Kind of Bummed About Wedding DVD

[Jessica]

This isn't exactly a vent, but I had no idea where to fit it.

 

Ok, first I have to say I LOVED my photographer, she's awesome as hell and I don't have any other complaints (cause if I did, I'd probably be livid over this issue).

 

So my package included a DVD slide show. She recently sent me a package to pick out what pictures to include on the print ready cd and for the pro wedding album. I thought at this time, I'd also be telling her my music choices for the DVD. I've really been looking forward to this, because for my wedding I went the pretty traditional route and am normally, not the most traditional person. So the one little aspect of the wedding that we were going to have personalized to our interests was the music that went with the DVD (which were going to be a couple of punk songs).

 

So imagine how bummed I was when I opened the package and saw the DVD. As beautifully as it was packaged my heart sank because it became apparent she picked out the music herself. I played the DVD and the music isn't horrible... but it's totally not our type of music. Actually, I don't even know what the songs are or who sings them.

 

DVD's are priced on her a la carte rates as $500. I don't know what to do. I mean, I'd kind of feel like a jerk if I said, "uh, thanks for the dvd. I know it's normally $500 a la carte for the DVD, but can you make me another one with the music we want?"

 

I mean, I guess I could make my own slide show in windows media... or download a program to make it. But the pro one is so pretty (in terms of the actual disc and what's printed on it), that I don't think it'd even compare.

 

Should I say something or just let it go? I hate to be a pain.

[LadyP]

That is horrible can you send it back and she redo it. If it is not what you want I would send it back. 500 is chump change to most but to me a teacher it is alot of money not to be satisfied with.

[Clussy75]

I would ABSOLUTELY say something about it and ask her to please put your songs on the DVD which you had your heart set on. There's obviously an element of tact that you'd want to use so to not put her on the defense but stand your ground. If it came with your package selection, then you paid for it in essence as part of the package cost, right? Either way, I'm sure she would understand and mention that you've always known it to be a standard to have the couple choose the songs for the DVD. good luck!

[TATrisha]

Why don't you e-mail her and ask? Just ask if there is anyway that she could redo the DVD with a few songs that you and your husband were hoping to have on there? She might say no... she might say yes... or she might say $500 please! If she says $500 then I say it's not worth it... but you KNOW it didn't cost her $500 to make it, so you'd think she'd want you to be happy.

[tvt]

I think you should definitely say something. This is your wedding DVD we're talking about. Not a poorly cooked steak really bad analogy, sorry. My point it this is once in a life time. I'd go in killing her with kindness and then ask if she could do another one with the songs you want.

[JessicaM]

I defiantly would say something. I think it is pretty easy to just change out the music on a slide show if I remember correctly so she shouldn't have to re-create the entire thing....then just burn another DVD.

[Jessica]

Yeah, I guess I'll ask her about it when I email her the pictures we want for the album. I just feel bad for some reason about saying anything. I don't know why. Ugh.

[JaimeLynne]

I agree - say something. The worst she can say is it'll be another $500. If that were the case then you'd have to decide how much it is worth it to you. Unless it was included in part of the original package that YOU get to pick the songs. If that's the case, you should definitely get to do just that without having to pay for it!

[NATASHA]

It is a very simple (technically speaking) change for her to swap the music and burn a new CD. Don't feel bad about asking her to produce something the way you want it.

 

What I don't know, though, is if they are allowed to sell something (even though she included this in your package, the law still looks at it as if she is making money off of her total service offering) with music that photographers haven't purchased the rights to. I doubt they are, but I don't know how many photographers pay attention to that.

 

If that's the issue and that's why she selected the music she did, just consult with her on your options. Maybe she can give you a slideshow without music and let you know what programs you could use to add the music (the easiest way to do it, though, is using her same program, but you may have more options than you're aware of).

[StephanieMN]

There maybe some copyright issues with the songs and that is why she won't do it.

I have made DVD slide shows for my sisters wedding and I am doing one for our guest to watch while they have drinks and wait for us to get to the reception. If she won't re-do it for you I would be happy to do it. The software is great and it is professional.