The Wedding Experience - FAQ

Do you film using digital equipment?
Yes, absolutely. We film and edit everything on professional digital equipment.
Please don't choose any company that doesn't! We use professional cameras, digital mastering, titling, special effects and computer-based digital nonlinear editing equipment plus quality microphones.

Are there any additional costs or 'hidden charges?
The wedding packages include everything listed and we guarantee we will provide you with a visual memory you will cherish forever. Although we cannot control time and if for any reason should it appear your wedding event will go longer than the selected services, we will keep you informed when we near the completion of the allocated time. We will happily stay on and we then charge by the hour only.

What if I want a highlights option?
All packages include highlights options. We offer two format choices: "cinematic" and "documentary".  Cinematic is an artistic and emotional highlights re-telling of your day that focuses on the events and personality of your wedding day. Set to music, the cinematic style has the look and feel of a movie.

The "documentary" style is a chronological record of the days proceedings, as they happened. A "documentary" style video can be shortened to a highlights option upon request. Please ensure you discuss this with us during consultation.

DVDs and CDs
A.V.I Creative are committed to leading edge technology. We offer highlights on DVD, Blue Ray (HD only), memory stick or hard drive and website viewing. VHS tape is available upon request.

Do you sub-contract work?
All our camera operator's contract exclusively to A.V.I Creative Wedding Artistry and are thoroughly briefed prior to filming your wedding. All planning, editing and creative content during editing is controlled and produced at the A.V.I Creative Studios.

Can I choose the background music for my DVD?
Yes, Everyone's taste in music is different and although there are several regular favourites the choice is entirely yours, be it contemporary, classic or rock & roll.

Can I see examples of you work?
Of course. Visit our screening room by clicking here.

Why should we have our Wedding videotaped?
There is nothing more important than being able to recall the events long after they happened or replay your special day to future children. A truly professional DVD captures the nervousness, excitement, romance, fun and laughter of your wedding day, a wedding is a memory that becomes one of the major social events in a person’s life. Video offers an opportunity to capture your family and friends and create your legacy, which will be cherished for years to come. I have had many couples tell me that having A.V.I Creative videotape their day was the best choices they made.

Can a friend or family member videotape our Wedding?
Certainly, but don’t expect professional results. I have seen some horror videos filmed by uncles and friends on small camcorders. In most cases the uncle/friend filming the event is often a guest and is not fully concentrating on everything going on.
Ask yourself, its your special day and how important is it to you? Should you get an offer, thank them for their kindness and indicate you have chosen a professional.

Will the camera operators be obtrusive and disruptive?
Lights, action, camera, as the saying goes. With today's digital availability our cameras film in the lowest of light. A.V.I Creative make's every effort to capture your wedding your way unobtrusively and tastefully, using no lights at the ceremony, remaining as stationary, discreet and silent as possible. *Only on two occasions have we had to use a single light, once in a dimly lit church and once at a reception, we come prepared should the occasion call for more light than is available.

How should I choose a videographer?
It’s a fact of life that price plays a key role in determining your selection of professionals, and there is a photographer and videographer for every budget. Once you have determined your spending limit, then begin by evaluating your professionals for quality, experience and compatibility. Two professional digital broadcast quality cameras are a must if you are to get true broadcast quality, with multi-angle coverage. Some companies use 3-4 cameras, lighting equipment and large extension microphones etc, which can make your wedding look more like a television studio than a romantic event. We use tripod and shoulder mounted video camera's and audio is recorded via a radio microphone.

Will my photographer and a videographer work together?
When booking a dual video & photography service with A.V.I Creative you have the luxury of a team that works together. We liase with each other on the elements of the day. We are very aware of each services capture requirements and do not get in each others way. 

Generally, photographers and videographers get along just fine. I have an excellent reputation with many leading international photographers. A.V.I Creative offer dual photo and video services.

What if my church has restrictions on video?
It is the client’s responsibility to find out if there are any restrictions on photography and videography wherever the event takes place and to notify us well in advance. Many churches have guidelines, such as no flash photography and not too much moving around during the ceremony, and understandably so. We liaise with the minister during the rehearsal or prior if need be. We are very aware a place of worship is not a television studio. Most celebrants realise the importance of video & photography to the bride and groom and their respective families.

Will you attend the rehearsal?
We will make every effort to attend the rehearsal, We feel that it is necessary and ensures a smoothly run event day by meeting the bridal party and family prior. Please contact us for your final pre-wedding briefing (about two weeks prior to the event) to go over any new items with you.

What should I look for in a professional videotape?
The picture and sound should be crystal clear. The titles should look professional and be easily read. The production should be tightly and tastefully edited, making the DVD more enjoyable to watch than real time raw footage. Special effects should be enhancements to the production and not appear "gimmicky". The most important element to shop for is the actual videographer, whose shooting experience and talents are what you really want.

How long will the finished DVD be?
Cameras are usually rolling the entire service to ensure every special moment is captured. Once edited, your wedding video will be from between 20 to 90 minutes, dependant of the service requested.

Can I make copies of my Wedding DVD?
You are free to make copies of your wedding memories for friends and family however I recommend that you order additional copies from us ($70 for DVD and $55 for video VHS-Pal) this ensures that the quality remains the same as the duplication is from the original.

What about those obtrusive interviews?
A.V.I Creative will include interviews and family congratulations when asked. We will visit each table during the reception and offer everyone the opportunity or get the DJ or Master of Ceremonies to make an announcement if they wish to be included. Be sure to inform us if you want interviews or not.

When will I get my finished DVD?
We aim for the edited videotape being delivered to you within 6 six weeks of your wedding. Although we reserve the right during particularly busy periods, should it take a little longer? Rushed wedding DVDs can appear to be just that rushed, all care and responsibility is taken to ensure a lasting memory.

Bookings are now being taken for 2009 and 2010 seasons