What do you want to know from us Married Gals?

[Christine]

A lot of you have mentioned videographer. My parents are really against this (they obviously did not have one) and feel that by using photos timed to music that is close enough to a video. My fiance wants to do a video, but I am thinking that it seems like we can have someone set up a video for at least the ceremony and save the money?

So my question I guess is, do you think video is an absolute must?

[TammyWright]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soon to be Mrs. Hull A lot of you have mentioned videographer. My parents are really against this (they obviously did not have one) and feel that by using photos timed to music that is close enough to a video. My fiance wants to do a video, but I am thinking that it seems like we can have someone set up a video for at least the ceremony and save the money? So my question I guess is, do you think video is an absolute must?

i loved my video..we got to see parts of the ceremony and reception that we missed but i would cut this out before shortening time with my photographer. slot of photographers have videographers that they work with...at my ahr i had a photographer that brought along a videographer.

[REBECCA]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soon to be Mrs. Hull A lot of you have mentioned videographer. My parents are really against this (they obviously did not have one) and feel that by using photos timed to music that is close enough to a video. My fiance wants to do a video, but I am thinking that it seems like we can have someone set up a video for at least the ceremony and save the money? So my question I guess is, do you think video is an absolute must?

I thought the same thing. I figured that the photos would capture the memories enough. But I talked to my friend who had recently gotten married and sold me on the video. She said that photos can capture the memories, sure, but they cannot capture the vows you exchanged to each other. She said, who knows, in 10 years you could hit a rough patch and you may need to pull out that video and watch it together to remember what you vowed to each other.

That sold me. I searched for a videographer for who would film for only one hour. I just wanted the ceremony taped. Trust me, those few moments up there are a blur, so I'm so glad I did! Plus, I was the last to walk down the aisle, so I missed the bridal party walking down the aisle, my neice sprinkling flower petals, etc.

So, if you can't do a video for a few hours, just pay for one hour to capture your ceremony. Some videographers will offer to charge you for one hour of film time (not actual time) and break it up with different parts of the evening.

[TammyB]

Does the trio sing? I'm looking for soft music for before and during the ceremony and upbeat music after. I'm leaning towards the Trio, I like the Mariachi band idea but I fear that since our wedding is so small (around 10 guests) that it will throw the balance off.

[KARLA]

Quote:

Originally Posted by weez Great thread guys and really helpful! OK my question is, do any of you wish (afterwards) you had done something at your wedding that you didn't? For monetary reasons or other? thanks -lou

I wished I would have gotten the fire dancers. It looks so cool!

Quote:

Originally Posted by shanaynayf1 This is all SO SO great...Karla where did you find the classical trio for you ceremony and what were the prices? Also, do most people have a cocktail hour or do we just skip it and start the reception? Thanks

My wedding planner hired the classical trio, it was $350/hr.

We had a cocktail hour. I highly recommend having one if it is within your budget. It gives people a chance to relax before dinner and it gave us time to take pictures.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NHPT karla- I am so interested in the polaroid guestbook. how many cameras did you use? did you make the book or buy one? any advice/tips on this?

Nichole, they now sell polaroid guestbooks.
I did a quick search on Google: Polaroid Photo Guestbook by Adesso Albums - $59.95

Mine was a DIY project. I bought a linen scrap book at Target and inserted black scrapbook sheets. Then I created templates in each page for a Polaroid picture with clear photo tabs. We provided gold and silver metallic pens for people to write beside their pictures. We only had one Polaroid camera with extra film. We took a picture during rehearsal the day before, and inserted on the first page and wrote our message, as a template. We also wrote out instructions in a photo frame that we had at the guestbook table. My biggest piece of advice regarding the Polaroid guestbook is to make sure it is readily available during the cocktail hour. At Sunset Da Mona Lisa, the cocktail hour was held on the terraces and we placed the guestbook table in the reception area. By the time people were in the reception area, it was dark, so the pictures aren't exactly what I wanted (the ocean background).

[REBECCA]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAMMYM Does the trio sing? I'm looking for soft music for before and during the ceremony and upbeat music after. I'm leaning towards the Trio, I like the Mariachi band idea but I fear that since our wedding is so small (around 10 guests) that it will throw the balance off.

Tammy,
Ask Maye. I thought she said that the Trio sang when I booked them, but I don;t recall hearing any singing...so not sure?

[TammyB]

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Originally Posted by JANET1111 TammyM - Our guitar player was a huge hit @ $250/hour. Let me know if you want his info? I guess I personally just do not associate the flute with a beach wedding. Call me crazy?

Janet did you source through Maye? She quoted me 270.00, I think this is what we'll end up doing. Does he have a website?

[REBECCA]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shanaynayf1 This is all SO SO great...Karla where did you find the classical trio for you ceremony and what were the prices? Also, do most people have a cocktail hour or do we just skip it and start the reception? Thanks

If you are getting married at an AI, they usually will include the cocktail hour for free. That is what Dreams did for us!

[A10CalGal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAMMYM Does the trio sing? I'm looking for soft music for before and during the ceremony and upbeat music after. I'm leaning towards the Trio, I like the Mariachi band idea but I fear that since our wedding is so small (around 10 guests) that it will throw the balance off.

FYI Tammy, I hired a Mariachi Trio thru Maye...might be an idea for you too?

[TammyB]

Christa the only problem that I was thinking about with the Mariachi was that we are having about 10 guests and the Mariachi band is about 7-10 people I think it might look off balance to have as many people standing as I have sitting in chairs.