Category: Wedding Tips and Ideas

Gain useful tips and ideas about wedding planning, coordinating, budgeting, and more.

  • Preparing for a Destination Wedding: Tips to Reduce Fatigue

    Preparing for a Destination Wedding: Tips to Reduce Fatigue

    Marrying the love of your life is truly an exciting moment in time, and if planning to host the wedding you’ve always dreamed of at a distant locale, it can only appreciably enhance the excitement. While there’s a good chance your destination wedding is bound to require significant travel – and likely require a generous portion of your savings too – you want to make sure you’re without fatigue and alert once you arrive at your journey’s end in order to fully enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime event.

    Ways to Lessen Weariness While Traveling

    Hands holding up a sphere figure displaying various words such as jet lag and exhaustion

    Preparing for a destination wedding clearly will take some detailed planning, and as part of your regiment of details, you might want to add these few tips into the mix that may help to reduce fatigue and enable you to feel energized on your historic day.

    Maintaining healthy sleep habits is of primary concern in reducing fatigue, and though challenging during travel, it is highly doable.

    If you’re flying to your destination wedding, a contributing factor that causes fatigue or sleepiness is jet lag. Although it’s not always possible to avoid jet lag, there are a few things you can do to help rid yourself of the exhausted feeling a little quicker.

    A cartoon figure of a man with a facial expression of depleted energy wrapped around a globe of the world

    Jet Lag and Circadian Misalignment

    Jet lag isn’t simply a feeling of being exhausted, but rather associated to what’s called circadian misalignment. What this means is that the natural sleep-awake cycle of the body is out of sync with the traveled to destination. In other words, the sleepy feeling of jet lag commonly occurs during the day and causes sleepless nights. A way to elude this unpleasant occurrence is to adjust your sleep-awake cycle prior to making the journey.

    Another practice to lessen the effect is if you’re flight is scheduled for an afternoon or early evening arrival, avoid napping and stay awake until your normal bedtime. Be sure, however, that you adjust your normal bedtime to coincide with the new destination’s time zone.

    A beautiful bride resting on a bed

    Sleeping while traveling may be helpful too, but only if it is within your normal sleep hours attuned to the time of your final stop. Also, during the planning process, be sure to pre-plan time for naps, at least for the first day or so, if you’re arriving several days before the nuptial date. This could work wonders when the big day arrives.

    Using light to help you adjust is another trick. Natural light conveys to the body when to sleep or awake. Spending awake time in the sun helps your body clock – or circadian rhythm – adapt to the new setting. As the sun sets and retiring draws near, hop into bed with all lights out and curtains drawn. This will send appropriate signals to your brain, which ultimately should help you sleep soundly.

    Another facet of obtaining sound rest is to take note of your diet. Traveling to new places usually involves trying new foods. Spicy meals or meals that are not too agreeable might cause some digestive issues, and combining that with jet lag could undoubtedly affect your sleep. Overeating could create a few problems as well.

    If you still find yourself lying in bed wide awake after trying a variation of these prescribed methods, one other aspect important to sound slumber that shouldn’t be overlooked is to make sure you have a comfortable mattress. Whereas it may be somewhat challenging to assure mattress quality when traveling, sleeping on one in your own household prior to your departure may be the best you can do, if you’ve already made the investment, which almost guarantees great rest prior to leaving home for the trip.

    Although it’s greatly impractical taking your comfortable pad on your excursion, owning a mattress of high quality is, nevertheless, always a good asset. After all, it’s something you and your spouse will be sharing together for many years.

    A final tip that may be beneficial and could lead to a restful night is to have fun! Take a long walk with your partner beside the shoreline or through the city, partaking in pleasurable activities along the way. Depending on what you do, it may be tiring enough to get you to sleep well the night before the festivities begin.

    A married couple is dancing on the beach
    Figurine of a man lifting a woman over his head

    Once the formalities of the wedding ceremony have concluded and the reception toasting and congratulatory speeches are given, the extra effort in preparing for your destination wedding and your devotion to getting restful sleep should have you reeling with energy, allowing you to achieve maximum enjoyment on an incredibly important day in your life.

  • Interesting Facts about Lake Tahoe

    Interesting Facts about Lake Tahoe

    Tahoe’s Formation and Historical Overview

    Lake Tahoe is demonstrably one of the most beautiful places in the world and exhibits a truly fascinating history. Not only does this massive fresh water alpine lake produce an enormous variation of fanciful sights to see, it also tenders a plethora of interesting creational facts that reveal an intriguing chronicle worthy of contemplation, both of which contribute to making this titanic body of water a highly appealing attraction that entices tourism from around the world.

    A bay view of Lake Tahoe from the bluff of Emerald Bay

    Bordering California and Nevada at an elevation of 6,225 feet with 72 miles of shoreline, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. Boasting a depth of 1,645 feet, it is the second deepest lake in the United States, and with 122,160,280 acre feet of water, it is the sixth largest by volume.

    To give this enormity some perspective, if the lake’s aquatic were poured onto an area the size of California, the depth of water would measure 14 inches.

    Geological formation of the Lake Tahoe Basin occurred about 2 million years ago during the ice ages. The rise and fall of the landscape due to geologic block faulting triggered its creation.

    A chart displaying various facts about Lake Tahoe

    The Basin is surrounded by the immense Sierra Nevada, the prominent mountain range that extends about 400 miles north to south and approximately 70 miles across from east to west. The majestic beauty these natural compositions portray is extraordinary, an allure that influences the draw of approximately 3 million vacationers every year.

    A sketch of John Albert Thompson skiing

    The Skiing Mailman

    Another tantalizing verity pertaining to Lake Tahoe’s consequential past is the account of its snow skiing timeline. Legendary John “Snowshoe” Thompson, an early resident, was one of the first to carve slopes through the Sierras while delivering mail during the 1850’s.

    Squaw Valley

    In 1960, the 8th Winter Olympics were hosted in Squaw Valley (renamed Palisades Tahoe), an astounding ski resort adjacent to a quaint village, the Resort at Squaw Creek (renamed Everline Resort & Spa), situated on the North Shore.

    Heavenly Mountain Resort

    With one chair lift and a few rope tows, Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort opened its doors on the South Shore in 1955. Evolving into a world-class resort, Heavenly Mountain is currently a major attraction in South Lake Tahoe.

    Skiers standing under the Sky and Canyon Express sign on Heavenly Mountain
    Snowboarders skiing on the mountain

    The greatly recognized lodestone encompasses 4,800 acres of mountainous territory with peak lift-service elevation of 10,040 feet, awarding some of the finest skiing conditions in the world.

    The resort’s gondola whisks skiers and sightseers up the lofty mountainside for an approximate 2 ½ mile journey, unveiling amazing views of the glorious panorama along the way. The midway station affords visitors an aerial brilliance as far as the eye can see, and for the adventurous couple seeking to tie the knot in a place comprising a spectacular backdrop, Heavenly maintains the optimal venue. A wedding on the observation deck is an unparalleled experience.

    Conclusion

    The assorted facts about Lake Tahoe and its formation are convincingly entrancing, and its impenitent beauty is absolutely beguiling. These components make this exuberating “lake in the sky” a most fascinating place and are largely responsible for attracting masses of visitors each year, many of which consider the voluminous alpine creation not only a factoid center of interest, but also a phenomenal refuge of mammoth splendor.

  • Virginia City: Historic Gold Mining Ghost Town

    Virginia City: Historic Gold Mining Ghost Town

    If you’re planning a trip to Lake Tahoe, whether it be for a family vacation, destination wedding, or a weekend getaway, one thing you may want to add to your itinerary is to make the short jaunt to the nearby historic gold-mining ghost town branded as Virginia City.

    The wooden plank walkway down the main street of Virginia City, Nevada

    With a voluminous presentation of historical facts of interest pertaining to its famed gold and silver ore excavation days of the past in addition to the plentiful “Old West” artifacts to see and with other exploratory things to do, the time invested in the short drive to this well-preserved, extraordinary western town will assuredly prove to be a “golden” opportunity.

    Notable Landmark Lined with Relics of the “Old West”

    Situated east of Lake Tahoe near Carson City off of State Route 341 in Nevada lies the National Historic Landmark, Virginia City, a designation that was bestowed upon this prodigious resurgence in 1961. The city’s prominence was notably derived at the apex of the Comstock Lode Silver Strike in the 1800’s, and yet, nearly one and a half centuries later, the preservation of the 19th century saloons, schools, churches, and businesses that line the main street is as astounding as the enriched history this historical town maintains.

    Train with passengers
    Photo of the Delta Saloon entrance sign
    Inside view of the Delta tavern

    The profusion of vestiges throughout the settlement convey a look into the past, and the educational museums contain a variety of artifacts relative to the narratives of bygone years. Mark Twain, also known as Samuel Clemens, began his career in Virginia City in 1863 and is part of the tales you will encounter.

    Chollar Mine entrance

    The Chollar Mine is a great sightseeing feature and is seasonally open for guided tours. The explored shaft, which descends about 400 feet, is famous for its substantial production of silver ore during the “Big Bonanza”, the culmination of the mining days that took place in the 1870’s.

    The Virginia & Truckee Railroad is another authentic attribute of the settlement you won’t want to miss, a train ride experience that will take you on an exhilarating tour through the Comstock mining district to the adjoining township of Gold Hill.

    Virginia and Truckee Railroad train locomotive
    A local bar in the main section of town

    The Bucket of Blood Saloon with its hanging lamps and mirrors is an additional noteworthy relic where you can relive history while enjoying a meal or refreshing drink. It’s one of many edifices that are exemplary of the “Old West”.

    During its heyday, Virginia City was referred to as the richest place on earth due to the Comstock Lode silver strike. Although the silver and gold mining has dissipated, this momentous marvel remains rich in history and fascinates a wealth of visitors each year.

    Inside the Chollar Mine

    For an exciting journey into the past, this unadulterated, Victorian-era ghost town is one exceptional place worth visiting. If you’d like other interesting sights to see or things to do around the Tahoe area, see the article, “Fun Things to Do in Lake Tahoe.”

  • Wedding Flowers: Who Needs Them?

    Wedding Flowers: Who Needs Them?

    An adorning accessory and a component many brides and grooms consider as essential for their once in a lifetime event are wedding flowers. Floral displays are the picture-perfect addition to compliment every aspect of the ritual, beginning with their strategic placement at the ceremony venue to the embellishing of the banquet hall.

    Bride looks out the limousine window with her bouquet

    Arrangements can be placed just about anywhere that is fitting, which includes the alter where the vow exchanges occur, alongside the aisle chairs, the reception tables as decorative centerpieces, on the wedding cake, and a host of other areas found proper. And, most importantly, floral arrangements should also be designed for those who will be playing a principal role at the affair.

    Florets for the Prominent Players

    Who needs wedding flowers is a subjective decision in which no set rules apply and can be based upon whatever seems appropriate. Budget restraints, however, could be a factor and may play a significant part in the resolve of who is to be furnished with the garnishing because flowers can be quite an expense.

    Close-up of a bridal bouquet being held by the bride

    Some of the likely prominent people you may want to consider embroidering and suggestions for their respective floral arrangements follow.

    • Bouquet for the bride
    • Matching boutonniere for the groom
    • Bouquets for the bridesmaids (typically smaller than the bride’s bouquet)
    • Boutonnieres for the groomsmen (matching the bridesmaids flower color)
    • Petals for the flower girl
    • Boutonniere for the ring bearer
    • Hair flowers for the bride and bridesmaids
    • Corsages for the mothers of the bride and groom
    • Boutonnieres for the fathers of the bride and groom
    • Corsages or boutonnieres for the grandparents
    • Throwaway bouquet for the bride
    • Flowers for stepparents
    • Flowers for special persons or friends that are not necessarily part of the wedding party

    The above listed are more of the usual persons given consideration for beautifying with floral creations. But again, budget concerns may curtail distribution to all of those who you’d like to adorn, so the list is not a compelling one. Therefore, while wedding flowers are undoubtedly a desired extravagance, whatever is decided in determining who needs them, it is basically a personal judgment of the marriage aspirants based on what fits best with the wedding plans.

    For more wedding tips and ideas or help with planning an upcoming wedding in Lake Tahoe, visit our website.

  • The Do’s and Don’ts of Event Planning

    The Do’s and Don’ts of Event Planning

    Bride playfully chokes her bridesmaid

    When it comes to wedding planning there is definitely a surplus of things you must do in order to have a fruitful event. However, there is also an inventory of things you probably should not do.

    Compiled below is a list of a few details that you ought to do and a few that you should avoid doing, both of which are commonly overlooked during the initial stages of fashioning the ritual.

    Some Do and Don’t Suggestions

    The Do’s List

    • Do give thought to guests that have small children. If you prefer not to have children attend the event, ask the manager in charge of the wedding site if there is a room or play area available to rent. If so, hire a professional babysitter to accommodate those with kids. Parents will appreciate the kind concern very much.
    • Do browse to each table during the reception to express your appreciation to all the guests for attending your special occasion.
    • Do present a gift to the members of your wedding party as an expression of gratitude for their presence at your celebration and for the efforts they applied to make it happen.
    • Do be sure to select and secure the wedding site at least nine to twelve months in advance, especially if the wedding is to take place during the summer season when availability sharply declines.
    • Do make selection of the caterer a priority. The quality of food at the banquet is crucial to its success because it will leave a lasting impression among those invited to the meal.
    • Do be timely in sending out thank you letters to all the attendees.
    • Do be realistic when choosing a wedding gown based on anticipated weight loss. A dress can always be taken in much easier than letting it out if your goal was not achieved.
    • Do invite guests to both the ceremony and reception if possible in order to avoid hurt feelings.

    The Don’ts List

    • Don’t disregard the fact that you need to pamper yourself at completion of all your hard work put forth in planning your wedding. The day before you marry, treat yourself, your mom, and your bridesmaids to an afternoon of fun.
    • Don’t forget to incorporate stepparents into the ceremony or reception in some way. Ask if they’d like to do a reading at the ceremony or prayer at the reception.
    • Don’t waste too much time on the formal photography after the ceremony, which will cause you to arrive late at the reception. Completing formal shots with the bridal party prior to the ceremony is a huge time saver.
    • Don’t seat divorced parents at the same table during the banquet as this could cause some uneasiness. Use good judgment, but asking those involved beforehand is best.
    • Don’t seat older guests near deafening speakers being used by the D.J. or band.
    • Don’t forget to confirm with the various hired vendors that tax and gratuities are included in the quoted price. Otherwise, you may receive a substantially – and unexpected – higher price for services rendered.
    • Don’t ignore some of the finer details. Find out beforehand what song your parents chose for their first dance when they became husband and wife, and after your first dance at the reception make a request of the D.J. to play your parents’ song from their wedding.

    Examining these points will hopefully offer a bit of insight to what should and should not be done and aid in shaping the organizing process. Of course, this is not an exhaustive compilation of the do’s and don’ts of planning, but it is a collection of noteworthy ideas you may want to consider.

  • California Marriage License: Confidential vs. Public

    California Marriage License: Confidential vs. Public

    Image of a marriage license with wedding rings on it

    If you are planning a wedding in California and want to obtain a marriage license, you’ll find there are two different types of licenses that the state issues – a confidential marriage license and a public marriage license. Both, of course, are legal documents and will make your marriage official in either case.

    However, in addition to general requirements both documents demand, there are additional conditions specific to each, and depending upon your circumstances, you may not have an option to purchase the one you want.

    Marriage License Differentiations

    • The age requirement for obtaining a confidential marriage license is that you must be at least 18 years of age. Although the public license also has the same age prerequisite, it does allow for a minor to marry with written consent of a parent or legal guardian (there are other stipulations for minors as well).
    • A confidential license does not require any witnesses. The public license, however, does require at least one. You can have two witnesses sign the document, but it is not necessary.
    • Regardless of the type of license you purchase, both will be registered in the county clerk’s office in the county where it was originally acquired. This is also where certified copies can be obtained. The significant difference is that the confidential marriage license is confidential, and only the married couple can procure copies of it from the recorder’s office. Comparatively, the public license is part of public record, which means anyone can request copies, provided they pay the required fees.
    • If you and your future wife or husband have performed acts in the capacity of a married couple, such as living together as spouses, you may apply for a confidential license. If not, you must purchase a public license.

    As indicated in the latter requirement, if you do not meet this precondition, you must obtain a public license. Technically speaking, however, the documentation regarding the imperatives of what constitutes the performance of acts in the capacity of a married couple appears to be somewhat vague. Therefore, if a confidential license is desired, it is suggested to research related documentation to see if your circumstances meet this requisite.

    For additional information about California marriage licenses or if contemplating getting married in El Dorado County, visit our website.

  • Mom’s Role in Her Daughter’s Wedding

    Mom’s Role in Her Daughter’s Wedding

    Mother of the bride helps her daughter with her necklace

    In prior years, mom’s role was quite pronounced in both the planning activities of her daughter’s wedding and on the actual wedding day. Although things have changed slightly with modern brides of the present – which is mainly due to their affluence of knowledge about what they want for their once in a lifetime event and how to get it – moms can still be, and typically are, a major player in the occasion.

    After all, it’s the biggest day in her child’s life, and mom surely wants to be a part of it. With a few defining rules set forth by the bride, mother’s part in arranging the event and at the wedding remains without a doubt an invaluable service, even with the savviness of contemporary brides.

    Mother of the Bride: An Instrumental Support System

    One of the major functions that moms provide during the initial stages of planning the wedding is assisting with procuring all of the services that will be necessary for the success of the ceremony and reception. This can include anything from helping with the selection of the event location to the choices of the catered meals.

    A woman is conducting business on the telephone

    In essence, mom is the bride’s support system and offers her expertise and opinions where appropriate. Of course, mom must realize it’s her daughter’s wedding and the bride-to-be and groom oftentimes make the final decisions.

    Angry woman on the phone

    Another crucial role that pays off big for the bride is when mom acts as a safeguard when things don’t quite go as expected. Attaining services from all the necessary wedding suppliers can be a tad exasperating at times, especially when it appears that you’re not going to receive the exact services you thought you were at the price you originally contracted for.

    With mom handling these issues if and when they arise, it can reduce a lot of unwanted stress for the intended and allow her to concentrate on other pleasurable facets of the wedding.

    On the actual day of the occasion, the mother of the bride usually travels with the bridal party to the ceremony site. If this includes limousine services, mom is traditionally included with the group. Upon arrival and just before commencement of the bridal party’s walk down the aisle, both mothers of the bride and groom are ushered to their seat situated at the front of the ceremonial venue.

    Mother of the bride helps her adjust the bridal gown

    At the conclusion of the rite and formal photography and after arriving at the reception hall, the mothers of the newlyweds will typically greet the guests as they arrive. As the evening progresses, the bride’s mom will socialize with and thank all those in attendance and perform accommodating duties where suitable.

    Traditions of the past once dictated formalities, and though the role of the mother of the contemporary bride has been altered to some degree overtime, it doesn’t mean that mom’s place in the wedding isn’t just as prevalent as it once was in former years. The support that mothers can offer to their daughters on their wedding day and during the course of the planning process is a great service and benefit, and even though the end decisions will classically be at the bride and groom’s discretion, recognizing mom’s inclusion into this very important event will positively contribute to the success of the day.

    Additional Tips and Event Planning Ideas

    Planning a wedding requires a lot of thought and time, and we can help with the task. Visit the Tahoe Blog for more insightful articles that can assist you with composing your special occasion.

  • Cost-Effective Ways to Provide Alcohol at Your Wedding

    Cost-Effective Ways to Provide Alcohol at Your Wedding

    There are a variety of resourceful, cost-effective ways to provide alcohol and an array of spirited beverages to the guests at your wedding reception, some of which can save you a bundle of money. Choosing which way to do it primarily depends upon your preference, but oftentimes one’s preference is dictated by the event’s allocated budget.

    A bar displaying various liquors and tools for making cocktails

    Nonetheless, whether cost concerns influence the final decision or not, you can maintain full bar service at a price you pick without compromise of benefits to your invitees by utilizing the appropriate method that suits you best.

    3 Ways to Reduce Alcohol Related Expenses

    Open Bar

    An open bar is one in which your guests are free to order any type of drink they want and as many as they can handle, and you will cover all costs at the end of the night. You’ll certainly impress your guests with an open bar and they are sure to have a lot of fun as the night progresses, but as you can probably imagine, the bar tab can mount rapidly, especially if you have many in attendance at the reception. However, there are several ways to curb the expense of an open bar.

    Bartender is preparing a drink
    Wine being poured into a glass

    Open Bar Variations

    One way to reduce costs of an open bar is to offer it for a set period of time, such as until the end of dinner or pending the end of the scheduled events like when the garter toss completes or the money dance ends. Too, you can eliminate paying for labeled or premium alcohol used in mixed drinks and limit it to house brands only. Or, as an alternative, you can offer an open bar of beer and wine only, allowing guests to pay for the “hard” liquor or mixed drinks.

    Partially Hosted Bar

    With a partially hosted bar, you can specify a dollar amount that fits within your budget, and when the limit you set is reached, it becomes a cash bar and everyone begins paying for their own drinks.

    Cocktails on a tray

    To stretch your dollars even further, you can employ any variations of the open bar methods to this approach. For example, limit hard liquor choices to house brands only or constrain availability to just beer and wine. This is a surefire way to extend your budget.

    Cash Bar

    The most economical way for the bride and groom to provide alcoholic beverages at their wedding is the cash bar option. In essence, your guests will pay for their own cocktails. This is not to say you can’t offer them a signature drink or place a complimentary bottle of wine on each table at the reception. This method of paying for whatever drinks are ordered not only keeps the reception costs much lower, but it also keeps the night from getting too wild and crazy that sometimes occurs with an open bar.

    May the Spirits be with You

    There can be considerable money differences in selecting to have an open bar (or a variation thereof), a partially hosted bar, or a cash bar, and the choice couples make is frequently dependent upon their budget. However, whichever approach is decided upon, it will not diminish what is offered to your guests nor lesson the quality of service provided as these alternatives are all conventional ways in delivering alcoholic spirits at the reception.

    Gin and tonic glass and mixing utensils
    A row of wine glasses filled with wine

    It is your wedding day and your finances, so choose what is fitting and go with it. After all, it is likely your guests will be indifferent to how drinks are served, placing more focus on simply being in attendance with you on an exceptional day in your life.

    Additional Money Saving Tips and Ideas

    Saving money where you can is prudent when planning your wedding. Visit the Tahoe Blog where you can gain insightful ways to cut costs and gather helpful tips to facilitate the wedding planning process.

  • Questions to Ask Your Wedding Reception Caterer

    Questions to Ask Your Wedding Reception Caterer

    Providing meals for your guests at the reception is an important and essential element of the event and, in part, is a component of the celebration that will leave a lasting impression upon those attending your wedding.

    The head chef with his crew

    Therefore, it’s of the essence to choose the caterer selectively. This can be accomplished by asking a few fundamental questions that will help to assure that the courses served will meet your fine standards and be pleasing to your guests, and hopefully satisfy even the harshest food connoisseur.

    Banquet Caterer Queries

    If the reception venue you acquired is providing the catering, listed below are some basic questions to ask the site coordinator. Although it may not be possible at certain facilities, ask if outside catering is an option if responses aren’t satisfactory.

    • Are your menus set or can we create our own?
    • Is it possible to sample all the food once a menu is chosen?
    • Can a menu be created that corresponds to our wedding theme?
    • Do you have photos available of previous wedding receptions you have done?
    • Can special dietary needs be met?
    • Will the meals for the children be discounted?
    • When do you require the final guest count to be submitted?
    • What is the total cost?
    • Does the quoted price include soft drinks, coffee, and tea?
    • Does the quoted price include all the necessary tableware?
    • Will the quoted price that’s made today remain the same on our wedding date?
    • What references can you provide us with from previous weddings you’ve catered?
    Preparation of banquet a meal by multiple chefs
    Display of the buffet line

    If the reception venue is not providing the meals and you are hiring an outside caterer, here are a few additional questions to present:

    • Are you familiar with are chosen reception venue?
    • Where will the food be prepared that you are providing?
    • Will you need any special kitchen equipment or storage facilities?
    • Do you supply all the necessary cutlery?
    • How many staff members will be required?
    • What will the wait staff be wearing?
    • Will you be responsible for the cleanup after the event ends?

    As you may have surmised, the caterer plays a major role in the reception, so you’ll surely want to be prudent in the selection of the all-important meal provider.

    Of course, these are only guidelines to go by, and you’ll certainly have additional questions you want answered for added assurance that this very significant part of your wedding will proceed – and taste – as expected, especially since it will leave a perceptible memory upon you and your guests.

    Closeup of all the food offered in the buffet line

    Additional Related Resources

    View a list of resources for more tips and ideas about event planning or if searching for service providers in the Lake Tahoe area.

  • Selecting a Wedding Videographer

    Selecting a Wedding Videographer

    The video production of your event is an important element requiring prudence. Selecting a wedding videographer to videotape your ceremony and reception should be done with great care because the finished product will provide the memories of the day for many years to come, and if any mishaps occur or improper techniques are used during filming, the end results are irreversible.

    To obtain a polished video, it is essential to use high quality recording and sound equipment with precise microphone placement, and where one camera is sufficient for the reception, superb results are obtained when two or more are used during the ceremony. This level of service should be available at most any professional video recording studio.

    Professional video camera filming the bride and groom

    Professionalism Behind the Camera

    A confused man is holding a camera

    Although it may be desirable due to budget restraints, hiring Uncle Charlie to capture the event on his smartphone is not always the smartest way to cut costs. As a former videographer, videotaping the entire event from start to finish is a moderately complex process that requires a great deal of pre-planning, most particularly if the goal is to deliver a superior product.

    Therefore, consider hiring a professional to do the job. To help simplify the selection process, follow the guidelines below in an effort to make an informed decision in the search of a qualified cameraman for your wedding videography.

    Questions for the Video Professional

    • Can we view a demo video of your previous work?
    • Do you have an actual wedding video we can view as opposed to just highlights?
    • Are you familiar with our wedding and reception venue?
    • Have you shot at our chosen location before?
    • How many cameras will you use for the ceremony and how many for the reception?
    • Where will you position yourself and the camera(s)?
    • If we have a large bridal party, will they block the camera’s view where they’re positioned?
    • Is the camera equipment you use high definition?
    • Will you have a backup camera available should your primary equipment fail?
    • Will you use additional lighting beyond what’s provided at our chosen location?
    • What attire will you wear for the wedding?
    • How many hours of recording does our selected video package include?
    • Does the video package selected require us to pay additional fees if the event runs late?
    • Will the edited video contain a short clip of the highlights of the day?
    • Will you allow us to choose the music to use for the highlights?
    • How long will it take to receive the finished product?
    • Are we able to acquire all of the raw footage of everything that is shot?
    • How many DVD copies will we receive and how much are additional ones?
    • Can you give us any references for whom you’ve completed recent work?
    Closeup view of a video camera
    An event being recorded as seen through a camera monitor

    Money Saving Tips

    • Use multiple cameras for the ceremony only
    • Have the professional videographer provide all of the raw footage and do the editing yourself
    • Ask the videographer to edit just a 30 minute highlight reel of the day and obtain the remainder of the footage unedited
    • Decline extra add-on items, such as a baby montage or special titling
    • Obtain the wedding photographer from the same company as the videographer
    • If finances are a real concern, have a guest videotape the event, but make sure they have previous experience and decent equipment, including a camera tripod

    Conclusion

    Hiring a professional wedding videographer is money well spent if it is not cost prohibitive and falls within your wedding planning budget. Hiring a friend is tempting, but keep in mind that there are a lot of techniques professionals use in the recording and editing process – techniques that are well beyond the scope of an amateur – that will produce a high quality video you’ll definitely want to watch more than once. By asking just a few key questions, a skilled professional can be attained that will preserve, unsullied, the memories of an event of a lifetime, an occasion that offers only one chance, and one chance only, to do it right.

    Planning Assistance

    For more information about hiring a professional videographer or to inquire about what’s included in our videography packages, explore our website or give us a call and see what we have to offer.