
Being able to make decisions and problem solve as a couple peaceably is a key foundation of every successful marital relationship.
Need more tips? Check out our 10 Tips to Avoid Becoming Bridezilla (Calming your Wedding Day Nerves)
4. Asking for help where needed
Most couples are getting married for the first time. So unless you or your partner does wedding planning professionally or as a hobby, there is bound to have challenges lurking around every corner.
The good news is we don’t have to do it on our own. Do count on us, your trusty wedding photographer, too! Better yet, check out the rest of our wedding tips and blog.
Having a reliable team of brothers and sisters or simply being open to advice (from the right sources) often will provide us with wise counsel for decision making.
“Is this dress too revealing?”
“Do we really need to serve alcohol?”
Ask, and you shall receive your answer.
Sweet deal!
Enjoy SGD300 off Your Wedding Shoot!
5. Pro-tip for the men from the ladies: be involved and be generous with assurance
Let’s face it: regardless of the task, wedding planning definitely isn’t a one-party affair. While it is easy to leave the all the decision making to one party, it is more memorable to build towards a glorious wedding together hand in hand.
Even for decisions that seem like it should automatically be made by the bride, it can still be pressurising. As some of our brides would concur, body language plays a big part in assuring our partners we are involved. Maintaining eye contact in conversation makes a huge difference. On top of that, speaking our minds freely (especially for guys) helps to communicate honesty.
And most importantly, remember to give plenty of assurance that your engaged and want to be involved even if you start to sound like a broken record.
6. Being realistic and prioritise needs
Wedding planning - often the first major test of a couple’s relationship, can be a stressful process.
Even romantic K-dramas are made possible only with a squad of production crew and good processes. Furthermore, when it comes to managing inter-family relationships and expectations, even experienced professional project managers may falter.
This is when it is essential to lay down all the cards when it comes to practical needs. We recommend leaving no ground untouched so you and your partner have a practical assessment of the situation as part of your game plan.
7. Budgeting
Because no one should start their marriage in debt. Economic conditions and social trends have evolved in our day and age. While a great celebration leaves beautiful memories, healthy savings will help the both of you get to life and family goals with lesser stress, and in turn a happier marriage.
Spending within your means is sound advice. Financial prudence can take precedence over fanfare to please all the relatives and friends. It can also make the difference between a happy DAY and happy DAYS.
8. Keeping a checklist of to-dos
Digitally or in a notebook, a good checklist is going to be a key piece of your wedding planning game plan. Sync it to a calendar.
Or take your pick from this list of trusty wedding planning apps.
Having communicated every touch point with your partner, now affirm each other and act upon it!
Looking for an Actual Day or Pre Wedding Photographer?
21 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
21 Questions to ask your wedding photographer, whoever it may be!
In the midst of engaging a wedding photographer but not sure where to get started? Fret no more!
Here at Chris Chang Photography, we are more than familiar with brides and grooms excited to find that right wedding photographer for their big day.
More often than one hopes to, we may encounter a brain fart where we forget that ‘One Important Question To Ask’.
Hence we’ve prepared a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to ask your potential wedding photographer, whoever it may be. (But we definitely hope it’s these guys!)
So bookmark this page, screenshot it, save it, copy it, do what you need to have this information ready for your initial meeting!
Essential questions to ask your Wedding Photographer:
(We’ve elaborated on questions that may not be self-explanatory)
1. Can you describe your Photography style?
In addition, you may wish to check out the photographer's portfolio to get a good idea of what you may like or not like.
2. Does my coverage have to be continuous?
For example, couples may have a ceremony in the morning and a dinner banquet. Hence being able to split coverage is essential. Better yet if your photographer is willing to accommodate reasonable changes in timing to be available for you where needed.
3. What if my wedding is split between 2 days?
4. What time will the photographer arrive?
Ask this as bridal makeup or morning preparation timing may vary.
5. How many photos will you take throughout the day?
6. Will you edit all my photos?
7. How will the final photos be delivered?
Important, especially if you would like a special wedding album. Photos for digital or social media and print need to be processed differently as well!
8. Do you provide prints in the package?
9. Do you provide wedding albums?
10. When can we expect to receive the final images?
11. Do you have a rate card?
12. What are your ongoing promotions or packages?
Be sure to inquire about validity and booking periods!
Psst!
Enjoy $300 off all wedding packages!
13. What are the payment terms like?
14. Are there any surcharges?
Some photographers may apply an additional fee for wee hour booking or additional coverage.
15. Do we need a secondary photographer?
16. Do you include Videography in your package?
17. Do you work with any bridal boutiques?
In case you're wondering, yes, we do work with Silhouette The Atelier!
18. Do you provide hair styling and makeup?
Yes we do as well!
Questions you’ve always wanted to know:
19. Should we consider studio photography?
20. Will you return all my wedding images in other file formats?
If you or your partner have some background in photography, you may broach this topic. The answer is entirely subject to your photographer’s discretion.
21. Will you ‘Photoshop’ my photos for me?
So there we go!
Be sure to share this post with your partner or friends getting married 😄
Planning for your Pre Wedding shoot? Do check out our 8 Tips to Look Good on Your Pre Wedding Photoshoot as well!