Love the idea of having a wedding video, but with all the other gifts, favors and keepsakes on your to-buy list—don’t think you have room for one in your budget? Think again. With a little creativity and some extra time in the editing room, you and your videographer can create a wedding DVD that doubles as a parent’s keepsake, an attendant’s gift, an out-of-town guest goodie, a wedding favor, a thank-you sentiment, a honeymoon album, a reception video program—or any combination of the above!
Reception Video Program: Screened at your reception, this five to seven minute video tells the story of your childhood, your family and your romance in words, music and pictures. Created well before your wedding day, your reception video program may include live footage of you and your spouse-to-be talking about how you met, fell in love and got engaged, or take the form of a still photo slideshow, full of childhood snaps and family photos set to music or including commentary. Whether you choose a format full of interviews and video footage, or design a meaningful photo montage, a reception video program gives your guests a sweet peak at your most cherished memories.
Parents Albums: Searching for the perfect thank-you gift for your folks? Create a custom version of your wedding DVD, designed especially for your moms and dads. Start with the final cut of your wedding video, and build a special features section that includes as many meaningful chapters as your budget allows. Some of our favorite ideas include your reception video program, a collection of wedding portraits from both sides of your family, your vows, and a personal message that thanks your parents for their love and support—on your Big Day and every day.
Attendant Gifts: Show your bridal party what they mean to you by making them the stars of a special video created just for them. Include a fifteen to twenty minute version of your wedding video, and add a special features section that features snaps of your engagement party, bridal showers, and bachelor/bachelorette events. For the tour de force, design a still photo slideshow that shows off a handful of wedding portraits and candids of each attendant, adding your personal commentary throughout. As images of each of your attendants fill the screen, they’ll hear you voice a special memory, a wish for the future, or a few words that let them know just how much you appreciate their friendship.
Welcome DVD: Greet your out-of-town-guests with a custom DVD, thoughtfully placed on a pillow or tucked into a goodie basket. Your DVD can include a welcome message from the hosts of the wedding, and information about other important events, such as the rehearsal dinner and day-after brunch. If you want to make your guests feel extra-coddled, include information about local sights, restaurant suggestions and fun activities your guests might enjoy during their stay.
Guest Favor: Create a short photo montage or video that highlights the “Behind The Scenes” elements of your Big Day, including wedding preparations, gown fittings, engagement photos and a thank-you to guests for being a part of your wedding celebration. To turn Guest DVDs into perfect place settings, print each guest’s name on a custom cover, or for a more formal touch, print an elegant reception menu on the jewel case or sleeve.
Honeymoon Album: Keep your honeymoon memories vibrant by creating a video Honeymoon Album or by adding a Honeymoon chapter to your wedding DVD. Choose honeymoon snapshots for a photo montage, or use video footage from your camcorder. Be sure to add running commentary throughout your video while your adventure is still fresh in your mind. That way, no matter how much time has passed, your honeymoon memories will remain as vivid as ever.
Thank You's: Looking for an unforgettable way to say thanks to your wedding guests? Have your videographer edit together a short video that features the highlights of your wedding; your vows, the ring exchange, your first dance, the bouquet toss, and the getaway. Write your thank-you note directly on the face of the disc, use a great wedding photo for the jewel case cover, or customize a DVD sleeve with your names and wedding date. Not only will you be giving your guests a proper thanks, you’ll elevate the thank-you note into a thoughtful gift.
http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-planning-ideas/wedding-photography-tips/articles/dvds-as-keepsakes-favors-and-gifts.aspx