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THE Voast BLOG
Wedding Video Ideas: Ranked from Least Expensive to Most Expensive
Wedding Video can easily be one of he most expensive line items at your wedding. But does it have to be? We rounded up the most popular options for capturing video content from your wedding and outlined the pros and cons of each options. Which option is right for you?
Footage from your wedding day is a valuable keepsake. You want these cherished moments, but what’s the best way to go about them?
To help find what works best for your budget, we ranked wedding video ideas from least expensive to most expensive.
Document your big day:
#1 DIY Options
If you’re on a strict budget or enjoy a hands-on approach, DIY wedding videos can be a great alternative.
Cost: $0-$800 plus editing
How to pull this off:
Guest Cam:
Have a friend use a camcorder or record footage on their phone.
Make sure to give them key moments you want them to document!
Time Lapse:
Set Up a camera in position to capture the entire event in a time lapse video
Make sure to move it between ceremony and reception if you want to capture both parts!
Go Pro:
Attach a Go-Pro or clip on camera to capture unique angles, such as attaching it to the bouquet or the groom’s jacket for a first-person view.
Advantages:
Cost-effective: DIY options are more affordable as you can rely on friends and family.
Personal Touch: You’ll get video footage from your friend’s perspective and they can add a unique sense of personality to the video.
Flexibility: You can ask them to capture whatever you want!
Disadvantages:
Someone needs to be “working” the wedding, instead of just enjoying the day, which can feel like a burden on your guests who are involved.
Post-production can be time consuming and editing capabilities may be limited.
Video Quality will not be as high as a professional quality video.
Only one perspective is captured, so you’ll likely miss some moments and people who aren’t friends with the one holding the camera.
# 2. A Video Booth
A video booth can add a fun and interactive element to your wedding and be a good alternative to a photo booth or guest book.
Cost: $800-2800
How to pull this off:
Rent a video booth from a trusted company and make sure your rental dates will accommodate all the festivities you want to capture.
Set up a video booth for your guests away from the DJ, in a quiet place so your guests can record their messages.
Give your guests prompts to answer on screen, and make sure to let them know you want them to leave messages by putting it in your wedding program or reminding them in your speech!
Advantages:
Guest Participation: gives your guests a fun activity and talking point from your wedding!
Personal Messages: leave personal messages, share stories, and send their best wishes freely, giving everyone the chance to participate.
Variety: If you get a weekend rental, you can bring the booth to all of your wedding events and collect videos from people at different times throughout the celebration.
Make it your own: You can have different props, signs, and backdrops to make the experience even more customized.
Editing: Depending on the video booth you choose, editing services may be included.
Disadvantages:
Limited POV: Because the video booth is in one location and is focused on people, you don’t get a cinematic montage of things like the venue, details, or wide angle shots.
# 3. A Content Creator
A wedding “content creator” is someone who captures photos and videos throughout your wedding, typically from an iphone, and shares unedited content with you.
Cost: $1000-5000
How to pull this off:
Connect with a content creator whose style you like and make sure they know what the important parts of the day to capture are for you and your content goals.
Advantages:
Personal Touch: Every content creator is different, so you will be able to choose someone who aligns with your vision for the day and you can give specific directions to.
Quick Delivery: Typically, content creators do not edit the content, which means they can share everything that was captured at your wedding very quickly. This could be a good way to informally share about your wedding on social media before you get the professional galleries back.
Disadvantages:
Content Varies Greatly: Because content creators are typically working with less equipment, there might be challenges like lighting, sound, and angles that don’t result in a flawless end product.
Limited coverage: Your content creator will be hired for a certain number of hours, so if full coverage is not in your budget, you may have parts of the day, or weekend, that are not included.
#4. Professional Videographer
A professional videographer is a popular choice if your budget allows!
Cost: $2000-6000+
How to pull this off:
Choose a videographer with a style you enjoy. Make sure they are communicative, have a good track record with previous clients, and have an editing style that is in-line with what you’re looking for.
Highlight any important moments you want to make sure they capture in a pre-meeting.
Advantages:
Expertise: Hiring a professional means you can ensure your wedding video is documented the way you want when you hire someone who you trust to put your day in high quality film.
Comprehensive Coverage: Your videographer can capture all the key moments, from getting ready, to ceremony, to the first dance and the after party.
Editing: Editing is usually included in a videography package, and you’ll get cinematic style highlights from your day, making it look so epic!
Second shooters: Some videography packages will have second shooters included, meaning you will have multiple viewpoints throughout the day.
Disadvantages:
Cost: Videography packages with a professional can be expensive and simply not in your realistic budget.
Cinematic Focus: Many videographers are focused on the cinematic elements of your day, and may not be able to focus on your guests and capturing authentic moments and messages from everyone.
Can I choose multiple options for my wedding?
Of course! You don’t have to stick to just one method. Combining a traditional videographer with a video booth and some DIY elements can result in a rich and varied documentation of your wedding day. For example, the professional can focus on the main events, the video booth can capture personal messages, and the DIY cameras can offer candid and unique perspectives.
What is right for my wedding?
Your wedding video will be a treasured keepsake, allowing you to relive the emotions and joy of your special day. Whether you opt for a traditional videographer, a video booth, or a DIY approach, what matters most is that the video reflects your personality and the love you share. Take time to plan and consider what will work best for you, and most importantly, enjoy the process of capturing these unforgettable moments.
Want to find more ways to engage with your guests? Get the free Guide: No More Boring Weddings!
To learn more about our Video Guest Book, check out How it Works.
Five Unique Ideas for your Bachelorette Party
Looking for unique elements to take your bachelorette party to the next level? Here’s five ideas that are sure to make your party one to remember!
Planning a bachelorette party can be a thrilling yet challenging task! The hope is to create an event that the bride-to-be and her friends will remember for years to come. To help you with your planning, we've compiled five unique ideas that will make your bachelorette party stand out.
1. Spa Day
Treat the girls to a luxurious spa day or make a DIY spa at home! Opt for a full-service spa that offers a variety of treatments such as massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. Consider booking a private room or suite where you can enjoy your treatments together. Many spas offer packages specifically designed for bachelorette parties, which can include champagne, snacks, and other perks. This relaxing day will leave everyone feeling pampered and ready for the big day. For the DIY route, create a spa day with nail polish, eye masks, and new products to try together!! Don’t forget to add a cute set of pajamas to the packing list!
2. Outdoor Adventure
If the bride-to-be loves the outdoors, plan an adventurous day filled with activities such as hiking, kayaking, or zip-lining. Choose a beautiful location with scenic views and plan a picnic or a visit to a local winery or brewery afterward. This option is perfect for a group that loves to stay active and enjoy nature. Be sure to check the weather and pack accordingly to ensure everyone has a great time! Maybe it’s time for the matching water bottles?
3. Private Cooking Class
For a fun and interactive experience, book a private cooking class or private chef to give you a lesson! Choose a cuisine that the bride-to-be loves or has always wanted to learn how to cook. Many cooking schools and chefs offer private classes tailored for bachelorette parties, which often include a multi-course meal, wine pairings, and recipes to take home. This hands-on activity will not only be educational but also delicious!
4. Video Booth Fun
Capture all the special moments of the weekend with a video booth. Set up a video booth at your party location where guests can record messages, take snapshots, and create fun videos throughout the whole weekend. This is a fantastic way to capture candid moments and create a keepsake video for the bride-to-be. The video booth can be customized with prompts, props and backdrops to match your party theme, making it a hit with all the guests. It can be used as a confessional booth to get hot takes from everyone — and it's a great way to ensure that everyone gets involved in the festivities!
5. Themed Party Night
Host a themed party night that reflects the bride-to-be's interests or favorite things. Some popular themes include a 1920s Gatsby party, a tropical luau, or a glamorous Hollywood night. Decorate the venue accordingly, plan themed games and activities, and encourage guests to dress up. You could even hire a professional photographer or videographer to capture the evening. This immersive experience will create lasting memories and provide endless content opportunities.
Conclusion
Planning a bachelorette party is all about celebrating the bride-to-be and creating unforgettable memories. Whether you choose a relaxing spa day, an adventurous outdoor activity, a cooking class, or a themed party, these unique ideas are sure to make your event special. And don't forget to include a video booth to capture all the fun moments. Here's to an amazing bachelorette party that will be remembered for years to come!
Learn more about why a Voast video booth might be the perfect addition to your bachelorette party.
Happy partying!
Amplify Your Bachelorette Party
Voast video booths provide a dynamic way for guests to create and preserve memories. Whether you want to record heartfelt messages, goofy dances, spontaneous moments, or confessional style testimonials, a video booth adds an interactive element to your celebration.
Bachelorette parties are a time for laughter, bonding, and making unforgettable memories. While planning the perfect celebration, incorporating a video booth can elevate the experience, capturing the joy and excitement of the event.
At Voast, we believe that a Voast video booth is the ultimate addition to any bachelorette party, offering a unique and fun way to record and share special moments. Here’s how to make the most of a Voast video booth for your bachelorette party, along with the numerous benefits it brings to the party.
What is a Video Booth?
A Voast video booth is a modern twist on the traditional photo booth and guest book, designed to capture high-quality videos instead of just still photos or signatures. Equipped with user-friendly technology, customizable features, and instant sharing options, Voast video booths provide a dynamic way for guests to create and preserve memories. Whether you want to record heartfelt messages, goofy dances, spontaneous moments, or confessional style testimonials, a video booth adds an interactive element to your celebration.
How to Use a Video Booth for Your Bachelorette Party:
1. Set Up in a Central Location: Place the video booth in a high-traffic area where guests can easily access it. Decorate the surrounding space with themed props, backdrops, and lighting to enhance the visual appeal and encourage participation.
2. Create a Fun and Inviting Atmosphere: Stock the booth area with a variety of props such as hats, glasses, signs, and costume accessories. Encourage guests to get creative and playful with their recordings. The more fun they have, the better the videos will be!
3. Encourage Group Participation: Highlight the booth during the event by having the bride and her friends record group videos. These can include choreographed dances, synchronized cheers, or simply sharing their favorite memories and well-wishes for the bride-to-be.
4. Easy Sharing: Voast video booths allow guests to share their videos by getting digital copies of the edits and the raw files. Make sure to share your favorite clips so everyone can relive the fun moments even after the party is over.
5. Personalized Keepsakes: Use the video booth to create personalized keepsakes for the bride and her guests. Compile the videos into a montage or create individual video messages that can be cherished for years to come.
6. Get Reality-TV Style Interviews: Keep a record as the night (or weekend) progresses and pretty soon, you and your gals will be putting Love Island to shame. Use the video booth like a confessional booth, counting how many drinks in you are, recording sweet messages, and everything in between. How else will you remember what happened?
Why Should You Invite a Voast Video Booth to Your Bachelorette Party?
1. Interactive Entertainment: A video booth adds an interactive element to the party, keeping guests engaged and entertained throughout the event. It serves as a conversation starter and a fun activity for everyone to enjoy.
2. Capture Genuine Emotions: Videos capture the essence of the moment, preserving genuine emotions and reactions that photos may not fully convey. From laughter to tears of joy, a Voast video booth ensures these precious moments are recorded.
3. Create Lasting Memories: The videos produced by a Voast video booth become treasured keepsakes, allowing the bride and her friends to relive the memories long after the party ends. These videos can be shared at future gatherings or compiled into a sentimental gift.
4. Customizable and Thematic: Voast video booths offer customizable features such as themed backgrounds, personalized messages, and event-specific branding. This allows you to tailor the experience to fit the theme and vibe of your bachelorette party.
5. Perfect for sharing: With the ability to share all the raw clips, your friends can post their favorite moments moments on social (or the group chat).
6. Easy to Use: Voast video booths are designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for guests of all ages to participate. The intuitive interface ensures that everyone can create and share videos with minimal guidance.
Incorporating a Voast video booth into your bachelorette party is a surefire way to enhance the celebration and create lasting memories. With its interactive features, customizable options, and ability to capture genuine emotions, a video booth from Voast is the perfect addition to any event. So, raise a toast to the bride-to-be and let the Voast video booth capture all the fun, laughter, and love of your special day!
Check your event date now to get started with booking a Voast video booth for your bachelorette party.
Happy partying!
Making the Most of Your Rehearsal Dinner: Tips to Engage and Entertain Your Guests
Rehearsal dinners are a fantastic opportunity to kick off your wedding celebrations on a high note. Yet, they often become an afterthought, and so your guests (and their plus ones) might be looking for something to do. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can turn your rehearsal dinner into a memorable and engaging event that sets the tone for your whole weekend of festivities. Here are some tips and ideas to help you make the most of your rehearsal dinner.
SETTING THE STAGE
Rehearsal dinners are a fantastic opportunity to kick off your wedding celebrations on a high note. Yet, they often become an afterthought, and so your guests (and their plus ones) might be looking for something to do. Have no fear! Even if you are last-minute planning, you can turn your rehearsal dinner into a memorable and engaging event that sets the tone for your whole weekend of festivities. Here are some tips and ideas to help you make the most of your rehearsal dinner.
1. Engaging Activities & Games
Keeping guests entertained is crucial. Here are some activities to consider:
Lawn Games: Classic lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, bocce ball, and croquet can provide hours of entertainment. They are perfect for guests of all ages and encourage mingling and friendly competition.
Trivia Quiz: Host a trivia quiz about the couple. This can be a fun way for guests to learn more about your love story and background.
Cards & Table Games: If there’s significant time for mingling, invite guests to sit and play a board game or card game. There’s something for everyone!
2. Interactive Guest Books or Booths
Guest books are a classic wedding staple, but you can elevate them with modern twists and make sure that guests have time to leave a thoughtful response.
Video Guest Book: Set up a video guest book where guests can leave personal messages and well wishes. This can serve as a reality TV-style confessional video booth, getting out those pre-wedding thoughts, creating a fun and hilarious video to watch back later.
Audio Guest Book: Provide a vintage telephone where guests can pick up the receiver and record heartfelt or humorous messages. This nostalgic touch will make the guest book experience unique and memorable.
Photo Booth: Often the photo booth gets forgotten with all the hubbub on your wedding day, so why not set it up the night before and invite guests to snap a photo with you beforehand?
Storytelling: Invite guests to share stories about the couple. This can be heartfelt, funny, and a great way to hear different perspectives on your relationship. You can invite people to do so from the mic at the front, in a video booth, or write their favorite memory on a note card.
3. Personal Touches
Adding personal touches can make your rehearsal dinner feel special and intimate:
Sharing Photos: Create a slide show of your journey together, from dating to engagement. Share it during the dinner to give guests a glimpse into your relationship or print our photos from your relationship and use them as decor.
Custom Playlists: Curate a playlist of your favorite songs or ones that have special meaning to you both. Music can set the tone and keep the atmosphere lively!
4. Food and Drink
Make sure the food and drink reflect your style and preferences:
Signature Drinks: Share signature beverages that represent you as a couple. Provide a menu with fun names and descriptions to tell guests why you picked it – even if it’s the beer you were sipping on when you met, or the wine from your favorite local winery. Need inspiration? Try this signature cocktail generator.
Interactive Food Stations: Consider interactive food stations like a taco bar, sushi station, or DIY dessert bar. This allows guests to customize their meals and adds a fun twist to the dining experience, which can be a little more casual than the actual wedding.
Conclusion
Your rehearsal dinner doesn't have to be an afterthought. By incorporating a few interactive elements, and some thoughtfulness beforehand, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests. Remember, the goal is to set the tone for the wedding festivities and make everyone feel involved and excited. With these tips, your rehearsal dinner can become a highlight of your wedding celebration!
For more, check out our E-Book, No More Boring Weddings, to see how you can engage your guests at different points throughout your big day and make sure your people are the most important part of your day.
Why your wedding needs a video booth
HOT TAKE: Every wedding is just settling for a photo booth, when you could have a video booth.
Brides, it’s time to ditch the photo booth in favor of video. And here’s why.
HOT TAKE: Every wedding is just settling for a photo booth.
Brides, it’s time to ditch the photo booth in favor of video. And here’s why.
In 2024, we know that video is king. We want candid videos, camcorder style footage, moments from our wedding that will remind us of what the day was like. We want to be immersed in the sights and sounds of a particular time and place. And we’re doing that with grainy series of photos, holding up a fake mustache and a sign that say “team bride”?
The standard of photo booth tech hasn’t changed much in the past three decades, but by leveraging a bit of modern tech, we can level up. It’s time we evolved the photo booth into a video booth.
This is the one time you’ll have the chance to gather all your loved ones in a room. If we’re honest, the one time where everyone is feeling sentimental, celebratory, and willing to talk about how great you are (read: willing to share all the wild stories that they can’t share on the mic.)
So, why not give them the opportunity to share – in a private video – what they want to share on your wedding day?
Is a Video Booth a good idea for a wedding?
When choosing how you are going to remember your day, there’s plenty of options. Content creators, photographers, videographers, guest books, polaroid cameras, some dude with a camcorder– we’ve seen it all! But the best way to capture the stories that mean the most to you and your partner? A Video Booth.
#1: It’s a great way to engage your guests
Our Video Booth has the capability of asking questions that you get to write ahead of time, so you get the footage that actually matters.
Marriage advice from your grandparents?
Story of how you first met from you college roommate?
Favorite memory with your best friend?
Check. Check. Check. It’s all possible with a video guest book, which combines the fun of a photo booth, the technology of a video booth, the personal touch of an interview, and the keepsake of a wedding album.
Your wedding video booth is all yours to customize, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to watch your friends and family leave messages for you.
#2: It’s a meaningful keepsake for you
Imagine coming back after your honeymoon to relive your day through the video guest book; watch how the events of the night unfolded (and maybe how the video booth got an unfiltered look at how liquid courage played a role in your friends behavior.)
Above all, you’ll have a wedding video that you can look back on for years to come.
When we’re all a little more grey, a little more wrinkled, you’ll have a window into seeing your friends and family the way they were on your wedding day. The way they talked, the smile on their faces, the outfits they wore, and the love they brought to you.
#3: It’s a cost effective way to capture your day from a new perspective
While most wedding media will focus on you, a video booth turns the spotlight on your guests. In this way, you’ll feel the love all over again with video messages from everyone who was there. You’ll get dozens (maybe even hundreds) of clips, without the price tag of a video crew who would interview your guests. The custom app included on the video booth will do it for you!
A large part of what makes a wedding day so special is the love you feel from your guests. It’s incredibly special that your guests are all there to celebrate, affirm, and witness your love story.
If a photo is worth a thousand words, what’s a video worth to you?
Here’s a disclaimer for the photobooth lovers out there: We’re not here to rain on your parade. We’ve developed a photo booth feature just for you.
Creative Wedding Idea: Reality TV Style Confessional Booth
The most dramatic finale of your love life comes with much anticipated drama! Use the Voast Video Booth to create your own Reality-TV style confessional booth for your wedding, using hilarious prompts to get your people talking!
What if your wedding was the most dramatic finale ever?
Picture this: your guests, in full glam, stepping up to record their “in the moment interviews”, just like the ones on your favorite reality shows. With a Video Guest Book, you can capture hilarious, heartfelt, and candid moments that will be treasured forever.
What will your guests say without a filter?
Here’s how to make it happen!
Setting the Stage
When you rent your video guest book, you’ll want to set up the kiosk in a prime spot at your wedding venue. Think of a cozy corner with enough privacy to make guests feel comfortable spilling their secrets or sharing their most embarrassing stories. Decorate it with some plush cushions, chic drapery or a backdrop, and maybe even a fun sign that reads, "Guests Tell All”.
Start the conversation…
Now that your confessional booth is all set up, it’s time to guide your guests on what to share. You’ll want a mix of prompts that encourage everything from sweet sentiments to laugh-out-loud tales or hot takes.
The kiosk’s easy to use UX walks your guests through all the prompts, so it could’t be easier to capture this footage!
You can pick these prompts when you fill out your client portal, and they’ll be ready to go on the day of. Here are some prompts to consider:
The First Impression: "Describe how you first met the bride or groom. Were there any awkward moments?"
Secrets Revealed: "What’s a little-known fact about the bride or groom that you’re dying to share?"
Future Predictions: "Where do you see the happy couple in ten years? Any kids, pets, or outrageous adventures?"
Best Advice: "What’s the best piece of marriage advice you can give to the newlyweds?"
Epic Fails: "Share a funny story involving the bride or groom that they might not want us to know!"
Dance Moves: "Show us your best dance move that you’ll be busting out later!"
Who does it better?: "Who is the best cook/dancer/singer/DJ/shopper/kisser/lover?"
Love Language: "In one word, describe the newlywed. Only one!"
What’s in Your Pocket? "Pull out the most random thing you have with you today and explain why you have it."
Keeping It Light and Fun
Encourage your guests to let loose and have fun with their videos. The more relaxed and natural they feel, the more genuine and entertaining the videos will be. You could even add some props like goofy hats, oversized glasses, or funny signs to amp up the hilarity.
Capture the Moment
The Voast Video Kiosk features a ring light that keeps everyone looking their best. For the best sound quality, position the kiosk away from the DJ’s speakers. You don’t want to miss out on Aunt Linda’s epic rendition of “Livin’ on a Prayer” or your college buddy’s spot-on impression of you.
Editing the Highlights
After the wedding, send your Voast Kiosk back and our editors get to work on highlighting the best clips from your wedding. You’ll likely end up with a mix of touching messages and laugh-out-loud stories. You get ALL the raw clips so you don’t miss a thing (see a couple examples on this page)… even those stories that are not going to make it on the final coffee table book.
The Grand Reveal
If you really want to channel your inner reality TV producer, plan a special viewing party with close friends and family. Pop some popcorn, pour the bubbly, and get ready to laugh (and maybe cry) as you relive the best moments from your confessional booth.
Final Thoughts
A reality TV style confessional booth is a fantastic way to add an extra layer of fun and personality to your wedding. It’s a unique twist that allows your guests to feel like stars for a moment, and gives you priceless memories to cherish.
So go ahead, use this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture hilarious content.
Here’s to creating unforgettable memories and having a blast on your special day!
Want more information on renting your Video Guest Book? Learn How It Works!
Video Content for Less? Videographers vs. A Video Guest Book: How does it stack up?
Traditionally, you have had two options: hiring a professional videographer or handing over a video camera to a friend and saying “good luck”. However, with the rise of innovative technologies like the Voast Video Guest Book, event planners now have a more cost-effective and interactive option. Could a video guest book be a good alternative for your event?
More content, for less coin.
When planning an event, whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or milestone celebration, capturing those precious moments is a top priority. Traditionally, you have had two options: hiring a professional videographer or handing over a video camera to a friend and saying “good luck”.
However, with the rise of innovative technologies like the Video Guest Book, event planners now have a more cost-effective and interactive option. In this blog post, we’ll help you make an informed decision for your event. Could a video guest book be a good alternative for your event?
The Cost of Hiring a Professional Videographer
Hiring a professional videographer comes with a range of costs that can vary based on several factors, including experience, equipment quality, travel fees, and the length of the event.
If you’re in a bigger city, costs may be 20-50% higher than these averages.
On average, here’s what you can expect:
Beginner Videographer Package: $1,500 - $2,500
Includes 4-6 hours of coverage, basic editing, and a highlight reel.
Mid-Range Package: $2,500 - $6,000
Offers 8-10 hours of coverage, multiple cameras, detailed editing, and additional features like drone footage.
Premium Package: $6,000 and up
Comprehensive coverage, advanced editing, multiple videographers, and custom requests.
While professional videographers provide high-quality, cinematic footage, the costs can quickly add up, especially for longer events or those requiring extensive editing. With all the other costs of your wedding or event, sometimes it just doesn’t fit in the budget.
The Cost of Renting A Video Guest Book
Voast offers a modern alternative that not only captures video messages from guests but also engages them in a fun and interactive way. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs associated with using the Voast video guest book:
Essentials: $1490
Includes free shipping to and from your event, AND professional editing
With the Video Book: $1640
Includes a keepsake video book with your edited footage!
Compared to traditional videography, Voast is a more budget-friendly option that flips the focus on your guests and the meaningful words they have to say.
Couples can 70% or more when choosing a video guest book — and get hours of footage. Check out a short compilation of guest videos here.
How Voast and Professional Videographers Differ
While both Voast and professional videographers capture memorable moments, they do so in different ways:
Professional Videographers:
High-Quality Cinematic Footage: Perfect for creating polished, story-driven videos focused on the newlyweds or guests of honor.
Creative Direction: Professionals can guide scenes, ensuring the best angles and moments are captured.
Extensive Editing: Offers advanced editing to create a cohesive and polished final product.
Voast Video Guest Book:
Guest Interaction: Allows guests to record personal messages at their convenience, adding a unique and personal touch.
Ease of Use: The intuitive app makes participation easy for all guests.
Democratizing the footage: Capture clips of all guests, resulting in dozens – if not hundreds– of clips from your favorite people, all with something to say.
Can I do both?
If your budget allows, ABSOLUTELY! IN fact, we recommend it because the content you capture can be so different. Consider combining both a professional videographer and the Voast video guest book for your event. This approach provides a comprehensive way to capture every angle.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Event
When deciding between a professional videographer and the Voast video guest book, consider your budget, event type, and desired outcome. For those seeking high-end, polished footage, a videographer may be worth the investment. However, if you’re looking for an interactive, cost-effective, and customizable way to capture memories, and relive your festivities in a unique way, Voast is an excellent choice. And if you can accommodate both, you'll have a rich and diverse collection of memories to cherish forever.
Conclusion
Voast video guest book offers a compelling alternative to traditional videography, blending affordability with innovation.
By choosing Voast, you can create lasting memories without breaking the bank, ensuring your event is both memorable and engaging.
For more information or to get started, visit our How It Works page to learn more about how to use a Video Guest Book for your wedding or special event!
The Technology Behind the Video Guest Book
Voast stands at the intersection of technology and heartfelt memories. By leveraging best-in-class hardware, adopting a proactive approach to data backups, implementing redundancy strategies, ensuring robust security measures, and providing extensive customization options, Voast has elevated the video guest book experience to new heights. With Voast, you can capture a unique mosaic of your most precious events.
Your event will only last a moment, but its memory can live forever. Whether it's a wedding, corporate gathering, or a milestone celebration, Voast stands out as the premier service for capturing the video that matters most. Here at Voast we understand deeply the importance of preserving the memory of your guests.
Let’s delve into the technology that powers Voast, making it the go-to choice for capturing the video that matters most.
At the heart of Voast is our kiosk. Elegant, beautiful, easy to set up, and even easier for guests to use. Our kiosk features an adjustable ring light, making sure the subjects look their best. Internal to our customized unit is the industry’s best tablet, enabled with HD 1080 front-facing cameras. Recognizing the importance of this footage, Voast ensures that every smile, every laugh, and every heartfelt message is captured clearly and reliably.
But capturing memories is just the beginning. Voast goes the extra mile by immediately backing up all footage to the cloud. This not only ensures the safety of these precious moments but also offers a seamless and worry-free experience for you. All footage is first captured and stored locally, but our kiosk also comes with a cellular data plan so that even away from Wi-Fi backups can still occur. Forget the anxiety of losing irreplaceable memories; Voast's commitment to swift cloud backups means your cherished content is secured in real-time.
To further fortify its commitment to data integrity, Voast takes redundancy to the next level.
All footage stored in the cloud is duplicated and hosted on two different cloud providers. This dual-layered redundancy strategy set’s Voast apart as a leader in safeguarding your memories.
Security and privacy is a core tenet of Voast's philosophy. Recognizing the sensitivity of the content we handle, the team here at Voast ensures that all footage is securely stored and shared with no one but you. Your memories remain private, accessible only to those you choose to share them with. Voast understands the sanctity of these moments and takes every measure to protect them from prying eyes.
Lastly, our newest kiosk introduces a myriad of customization options to tailor the experience to your event's specific needs. From branded backgrounds to contact info collection to interactive-customizable prompts. Our team is excited to hear about your event and how it can be personalized. Voast empowers you to create a video guest book experience that reflects the heart of your event.
Voast stands at the intersection of technology and heartfelt memories. By leveraging best-in-class hardware, adopting a proactive approach to data backups, implementing redundancy strategies, ensuring robust security measures, and providing extensive customization options, Voast has elevated the video guest book experience to new heights. With Voast, you can capture a unique mosaic of your most precious events.
Got more tech questions? Reach out to the team at hello@raiseavoast.com to get in touch with our founders and CTO.
How to make the most of your wedding morning
The morning before your wedding is underrated. Sometimes it can be as long as the wedding itself, and it’s often the part of the day that you actually have time to savor. Why not utilize it in an intentional way?
The morning before your wedding is underrated. Sometimes it can be as long as the wedding itself, and it’s often the part of the day that you actually have time to savor. Why not utilize it in an intentional way?
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to plan a meaningful wedding morning, with your bridal party, family, or whoever you’re getting ready with!
With our tips, you can plan for a meaningful time together with the people you’ve chosen to get ready with– no matter if it’s one or two people, or a whole entourage.
Start with the Night Before…
I’ve been to quite a few (read: over a dozen) weddings in the last two years (including my own), and I’ve had the honor of being a bridesmaid in a couple of them. I’ve found that you’re in one of two camps, as a person getting married the next day. You’re either eager to start the party, so you have a late night, and hope that concealer will hide some of your dark circles, or you are the bride who wants to get her beauty sleep.
Either way, the night before will set the stage for the morning, so be sure to communicate clear expectations to the people you want to spend time with (sharing the timeline with them is a great idea), and tell them why it’s meaningful for them to be there. They will appreciate hearing this, trust me!
So, when it comes to the morning of, it’s perfectly fine to have a plan, but we recommend creating some flexibility within that plan. Another way to say it: Create lots of ways for it to go right – not a lot of ways for it to go wrong.
What’s important with you about the “morning of”?
Picture yourself a year from now. What do you want to reminisce about from the morning of your wedding? Maybe it’s a mimosa brunch with your sisters, maybe it’s music blasting while everyone does their makeup, maybe you’re one of the rare breed that wants to do a 5k. Nevertheless, pick a couple of these moments that feel important to you and find ways to create them. Ask people to help you create them, invite them into your vision.
We recommend the following:
Making sure everyone knows each other: quick introductions or a group activity will help break the ice.
Curate a playlist of your favorite tunes that will bring back the memories of this morning years later.
Remember to eat at least a little something!
Plan for plenty of time for hair and makeup, you don’t want to rush it!
Take a moment of quiet time or reflection to soak it all in.
How to capture the morning of your wedding
If it’s in your budget, it’s a great idea to get your photographer to cover some of this time. It’s these candid moments with your friends that you can cherish – they’re so unlike any of the formal wedding photos. Personally, I had my photographer come just before I was changing into my dress, so she was able to capture those sweet moments with my mom zipping me up, and my friend’s reactions to seeing me.
If you don’t have formal photography coverage, don’t despair! Assign a camera-savvy friend to be on photo duty, or consider opting into the trend of wedding content creators.
One of the reasons why we send your video guest book two days before your event is so you can set it up multiple times and record hundreds of clips!
Give your bridesmaids something to do
Typically, the bride needs the most time to get ready, and they also need to be ready first! So, it’s common for your bridesmaids or wedding party to have a little more down time. This is a good thing – let them have their own morning routine that will get them ready to party later!
The morning of your wedding is an incredible opportunity for them to record messages on your video guest book. They can talk about how they’re feeling, how amazing you look, any secrets from the night before, and the best part? They won’t be rushed. They can speak from the heart, and have more privacy for those more personal messages.
Seeing your best friends full of love and excitement on the day of your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s like bottling up that time to keep for later. You’ll laugh, cry, and get to cherish the friendships all over again when you watch it back!
At the reception, encourage them to record another Voast after they’ve danced (and maybe had a few adult beverages?) and you’ll get both sides of your friends, bookending your day – the heartwarming and the hilarious.
Don’t forget to record a video yourself on the morning of your wedding day, and then one later with your new *officially wedded* partner!
If you’re looking for more tips on how to make the most of your wedding— and think about interactive elements — download the free guide “No More Boring Weddings” today!
Our New Years “Ins” and “Outs”
Welcome to the ever-evolving world of weddings. As we step into the year 2024, the landscape of nuptial celebrations continues to transform, ushering in a wave of fresh ideas while bidding farewell to traditions that no longer resonate with modern couples.
Welcome to the ever-evolving world of weddings. As we step into the year 2024, the landscape of nuptial celebrations continues to transform, ushering in a wave of fresh ideas while bidding farewell to traditions that no longer resonate with modern couples.
With a finger on the pulse of the industry, we've compiled a curated list of 'Ins' and 'Outs'—inspiring trends that are making their mark and fading trends gracefully bowing out of the spotlight.
What 'Ins' are reshaping the wedding scene? From eco-conscious choices to technological advancements and intimate affairs, these trends are redefining what it means to say, "I do."
Simultaneously, we bid adieu to the 'Outs'—traditions and practices that are gracefully making way for the new wave of ideas. As the wedding industry embraces inclusivity, sustainability, and personalization, certain conventional norms are taking a backseat to make room for a more diverse and bespoke experience.
Whether you're a newly engaged couple navigating the labyrinth of wedding planning or a seasoned industry enthusiast seeking the latest insights, check out these trends we think will be shaping the best weddings in 2024.
Our “Ins”
Sustainable Weddings: Couples are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly and sustainable weddings, focusing on reducing waste, using recycled materials, and choosing local vendors.
Micro Weddings: Smaller, intimate ceremonies continue to be popular due to flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and the desire for more personalized experiences.
Virtual Components: Incorporating virtual elements like live streaming for guests who can't attend in person allows for wider participation and inclusivity.
Tech Integration: Utilizing tech advancements like AI-driven planning tools, VR/AR experiences for venue walkthroughs, and video guestbooks enhances the planning and guest experience.
Personalized Experiences: Couples are customizing every aspect of their wedding, from unique themes to curated menus and personalized favors, to reflect their personalities.
Interactive Entertainment: Adding interactive elements like photo booths, live performers, and immersive experiences keeps guests engaged and entertained.
Destination Weddings with a Purpose: Combining the celebration with a cause or philanthropic activity, like supporting local communities or environmental conservation.
Non-traditional Venues: Exploring unique and unconventional venues such as museums, libraries, or even private estates for a distinctive wedding experience.
Our “Outs”
Cookie-Cutter Weddings: Couples are moving away from generic, one-size-fits-all wedding experiences and opting for more personalized and unique celebrations.
Large, Overcrowded Venues: The trend towards smaller gatherings might mean a decline in demand for large banquet halls or overcrowded event spaces.
Print-Heavy Invitations: With a focus on sustainability, there might be a decline in elaborate, print-heavy wedding invitations in favor of digital or eco-friendly options.
Over-the-Top Decor: Simplified and more minimalist décor might replace excessively ornate and opulent decorations.
Lack of Virtual Components: Weddings that do not include any form of virtual participation might lose the inclusivity and flexibility that many couples desire.
Boring Menus: Standardized menus without customization or catering to dietary preferences might be less favored compared to personalized dining experiences.
Brand Names: A shift from showcasing expensive brand-oriented items to focusing on unique, handcrafted, or locally sourced wedding elements.
Excessive Wedding Waste: Couples are aiming to reduce waste, so practices that contribute significantly to environmental harm might become less popular.
We’d love to hear from you! What are your “ins” and “outs” for your wedding in 2024 and 2025? Drop us a note at marketing@raiseavoast.com.
Origins of the Guest Book
Guest books, born out of a rich tradition, find their roots in the grandeur of aristocratic gatherings during the Victorian era.
Where did the tradition of the Wedding Guest Book come from?
I was scrolling through pinterest with a friend yesterday. She got married in 2018, in a beautiful ceremony on the waterfront of Anderson Island, nestled amongst the collection of islands in Washington State.
As we were sitting on the couch, we were howling with laughter over the things we had gushed over in the early days of pinterest. What I would have done for a turquoise lace pair of shoes with a big rhinestone bow.
Luckily, we escaped these childlike fantasies and grew into our own taste. But we couldn’t help but notice how quickly wedding trends have changed. Now instagram and wedding tok is full of advice, inspiration, and a plethora of celebrity weddings having their moment.
She lamented over a couple of guestbook ideas on her board, commenting “these were innovative ideas at the time!” – citing little wooden hearts in a photo frame. And it’s true! There was an explosion of creativity in the past 5 years; glamorous weddings are having a moment as trends and technology change.
It got me thinking: From weddings to galas, celebrations of life or baby shower, guest books have chronicled the passage of guests, a testament to a moment in history. Let’s look back at the history of where this idea for a guest book came from.
Origins and Early Uses
Guest books, born out of a rich tradition, find their roots in the grandeur of aristocratic gatherings during the Victorian era. Initially, they served as formal records of esteemed guests, capturing their names and titles. Families kept these and could look back at these as a piece of their status and social standing. These early iterations showcased a blend of opulence and formality, reflecting the societal norms of the time.
The Roaring Twenties to Mid-Century Elegance
As societal norms evolved, so did the guest book. The roaring twenties brought forth a spirit of vivacity, reflected in guest books adorned with art deco motifs. Post-World War II, simplicity and functionality took center stage, mirroring a society in transition.
The late 20th century witnessed a seismic shift in guest book dynamics with the advent of digital technology. The transition from traditional paper and ink to online platforms marked a new chapter. Social media platforms and dedicated event websites became the canvas for modern guest books, fostering global connectivity and real-time sharing. Online reviews became a way for visitors to publicly share their thoughts, and cards, photos, and videos became private souvenirs for family and friends.
Beyond Signatures: Capturing Moments and Emotions
While historically a record of attendance, guest books today transcend their original purpose. They've become immersive experiences, capturing the essence of events in ways unimaginable in bygone eras. Modern guest books are canvases for personal messages, anecdotes, and well-wishes, transforming events into living memories.
Paper, audio, or video: one thing remains evident: Guest books have the ability to capture the magic of shared moments. From the formal records of yesteryears to the interactive and digital experiences of today, guest books have stood the test of time, making each event a canvas of memories.
Crafting Your Timeless Guest Book
Ready to create your own piece of history? Explore our video guest book that blend traditional sentiment with innovation. Customize your event experience and let your guests record their own chapter in the story of your wedding day.
Unveiling the ‘24 Wedding Stats
Engagement season is here, and if you’re sensing an upcoming proposal — or if you’ve already said yes — we want to be a resource for you. In 2024, the wedding landscape is evolving, reflecting changing preferences and adapting to the times. Let's delve into some of the statistics you’ll be hip to for 2024.
Embracing Intimacy
What we’ve seen:
Micro-Weddings on the Rise: In 2024, intimate celebrations continue to gain popularity, with a significant increase in micro-weddings — gatherings with 50 guests or fewer.
Guest List Trimming: The average guest list has seen a reduction, allowing couples to focus on creating meaningful connections with their nearest and dearest.
Couples are increasingly choosing quality over quantity, creating an intimate atmosphere that allows for more personalized experiences.
Tech-Infused Celebrations
What we’ve seen:
Virtual Attendance: Nearly 30% of couples are incorporating virtual elements, allowing friends and family from around the world to join the celebration.
Digital Invitations: Over 40% of couples are opting for eco-friendly and cost-effective digital invitations.
Seamless Integration: Couples are taking advantage of technology at their fingertips, especially with products and services that can save time, money, or offer their guests a unique experience.
Technology is blending with tradition, bringing loved ones together, whether they're physically present or celebrating from afar.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
What we’ve seen:
Eco-Friendly Decor: Around 25% of couples are prioritizing sustainable decor choices, from biodegradable confetti to reusable ceremony backdrops.
Secondhand Fashion: The demand for secondhand wedding attire has increased by 15%, as couples seek eco-conscious and budget-friendly options.
Couples are making choices that align with their values, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly wedding industry.
Diverse and Inclusive Celebrations
What we’ve seen:
Inclusive Language: More than 60% of couples are incorporating inclusive language in their ceremonies, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and identities of their guests.
Cultural Blending: Multicultural weddings have increased by 20%, showcasing a beautiful fusion of traditions and customs.
Couples are celebrating diversity, creating weddings that reflect the rich tapestry of their backgrounds and the people they love.
Bridal Fashion Evolution
What we’ve seen:
Non-Traditional Attire: About 35% of brides are opting for non-traditional wedding attire, from jumpsuits to colored dresses.
Sustainable Fashion: The interest in sustainable and ethical wedding fashion has surged, with a 25% increase in searches for eco-friendly bridal wear.
Bridal fashion is breaking away from conventions, offering brides the freedom to express their individual style and values.
For more…
As we step into the heart of the wedding season in 2024, it's clear that couples are redefining the norms and crafting celebrations that are as unique as their love stories. The more personal a wedding feels, the more guests will rave that your wedding felt so “you”.
To that end, we’ve created a guide for those of us who feel passionatley about the guest experience. Grab your free copy of “No More Boring Weddings” to see how you can make your guests an integral part of your wedding day.
20 questions to get your people talking
Prompts for your Voast Video Kiosk: 20 Questions that will get your people talking
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. You want to capture it all. With a video guestbook, you’ll get to see and hear from every guest.
A Voast video guestbook is a great way to get people talking, as it allows your guests to leave you personalized video messages based on prompts you pick. Your wedding guests will have a blast leaving hilarious and heartwarming memories you can look back on forever!
When creating your Voast video guestbook, you'll need to choose a few questions to ask your guests. These questions should be open-ended and encourage your guests to share their thoughts and feelings about your wedding day. We recommend choosing 3-4 questions for your guests to answer.
20 prompt ideas for your Voast Video Guestbook:
What is your favorite memory of the couple?
What advice would you give to the happy couple?
What is one thing you want the couple to know?
What is your favorite thing about the groom?
What is your favorite part of today?
What is your first memory of the bride?
Show us your favorite wedding dance move.
What are three words you would use to describe the couple?
What is one thing you'll never forget about this wedding?
Share one wish for the couple's future.
What is one thing you're looking forward to about the rest of the night?
What is your favorite thing about the happy couple's relationship?
What do YOU say the secret to a happy relationship is?
What did you think of the music?
Share a funny story about the bride or groom.
What was your favorite part of the ceremony?
What was the best part of the whole day?
What should the couple be looking forward to in marriage?
What do you think makes (name) a great partner?
What do you want the couple to remember about today?
Remember, you can always change and personalize these prompts, or write your own!
Each Voast Video Guestbook is personalized specifically for your event. No matter what questions you choose, make sure that they are open-ended and encourage your guests to share their stories. The more candid, heartfelt, and honest the messages are, the more cherished your Voast video guestbook will be for years to come.
Additional tips for getting the most out of your Voast video guestbook:
Promote your Voast video guestbook to your guests in advance. Tell your coordinator, DJ, and photographer to encourage guests to use it! Let them know that it's a way for them to leave you a personalized message that you'll get to keep forever.
Make it easy for guests to leave video messages. Place your Voast video guestbook in a prominent location. See our location guide here for tips on where to place it to get the best audio quality.
Encourage guests to be creative with their messages. Let them know that they can share their thoughts and feelings, sing a song, dance, or even tell a joke.
Use your Video kiosk all day. Let your bridal party or family record their Voast in the morning while you're getting ready, before the partying starts!
Want a few more questions for your guest book? Here’s creative ways to ask your friends and family for advice.
You received your Voast video guest book, now what?
A Voast video booth is easy to set up and easy to use, but here’s 5 quick steps to make sure you’re on the right track.
Ready to get the party started with your Voast video booth? Here's how to set it up in just 5 simple steps:
So easy, grandma could probably do it… Setting up a Voast booth only takes about 5 minutes from start to finish.
Find the perfect spot:
Location is key! You want your kiosk to be in a spot that's easy to find and has great visibility. Plus, keep it away from the speakers to get the best sound quality. Think "near" the action, not in the action, and don't forget to make sure there's a power outlet nearby.
Set up the kiosk:
It's time to bring your video booth to life! Grab the legs, mount the head unit, plug it in, and adjust the brightness and angle of the screen. It's easy peasy and should only take about 5-10 minutes.
Get the app up and running:
Your Voast video booth comes with pre-configured software, so all you need to do is grab the red key and press it into the hole on the front left of the screen. The app cover screen will pop up with the event name and a button to get started. Just follow the on-screen prompts to confirm that everything is working as it should.
Troubleshoot any issues:
Don't worry, we've got your back! If you run into any issues, just give us a shout. We've provided an emergency phone number and an email address (hello@raiseavoast.com) for you to contact us.
Let the good times roll:
With your Voast video booth all set up, it's time to start capturing those special moments. So, grab your friends and family, strike a pose, and say "cheese!" - you're about to make some unforgettable memories!
For more details on your Video Booth Rental, check out our help center guide for instructions, best practices, and more!
authenticity and intimacy; the common thread of the top 5 wedding trends in 2023
Couples have been looking for ways to create a more authentic and intimate setting for themselves and their guests, and in the wake of COVID’s courthouse weddings and elopements, a new style of wedding is emerging.
Weddings have always been a celebration of love, but in recent years, couples have been looking for ways to create a more authentic and intimate setting for themselves and their guests. In the wake of COVID’s courthouse weddings and elopements, a new style of wedding is emerging. So, with wedding season just around the corner, here are the top 5 wedding trends that will help you create a unique and personal experience for your big day.
Non-Traditional Guestbooks
Guestbooks have long been a tradition at weddings, but many couples are now opting for non-traditional guestbooks that reflect their personalities and interests. Instead of a traditional guestbook, couples can opt for a video guestbook using products like Voast. With Voast, guests can leave video messages that are edited into a beautiful video montage and enjoyed for years to come. Non-traditional guestbooks like this help to create a more intimate setting, where guests can share their love and memories in a more personal way.
2. Authentic Photography Styles
Couples are now looking for photography styles that capture the authentic and intimate moments of their wedding day. Instead of posed and traditional wedding photos, couples are opting for documentary-style photography that captures the candid moments and emotions of their day. Film photography has also been making a huge comeback. Super 8 video footage and film photos are giving a vintage and timeless feel to these visual keepsakes. Authentic photography styles like this help to create a more personal and intimate feel, and capture the true essence of your love story.
3. Intimate Venues
Large and extravagant venues have been a popular choice for weddings in the past, but more couples are now choosing intimate venues that create a more personal and cozy setting. Venues like barns, backyards, and beachside cottages offer a unique and intimate setting for your big day. This type of venue creates a more authentic and intimate setting that allows you and your guests to feel more connected.
4. DIY Decor
Many couples are now opting for DIY decor to create a more personal and authentic setting. From handmade centerpieces and bouquets to personalized place cards and wedding favors, DIY decor allows couples to infuse their personalities into every aspect of their wedding. Creating decor, invitations, and wedding websites is now also being heavily outsourced to close friends and family members. This helps to create a more authentic and intimate event, where guests can see the unique and personal touch of the couple throughout the wedding day.
5. Locally-Sourced and Sustainable Catering
More couples are now choosing locally-sourced and sustainable catering options for their wedding day. This type of catering creates a more authentic and intimate setting, where guests can enjoy delicious and high-quality food while also supporting local businesses and sustainable practices. Smaller, local businesses are often more willing to personalize their menus and fares specifically for the big day - plus, local guests who enjoy the meal can then continue supporting the vendor after the event. This type of catering choice helps to create a more personal, and often times, more eco-conscious wedding experience.
Authentic and intimate gatherings have been proving to be the new way forward, seemingly grown from COVID’s isolating impact. Brides, grooms, and guests alike are showing preference for real experiences that showcase their true selves and allow others to do so. The wedding industry has long been notorious for “over-the-top” planning and budgets; but when it comes down to what truly matters, spending a memorable day with loved ones is what really takes the cake.
What is a Video Guest Book?
Used to capture the moments that matter most, video guest books are different because they capture the exact moment in time a guest is leaving you a message.
Video Guest Books are new to the event space lexicon. At Voast, we like to think of a video guest book as the modern version of the typical, pen and paper, handwritten book used to gather messages of well-wishes from guests at an event. Guest books are commonplace at weddings, but they’re also commonly used at retirements, graduations, birthdays… you get it - any event celebrating special milestones.
Used to capture the moments that matter most, video guest books are different because they capture the exact moment in time a guest is leaving you a message.
No matter the sentiment, love, laughter, or tear-jerking, the true emotion behind a video guest book message will be captured. Imagine, your mother giving you advice on your wedding day, your rowdy friends from college roasting you with inside jokes, and your drunk uncle cheers-ing (again) to his appreciation for the open bar. Regardless of the event, hosts rarely have time to spend special moments with each guest. With a video guest book, you can gather all the moments you otherwise may have missed.
A video guest book can be any form of video + audio recording technology that captures the messages of the guests at an event. Voast, for example, uses an iPad and proprietary ring light with a unique app that allows the event host to choose prompts they want their guests to respond to. It’s simple to set up (seriously, it takes less than 5 minutes), easy-to-use, and provides a critically special view into the big day, whatever that may be.
a letter to lovers
More on Voast’s backstory, the beauty of imperfection and a word of advice to fiancés.
Call me cliche, but the day I got married was the happiest day of my life. Being at the epicenter of our mob of misfit family and friends felt like a moment I didn’t know I’d been waiting for my whole life. The experience of seeing college roommates and religious relatives with rowdy Canadian cowboys and dirtbag climbers, all elbow to elbow doctoring up their best dishes for the potluck and getting down on the same dance floor makes me teary-eyed just thinking about it. There was something unforgettable about how authentically random yet entirely right it all felt to watch our worlds collide.
There was something unforgettable about how authentically random and entirely right it all felt to watch our worlds collide.
No matter how blinded by the love light we were on our wedding day, the months, weeks, and days leading up to it were a total junk show of emotion, fear and so much worst case scenario’ing that it took us to new heights in the meltdown department. At any given time, we were one melty away from Bonnie and Clyde’ing it out on our very own wedding. The pressure cooker of expectations set by unrealistic budgets and Instagram feeds sucked the wind out of our sails and distracted us from what was really important.
The pressure cooker of expectations set by unrealistic budgets and social media feeds distracted us from what was really important.
One especially frustrating aspect of weddings, that I’m certain most brides and grooms can attest to, is knowing you will not get an intimate moment with every guest on your big day. This realization epically bummed us out. So, we modified a StoryQ Kiosk and set up the first Video Toast (“Voast”) booth to try and capture some of the behind the scenes magic. Truth be told, the app crashed mid-party and multiple drinks were spilled on it before the night was through. But, when we finally watched the footage on our honeymoon, we were able to relive our wedding from an entirely new vantage point. After about an hour of laughing, crying, cringing and soaking up all the video love, we were overwhelmed by how much it meant to us to get some serious heartfelt, off the cuff lovin’. As we pored over the footage, we couldn’t believe just how much went on beyond our newlywed backs! We had completely missed out on so many real, randomly hilarious, and some - quite frankly - inappropriate exchanges made between all our favorite people. No amount of drone footage, glamour shots or Instagram worthy details could ever compete with that. And in that moment, the heart, soul, and driving force behind Voast was born!
No amount of drone footage, glamour shots or Instagram worthy details could ever compete with that.
The same spirit that motivated StoryQ to capture over half a million personal story reflections all over the world, is what powers Voast. We have the drive to help build up a portfolio of media that not only documents significant milestones but prioritizes the authentic moments worthy of remembering 40 years later. While we never imagined our random wedding experiment would inspire a business like this, we’re full steam ahead creating a platform dedicated to perfectly imperfect storytelling.
At Voast, we believe that authenticity is the golden ticket to making meaningful experiences. We want to give everyone at your wedding a chance to make the heart-felt toast they always wish they could without the need to orchestrate yet another speech into the itinerary. We want to help you capture what they have to say because, as luck would have it, we randomly caught ours on camera and it added an entirely new dimension of joy and love to our wedding that we still tap into years later! Give your people a little spotlight with some good prompts and watch how they show up on your big day. These are the moments you might have missed, but now will never forget.
September 7th, 2013- The first ever Voast Video Booth!
Give your people a little spotlight with some good prompts and watch how they show up on your big day.
So here’s my word to you, lovers:
Whether or not you choose Voast, don’t get lost in the production of the day. This day is for you, not your followers. Look your partner in the eye and soak up the magic of the moment. Embrace the inevitable and beautiful imperfections of it. Sit back and enjoy the view as your worlds wonderfully collide. Lean in and listen to what the people who love you most are trying to say to you. Stop. And. Smell. Those. Wedding. Flowers.
As I think back to my pre-wedding anxiety, I had questions of my own… questions like will we make it? Who will we become, together? and 40 years from now, how will we remember our day?
Cheers,
Maximilian Losee
Co-Founder, Voast