| I often ask the bride and groom what their vision | | | | for their use. This gives them a video that |
| is for their wedding video. And most, cannot | | | | contains everything in its full form, simple, basic |
| describe what they are interested in. They cannot | | | | and very appealing. The highlight video gives a |
| describe the details of what would be a great | | | | shorter presentation with that music video flair. |
| video for them and, therefore, meet their | | | | The DVD may also contain a section that you can |
| expectations and cause them to tell others that | | | | playback the photos that your photographer took, |
| they have a truly memorable wedding video. So | | | | and the photo montage that was played at your |
| let's explore how to frame up and tell a | | | | reception. With DVD technology, multiple videos |
| videographer what you are really after. | | | | can be placed on the same DVD with easy |
| I don't mean planning out every little detail of the | | | | access to play any or all. |
| 30 minute or 60 minute video. Not at all! However, | | | | A second consideration includes the type and |
| you will need to match the style, length, and | | | | amount of special effects used throughout either |
| special effects to your budget. Here are a few | | | | of the video styles. Special effects include |
| ideas to consider when setting your vision for | | | | transitions from one scene to another, color |
| your wedding video. | | | | backgrounds, graphic overlays, motion elements, |
| First, consider the style of your video - | | | | matting, slow motion, color changes and layering |
| documentary or highlights. A documentary style | | | | of multiple camera angles. Brides and grooms will |
| wedding video captures each activity of the day, | | | | generally look for a 1.) very clean, straight |
| whether this includes short clips of photo sessions, | | | | forward flow and style for their video with simple |
| shots of the building (inside and outside), | | | | to basic transitions between scenes, a few |
| decorations and arrangements, people arriving, all | | | | layering effects to show multiple camera angles; |
| ceremony activities, reception line, limo scenes, | | | | or 2.) increased visual effects. Increasing any of |
| and activities at the reception. This format allows | | | | the special effects requires increased amount of |
| the editor to portray the event and all scenes | | | | editing time, machine time and testing time for |
| from start to finish. This format is generally the | | | | the videographer; so be prepared for an increased |
| longest video as it plays out the entire event. This | | | | budget to match the increased production time. |
| video can be straightforward and simplistic in how | | | | Finally, the video is created but the DVD menu |
| it is presented or special effects may be added | | | | theme has not been created nor have the |
| to "spice" up the visual images. This is the most | | | | navigation buttons for the menu. Do you want to |
| common or traditional wedding video and least | | | | just insert your DVD and have the wedding |
| time consuming to create, and therefore, the | | | | activities start to play before your eyes. Or do |
| least impact on your budget. | | | | you want a specific wedding theme (colors, |
| A highlight video is a shorter video, is quicker | | | | images, button style for your scene selection |
| moving format, showing short clips of each of the | | | | menu). These menus allow you to play the entire |
| day's activities. This is more like a music video and | | | | video from start to finish or you may choose to |
| the audio from the actual recording is replaced | | | | start with that special song the groom sang to |
| augmented with background music and special | | | | you as you cried with tears of joy. Most |
| effects are used extensively. Depending on your | | | | videographers have ideas for menu creation once |
| vision, the videography may require more of your | | | | they have created the wedding video, however, it |
| time and may play more of a director role in each | | | | would be good to have your vision for this |
| shot. Since this is a shorter format of the day, it | | | | important part of DVD design. |
| is useful to share across the web, play in a photo | | | | Style, special effects, DVD design should be part |
| frame, or just have on your computer to play | | | | of your wedding video vision. The clearer your |
| anytime you wish. The highlight video requires | | | | vision, the better chance you have to realizing a |
| more time, more creativity and as a result carries | | | | truly memorable wedding video that you will |
| a larger budget requirement. | | | | cherish for a lifetime! |
| Many Brides and grooms will request both styles | | | | |