Tag: wedding videographer

How much should you invest in a wedding videographer?

March 15, 2023
Wedding Films

Factors that affect the cost of wedding videography 

When it comes to wedding videography, it’s important to remember that you are making an investment in capturing the memories of your special day. The cost of wedding videography can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned in the previous section. However, for those who are able to spend a bit extra on a wedding videographer, the investment is well worth it to ensure that you have a professional, high-quality video that captures the essence of your wedding day.

The importance of investing in a professional wedding videographer 

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and investing in a professional videographer ensures that you have a high-quality video that captures the emotions, details, and memories of the day in a way that can be treasured for years to come. A professional videographer has the experience and skill to tell your unique love story through their art, and can capture moments that you may have missed or forgotten amidst the excitement of the day. Investing in a professional videographer also means that you can relax and enjoy your wedding day knowing that the memories are being captured by someone who has a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling.

How to budget for a professional wedding videographer 

When budgeting for a professional wedding videographer, it’s important to keep in mind the value that such an investment can provide. CTRL+shot Wedding Films, a unique wedding art film company, offers a range of packages that cater to different budgets and preferences, while still providing a high-quality, professional videography service. By investing in a professional videographer, couples can ensure that they have a cherished keepsake of their special day that will be treasured for years to come.

In conclusion, investing in a professional wedding videographer is a wise decision for those who are able to spend some extra money on professional service and not average videography. The value and memories that a professional videographer can capture are priceless, and the investment will be worth it for years to come. CTRL+shot Wedding Films is a top wedding videographer that offers unique wedding art film services, cinematic wedding videography, and storytelling videos that capture the essence of each couple’s love story. By choosing CTRL+shot Wedding Films, couples can rest assured that they are investing in a high-quality, professional videography service that will provide a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Top Chicago Wedding Videographer for your Big Day

March 14, 2023
Wedding Films
Chicago Wedding Videographer
Wedding Shot

Are you planning your dream wedding in Chicago and looking for a professional videographer to capture your special day? Look no further than a Chicago Wedding Videographer! In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wedding videography, from pricing to the benefits of having a professional videographer by your side.

Why Choose a Chicago Wedding Videographer?

A wedding videographer is a professional who specializes in capturing the special moments of your big day. A Chicago Wedding Videographer has the experience, skills, and equipment needed to document every aspect of your wedding, from the ceremony to the reception.

Not only do they have an eye for detail, but they also know how to create a beautiful and cinematic film that tells the story of your wedding day. By choosing a Chicago Wedding Videographer, you can rest assured that you’ll have a stunning and timeless video to cherish for years to come.

How Much Should You Spend on Wedding Videography?

The cost of wedding videography varies depending on a range of factors, such as the length of the video, the number of videographers, and the level of experience of the videographer. On average, couples in Chicago spend between $3,500 and $6,000 on high-quality wedding videography.

When choosing a Chicago Wedding Videographer, it’s essential to consider your budget, but also the value of investing in a professional who can deliver a high-quality and memorable wedding film.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Chicago Wedding Videographer?

There are numerous benefits to hiring a Chicago Wedding Videographer for your special day. Firstly, a professional videographer can capture moments that you may have missed, from the small details to the big emotional moments.

Additionally, a Chicago Wedding Videographer has the skills and equipment needed to create a cinematic and polished film that captures the essence of your wedding day. Finally, having a professional videographer means that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your wedding day, knowing that everything is being documented by a skilled and experienced professional.

Tips for Choosing the Right Chicago Wedding Videographer

When choosing a Chicago Wedding Videographer, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should look for a professional who has experience in capturing weddings and has a portfolio that showcases their work.

Additionally, it’s important to choose a videographer who has the right equipment, such as high-quality cameras and microphones. Finally, you should choose a videographer who you feel comfortable with and who you trust to document your special day.

Common Questions and Concerns about Wedding Videography

Finally, let’s address some common questions and concerns about wedding videography. Firstly, it’s important to note that videographers specialize in capturing video footage, not photography. While some videographers may offer photography services, it’s important to choose a professional who specializes in one or the other.

Additionally, wedding videographers typically film for 8-10 hours on the wedding day, capturing everything from the pre-wedding preparations to the final dance of the night. Finally, when choosing a wedding videography package, be sure to ask what is included, such as the length of the final video, any additional edits or features, and the delivery timeline.

In conclusion, choosing a Chicago Wedding Videographer is an investment in capturing and preserving the memories of your special day. By considering the factors we’ve discussed, such as pricing, benefits, and tips for choosing the right professional, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect videographer for your Chicago wedding.

Feel free to reach out to CTRL+shot shall you have any additional questions. We are here for you to make your day unforgettable. Let’s discuss your Big Day!

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Videographer? Yes, of course! - Wedding Videography

February 22, 2023
Wedding Films

A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event that most couples cherish and remember for years to come. Every moment of the big day is precious, and it’s understandable that couples want to capture as much of it as possible. While photographs are an essential part of wedding documentation, there is nothing like a wedding video that can fully capture the emotions, sounds, and movements of the day. This is where a videographer comes in.

A videographer is a professional who specializes in capturing the moments and emotions of a wedding day on film. Hiring a videographer for a wedding is becoming increasingly popular as couples realize the importance of having a visual record of their big day. Here are some reasons why having a videographer is essential for any wedding:

Capturing the Emotions

One of the most significant benefits of having a videographer is that they can capture the emotions of the day. A photograph can only capture a single moment in time, but a video can record the full spectrum of emotions that the couple and their guests experience. From the nervous excitement of the morning preparations to the joyful celebrations of the evening reception, a videographer can capture it all.

Preserving the Memories

A wedding video is not just a record of the day; it is a keepsake that the couple can cherish for years to come. It’s a way of preserving the memories of their special day and sharing them with family and friends who couldn’t be there. A video can bring back all the sights, sounds, and emotions of the day and allow the couple to relive the moments whenever they want.

Adding Production Value

A professional videographer can add a lot of production value to a wedding video. They have the equipment and expertise to capture stunning visuals, record clear audio, and edit the footage into a cohesive and engaging story. A well-produced wedding video can be a beautiful piece of art that the couple can be proud to share with their loved ones.

Including Guests Who Couldn’t Attend

Not everyone can attend a wedding in person, whether it’s due to distance, health issues, or other reasons. A wedding video can be a way to include those guests who couldn’t attend in the celebration. The couple can share the video with them afterward and make them feel like they were a part of the day.

A Different Perspective

A videographer can provide a different perspective on the day than a photographer. While a photographer can capture still moments, a videographer can capture the movement and action of the day. They can record the first dance, speeches, and other special moments that might not translate as well into still photographs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hiring a videographer for a wedding is a worthwhile investment. A wedding video is a beautiful and meaningful way to capture the memories of the day and preserve them for years to come. It allows the couple to relive the emotions of the day and share the celebration with those who couldn’t attend. A professional videographer can add production value to the video and provide a unique perspective on the day. If you’re planning a wedding, consider hiring a videographer to capture the special moments of your big day.

2023 Wedding Stationery - best tips

January 2, 2023
Wedding Films

Wedding stationery creates an atmosphere for your big day. Wedding stationery consists of the most important paper goods that will be used throughout planning the wedding, like invitations, guest lists, menus, seating charts, program planning, music, and many many more. 

Should you skip wedding stationery? – No. But you can choose the items that are genuinely required for you and your Big Day.

Based on our experience and analyzing many weddings and articles for wedding stationery plans, we have created a helpful stationery checklist you will want to include in your wedding planning. 

Before everything begins

Dates, dates, dates.

Lock in your dates. Plan ahead, the general rule of thumb is around 6-8 months before the wedding. Guests don’t like last-minute plans as they need to coordinate the time with their families, around their own plans, and work. It is also important for destination weddings so the guests have enough time to coordinate travel and accommodation plans.  This will also provide enough time for the guests to decide if they will make the wedding.

Bridal Shower Invites

A bridal shower is an event to honor the bride-to-be. This event is usually made for people who are live close by. A few weeks in advance, think about 4-5, should allow those to plan accordingly. Should you mail the invites? – No. Skip it and formulate nice emails out. You can use websites like Evite or Etsy.

Bridesmaids Invites

Your bridesmaids are always ready to come and join the party. Consider asking your folks to stand by your side as soon as possible. We suggest at a minimum of 5-6 months in advance should be enough to give them time to plan accordingly! You may mail the invites out to have some kinesthetic memories for some of them. Check out Canva to design your own invites! Your own design is always better and it will stand out. 

Wedding 

The wedding invitation

Think enough time, 6-8 months before the wedding day should give enough room to people build their plans. What to include? – The invitation should have the names of the newlyweds, the venue and precise location, the date and time, the reception information, and RSVP details. It is important to order those early enough in case there are things to change in the design. Also, when you mail them out, mail them with delivery confirmation.  

RSVP/response card

The RSVP card is mailed with the wedding invitation. Guests will return the card to the couple with their information and intent to attend the Big Day. Nowadays, it is common for couples to opt for a digital RSVP option via the wedding website. Plan to set a deadline to reply 3 – 4 weeks ahead of the wedding to give time for the creation of seating charts and confirming food and beverage headcounts. Zola provides a great article on how to properly RSVP.

Venue & Directions

Oftentimes, venue location is difficult to find. In this case, you should consider sending out a precise location card along with the wedding invitation. Especially when you have multiple wedding locations it is important to have all clear destinations and map pins available to the guests. As an alternate option, you may add such details on the wedding website you have. This will  shrink some printing costs.

Addressed Envelopes

Addressed envelopes – what’s that? The envelope includes the guests’ names and their mailing addresses. Be sure to budget for stamps for the outer envelope. Also the RSVP card envelope.

Day of the Wedding

Wedding Programs

Wedding programs are usually optional. This specifically applies to weddings with short ceremonies. The program consists of a one-page outline of the ceremony times and actions. Some other programs include further details such as the bridal party lineup, ceremony readings, or personal messages from the couple. Wedding programs might be helpful to set the tone for the day and provide guests with a clear outline of where to be and when. However, it is absolutely up to the couple to decide whether they would like to have it or not. 

Seating Chart

Important! These oftentimes get overlooked but when done properly, they will save you tons of time. A seating chart is mandatory if the dinner provided is in a sit-down fashion. Personnel will know who is receiving what and where they sit. The options are endless. Some do a champagne wall, standing frame, mirror, chalkboard, and digital assignee cards.

Place Cards

In addition to the seating chart, you should consider place cards. These cards are usually displayed in the exact seat where guests will be seated. If you do NOT have a seating chart near your entrance, place cards are necessary for guests to know where to go and sit. Consider sites like The Knot and Canva.

Table Numbers

When table numbers are necessary? Well, when you plan to have assigned seating. They both go together. Table signs will guide the guests to the tables. You will avoid any potential chaos and confusion with seating arrangements. This is a simple DIY assignment or Amazon has a variety of options. 

Wedding Menus

Some people say that menus are not needed when budgeting for a wedding. However, we disagree and recommend making table menus. It could be short with the most important set of details; first and second courses, entrees, and desserts, as well as any sides that will be served. You can use Canva to create your own menu design on a budget. 

After the Wedding

Thank You Cards

Thank you cards are very important to recognize the people who came and the gifts given to the new family. It might be a time-consuming task, but it is proper etiquette to show your gratitude to ALL guests and gift givers, and please don’t forget about your wedding vendors. Please consider writing each guest by their name, and express thanks for attending and the specific gift given. When to send it? – Thank you cards should be sent within 2-3 weeks of receiving the gifts or after the wedding.

With Respect,

CTRL+shot Wedding Videography

ctrlshot.com 

Plan your stress-free wedding

November 21, 2022
Wedding Films

Once you get closer to your Big Day, tension increases. It might become very stressful especially when things go off rails due to different circumstances: delayed vendor requests, venues are booked, planned budget and market prices won’t match, and just getting all the details together.

Let’s look at this from a different perspective. This must be your happiest day. Planning should be a part of making this day the happiest but and the same time it must not be stressful.

CTRL+shot suggests the following few steps to make your planning stress-free wedding. 

First, it is very difficult to plan something if you are not familiar with the industry. So, hiring a professional coordinator will not only help, it will take pressure off you and provide the result. Sometimes, planning coordinators are expensive so do your research and don’t save on this as this will be a core for your wedding. In addition, planning coordinators already work with many “tested” vendors to provide for you to choose from.

Next, when setting a budget, always have some numbers in mind BUT save room to stretch it. Most of the time, it will go over as there are so many options and vendors and it is more likely you will want something extra. This is normal so prepare beforehand. 

Then, don’t underestimate Wedding Videography over other vendors. Many people think they don’t need a videographer until the very last month or a week. Nowadays, motion picture steps on the toes of photography services as you can create a storytelling wedding film that will keep touching your emotions over and over again when you watch it. So contact CTRL+shot Wedding Videography for a free consultation. Let’s chat.

Finally, there are some things that might go off the plan on your Big Day. It is absolutely okay – remember that! Nothing worth making your happiest day to be, an unhappy day. 

Once upon a time, our wedding videography team was filming a wedding in Greater Chicago Area and the couple was so upset as there were many things that went unplanned. So to make it better, we proposed a couple of things. One of them is to improvise! It turned out to be one of the best weddings for us and the couple saved the Big Day for them. We still stay in touch since that time. 

Our team at CTRL+shot wishes you smooth planning and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out. We suggest and share our experience for free. 

Things to save on wedding prep to keep it simple and fun

April 1, 2022
Uncategorized, Wedding Films

Keeping your wedding prep simple is a great way to not only represent yourself and your ideas, but also save some money too. Generally, many couples tend to overspend when it comes to their wedding and focus a lot on items that aren’t really necessary. If anything, the most important things for a wedding should be the couple, official, location, date and time, as well as the marriage license. Of course, you will also need a good Chicago videographer for your wedding films as well.

How can you make the right wedding decisions?

The main problem that a lot of couples have is that they want everything to be perfect. Because of that, they want to do everything themselves, just to ensure everything is right. The reality is that you want to take a cold look at all those tasks and features, then see if you really need them. You might be shocked, but more often than not you won’t need a lot of these services and items.

So, how can you figure out what to toss and what to keep? Create a list and then organize everything based on importance. For example, Chicago videography services from CTRL+shot are very important, and those should be on your list. However, expensive centerpieces and decorations aren’t really mandatory. You just have to see what adds value to the wedding and what can be skipped.

Asking someone else for help

You may want to handle the decorations, baking or music yourself, but hiring others or asking friends to help is a lot better. What you will notice is that outsourcing some of these wedding tasks can help you get back on track and worry a lot less. It might not seem that much in the beginning, but results can be great and that’s what matters the most.

Take your time and assess every wedding task, then ensure that you either scrap it, outsource it or move on without that particular thing. It might sound challenging at first, but if you manage to do it right, then nothing will stand in your way, and that’s exactly the need you want to pursue.

Should you focus on keeping your wedding prep simple?

There are people that try to make their wedding grandiose and massive. The reality is that you don’t have to do that. A simple wedding that represents you and who you are is a much better option. Plus, it also helps you save both time and money.

Since wedding planning has its fair share of challenges, you always want to focus on finding ways to keep your wedding simple, yet fun. Cutting down unnecessary tasks from your wedding list is really handy, and it’s definitely going to pay off big time. Just make sure that you take your time, go through all wedding tasks and then choose what works for you. Rest assured that simplifying your wedding can actually make the entire event better, not to mention you can prevent a lot of stress and anxiety!

Why should you hire a videographer? | Wedding Videography

February 17, 2022
Photography, Wedding Films

When you prepare for your wedding, one of the first things that come to mind is the venue and also the videographer or photographer you want to choose. The reason is simple, booking a videography expert is something you want to do many months in advance, especially if you live in Chicago. You want to hire a team of experts like CTRL+shot that have a lot of knowledge and expertise in this field. But why should you consider working with a videographer in the first place, what are the benefits?

wed6 Wedding Videography

Capturing all the emotions during this special day

A professional videographer can help you create incredible wedding films that capture your emotions, excitement, and fun you have during your big day. He or she can help you create an extraordinary wedding movie that you can cherish for a really long time. That’s what makes it such an incredible option to begin with.

Photography on the other hand is good too, but where is the motion? It’s tough to reproduce emotions looking at the picture. However, it is a different story with a video when you look and listen to those vows once more.

It can be hard to see everything during your wedding day

That’s why you want a videographer capturing crucial and regular parts of your wedding too. It’s exciting and fun, and it does help bring in a much more interesting and rewarding experience. On top of that, you get to see a lot of stuff that you were unaware happened. And that’s exactly the type of thing you want to have as a memory from your wedding.

You and your significant ones must be in the moment and don’t worry about preserving memories. Leave it to your wedding videographer to take care of.

Capturing both movement and sound

One of the main reasons you want to work with a professional videographer is their expertise to capture both sound and movement. It helps immensely since you get to focus on the entire experience while also knowing that you get to enjoy your wedding film once it’s all over. Videos are more engaging and exciting when compared to pictures, so having a videographer that helps capture all those videos is very helpful.

wed5 2 Wedding Videography

Videos are easy to share

Yes, wedding films are easy to share on social media or via file-sharing websites. We live in the YouTube era – upload and simply share a link. It becomes very simple to share the video and make it easy for everyone to enjoy those great moments again and again. That’s why you should have a videographer that can help, since you can enjoy your wedding films and also share them with anyone you want, without restrictions.

You can rewatch wedding videos as many times as you want

That’s the great advantage of hiring a wedding videographer, once the wedding is over you can have some incredible wedding films that you get to rewatch as you see fit. It’s exciting because you can get back to those special moments without restrictions, and it’s a great way to pull you away from any challenges or issues that might arise.

As you can see, hiring a videographer like the one from CTRL+shot is a great way to not only preserve great memories but also ensure that you get to share those moments with loved ones. It’s a great idea to work with a team of experts that can help capture on video all the emotions and excitement from your wedding. So don’t hesitate and work with a dedicated, professional videographer, it will help elevate your experience to the next level!

Why is it important to have a wedding film?

February 15, 2022
Uncategorized, Wedding Films

When you want to prepare for your wedding, hiring the right videographer is one of the first things you want to do. Since most videography experts are booked months or even years in advance, you want to make sure that you have someone ready to work on your wedding film early on in the process. Around 75% of couples regret they didn’t hire a videographer for their wedding, so it’s a great idea to NOT make such a mistake. Here’s why you want to have great wedding films!

wed2 Wedding Videography
Capture your moments

Pick great videographer to capture your wedding’s story and special moments

One of the advantages of having a wedding film is that it allows you to capture your wedding’s story and relive it again and again. A good videographer like the ones at CTRL+shot will be able to capture those moments with great success, the story behind the preserved moments, something that proves difficult without the right tools and expertise. That’s why hiring a videographer for your wedding is extremely important.

Showing these wedding films to your kids

Speaking of that, wedding films are a great thing to show to your children when they get older. Not only is it a great walk around memory lane, but it also allows your kids to see you when you were younger too. It’s a very emotional, yet satisfying moment that wedding films can bring to life.

wed4 Wedding Videography
Share with your kids

A great thing to enjoy during your anniversary

Watching your wedding film is a great way to remember your wedding anniversary every year. A lot of couples choose to rewatch their wedding videos because they are fun and bring in a very good time. Plus, it’s the type of thing that brings couples together.

Videographers have different wedding packages to choose from

What that means is that you can choose exactly the type of wedding video that you want. This is great because you can adapt their services to your own needs. And, in doing so, you also get to spend less, while still bringing the wedding of your dreams to life. There are tons of different options and this is a reason why we at CTRL+shot offer one package with all types of wedding films: art film, documentary video, and of course social media reel – check them HERE.

You are very busy during the wedding

Let’s face it, the last thing you have time for during the wedding is to take pictures or capture videos. That’s why you want a great videographer to take care of all wedding films. Not only does it help you save both time and money, but you get to be there for your guests too. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy your wedding, even more, knowing that a professional will take care of all the wedding films.

Conclusion

It’s very important to have someone specialized in capturing your wedding films ready to help every step of the way. It’s convenient, and it allows you to spend more time with your guests and enjoy the wedding festivities. Plus, if you hire a team of professionals like CTRL+shot crew, you know that you’re getting expert results and the best value for money. Don’t hesitate and contact us today for the best wedding videography services in Chicago, we are always ready to help!

Wedding Videographer - Chicago

February 13, 2022
Wedding Films

Plan To Hire Wedding Videographer with Style

Stop looking for a friend who owns the best-ever camera which she uses at every event or on your group trip to Hawaii. It might sound very good to ask your best man to use a camera at your ceremony and save some money, but you are most likely going to end up with something less than a pro wedding film after all. The question to ask is do you really want to miss out on your special moments, feelings, and emotions? I guess – No. Hire your personal wedding videography so you don’t regret it later.

Wedding Film for Romantic Couple

Art Film

For a realistic play-by-play of all these events, you need a videographer with the ability to see the story through the prism of the camera and create an art version of your wedding day. Your story will be the foundation for the art film and the length of such a film is about 2-3 mins. 

Documentary

Usually, the longest video version of the wedding day. The footage of the entire wedding day will be blended together with many moments from your vows and family toasts to friends’ jokes and disco dances. Your dad will crack a joke based on your childhood story when you both went fishing for the first time, and your mom, after a couple of drinks, opens a secret you told her about your first high school kiss. Your grandparents wish you a long and blessed marriage. Memorize them through the great documentary video. Don’t overlook videography options. 

Social Media Videography

Art Films and Documentary versions are great for your family treasure. But we live in the social media world. You can’t upload a 7 mins documentary to Instagram or Facebook but a short reel will work just fine.

It’s a short 20-30 seconds preview with special background music to make your friends and followers excited. 

A great wedding videographer carries more than just a camera. There must be a vision, a vision of your story that can be preserved and used to create art. This videographer also holds an imposing repertoire of video know-how. 

Here at CTRL+shot, we offer all the above-listed options in one package. Ping us today to get more details – contact us HERE. 

Written by CTRL+shot.com Chicago, IL