Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Your wedding is the ultimate expression of who you are. From your cake to your colors, every aspect reflects a part of your personality. Invitations are no different. In fact, they set the tone for your wedding way before your big day - they tell your guests what to expect - formal event? beach side affair? Invitations set the tone.
That’s why I love great save the dates and wedding invitations. Now, there is another option for creative brides - Video/DVD invitations.
DVD/Video invitations consists of a video of the couple inviting their guests. Simply concept but the options range the entire gamut.
If this is something of interest to you, here are the components:
1) Budget - of course everything starts with budget. Yes brides, you have to decide at the beginning how much we can/want to spend on invitations. This is your starting point and your budget will drive EVERYTHING.
2) Style - based on your budget, do you want to go all out for the invitation or do the bare minimum? There are many ways to approach this but let’s say there are two types -DIY approach / luxe approach.
3) Format
DIY:
- use still pictures and create a slideshow type production
- produce your own video (with tripod or friend videoing) and then upload the video to youtube (as these folks have done)
- send your pics to a company like Show and Tell, although I honestly think you could achieve this same look on your own
Luxe:
- add the video creation to your wedding videography package. If you don’t plan to hire a wedding videographer, you could still hire a videographer to create your DVD. Nashville wedding videographer McNeal Video created the dvd invitation featured below. What I like about this video is that it truly expresses this couple’s style.
Click here if you can’t see.
A professional video like this will serve two purposes - one you get a professionally made video to send to your guests; which makes an awesome first impression and 2) you get a chance to see your wedding videographer/photographer at work way before your wedding day. If there are any issues/problems, you know well in advance and can work to resolve the problem or hire someone else
- use professional pics from your engagement photo session
- work with a Nashville stationers like Kim at PaperKuts Studio or Cat of Carte Blanche; they both carry the Marsupial Papers line. Marsupial Papers is all about style and quality and I love their dvd invitation packaging; it’s simple yet elegant. Contact PaperKuts to learn more.
- develop something really innovative like this adorable cartoon wedding invitation below that I found on youtube
4) Packaging - how do want to present the video invitation? You really have tons of options. And, you can combine them too.
DIY:
- Place on your wedding website or blog
- Email your guests and place the link to your video and other wedding info in the email (if you have a really tight budget but want a unique invitation)
Luxe:
- Completely custom invitation from Designs in Paper (yes they do everything)
- Semi-custom invitation like these great ones from Marsupial Papers (clearly fabuluxe) or Reel Invitations, if you’re on smaller budget but don’t have time to do a quality DIY version.
Final note -
I would not rely on the digital invitations to disseminate info like directions, registry, important info in the dvd solely; you should provide a paper copy or at least a printable document. I would place this info on my wedding website, email or in a paper invitation that accompanies the dvd. (obviously not the registry info). People like to carry that type of info with them. I would also consider a save the date magnet or something that they can place on their fridge so they dont forget your wedding date.
Regardless of your budget or your style, have fun creating an ultra-personal, super creative way to invite your guests. It will certainly give your wedding an added wow factor.