I went through the many older threads and taking up your suggestion for a custom photo book.
I'm a bridesmaid on a budget (being a recent grad with no job yet). I'll be ordering online via a site like Photoworks or Picaboo a customed wedding book.
Do you think this is completely appropriate? I know the bride will likely also want to make/want their own version but is it weird for me to make one as well and give it as a gift? And about the logistics, how do I go about getting the photos for the photo book? I don't believe that I will be able to contact the photographer personally (I'll see about that) so should I ask the bride for a copy of the photos (which would ruin the surprise, though I don't know if the wedding gift should be a surprise per se)? OR should I go to the rehearsal and wedding to photograph everything myself or by a friend, then use those photos only? That route, however, would mean non-professional photos which I don't know if it is appropriate for a "wedding gift photo book" (maybe for a regular, fun gift).
Thoughts?
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Jul 20, 2007, 9:19 AM)
The Video Pros
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Re: [howdyyall] A wedding book as a gift from bridesmaid
[In reply to]
You have chosen a wonderful idea for a gift and one that will bring back many good memories. Do you know anyone who has just one book?
A couple things to keep in mind regarding the book:
1) If the bride has hired a professional photographer, the photographer may have already suggested a book to the bride as they are so popular now, and if the bride has agreed to a book then the photographer will probably be choosing the photos for "their" book and presenting 40 or 70 of what they feel are the best photos of the event in a book format. Photographer's pictures are copyrighted, and you must have written permission from the photographer to use their images. Many are very sensitive to the idea of someone else manipulating their images, as they are concerned as to how they will be presented (i.e. possibly not in their best light).
Does this preclude you from doing your own? Absolutely NOT! Some of the best images we have used from clients have been candid shots taken from friends and family and included along with the professional photos.
2) You might consider creating a book of images of when the couple first met, some events they have attended prior to the wedding (i.e. holidays, vacations, reunions, etc.). If there was a special place where he proposed, get a picture of that location. And then include current pictures of the bridal shower, engagement parties, rehearsal dinner, getting ready for the wedding, etc. If the bride is planning on having cameras available for guests to take pictures, you could use copies of those images supplied to you for the book.
3) Keep in mind when creating the book that you might want to design with the idea of annotating the images with names and dates. You will actually be creating a historical document that will hopefully be viewed by future generations.
4) Longevity of the material being used to make the book is an important consideration. You could design the layouts yourself and print with archival inks on your inkjet, using heavy coated paper stock so it would have a substantial feel. You could then insert the pages into a hidden screw post clam shell portfolio which looks just like a book, but allows pages to be inserted and/or removed.
Or you could design the layouts yourself and have a company print and flush mount prior to binding using actual photographic prints for the process. Don't forget to have extra copies made for yourself and the wedding party.
Whatever you choose, I feel that the bride will treasure your book probably more than one from the professional photographer, as yours will be crafted with love and friendship in every page. Copen Cabana DJ Audio Visual Production providing Custom Wedding Coffee Table Photo Book with DVD Services http://www.knowareland.com
A wedding book as a gift from bridesmaid
