Tips
Outlined below are some helpful suggestions based on my experience of filming weddings. These pointers are aimed at maximising the visual appeal of your wedding day footage and ensure that all content captured is both high quality emotive.
Bridal prep could possibly be the most stressful though fun part of the day. I understand completely that this is easier said than done, though there is nothing worse than viewing bridal prep footage and seeing a room full of ‘carrier bags’, ‘plastic coat hangers’ and ‘jackets’ flung over the chairs and tables when I’m recording beautiful moments such as ‘bridesmaids putting on the brides dress’ or ‘parent’s first look’. I try to do my best with tidying in these moments, though for a videographer capturing these moments can be quite fast paced so most the time I cannot. My advice would be to quickly place clutter in wardrobes or under
the bed, and think about it tomorrow. I promise you will thank me later when looking at the video as unlike photographers, I unfortunately cannot edit objects out of my footage.
I absolutely adore capturing those natural moments between the bride and groom, I want my couples to always feel like they can be themselves with me in front of the camera as the video will be a true reflection of the day. That being said, please keep in mind that the video will in fact ‘be a true reflection of the day’ occasionally a couple will have a full conversation throughout the whole of their first dance or even when the confetti is happening. By all means exchange a few words, and if it feels more natural for you both to talk due to nerves please go ahead, though be mindful that on video (especially when recording in slow motion) it can look slightly odd and take the magic away from the video.
Capturing the speeches is such a heart warming moment for the guests and myself included. I love hearing what everyone has to say, and it gives me so much inspiration when creating the films for my clients. Some couples prefer speeches before the meals, after the meals, or in between each course, of course this is your wedding so it’s your choice. Though I like to make couples aware of the fact that if they choose ‘in between each meal’ they will most likely be getting footage of their families and friends eating and dirty plates in the background when the speeches are happening which isn’t very aesthetically pleasing to look at. Photographer’s and Videographer’s like to use this time to capture families and friends reactions, though it can be rather dicult when they’re half way through their meals eating.
You can plan your wedding day right up to the tiniest of details, though you’re never going to be able to control the weather. But if there’s cloudy skies or rain, the best thing you can do is embrace it because a downpour can actually make for some amazing and dramatic photos.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast in the days before and plan for it rather than worry about it. Bring along some wellies and some umbrellas and try to make the most of the outside and the photo opportunities the weather will throw up.
People don’t always realise this but the time of year will massively impact your wedding videos because of the available light.
If you say your vows at 4pm in December, chances are you’re not going to have natural light for portraits and group shots due to the sun setting so much earlier. If you’re having a summer wedding, but want sparklers in the evening, you may have to wait till 10pm onwards.