26 Jan A Couples Checklist for the Best Wedding Film
When it comes to creating an incredible wedding film, your videographer will of course do all of the hard work – that’s what you’re paying them for! However, there are some things that a wedding couple can consider and prepare to ensure that filming runs smoothly, and that the wedding film is the very best that it can be.
What to Consider In Advance
Connect the photographer and videographer before and on the day
They are going to be working side-by-side for the entire day, so it’s a good idea to share their details before the wedding and introduce them on the day.
Find out if there are any restrictions to camera usage during the ceremony?
Occasionally churches might allow filming from only the back of the church, or some not at all! So make sure you’ve asked the question to avoid disappointment of discovering this on the day.
Inform the videographer of any special or sentimental items being worn
The videographer can capture close-ups of these items that mean the world to you.
Pass on key contact details
Let them know the name of your wedding coordinator so they know who to ask for if they need anything on the day.
Share the order of the day
Make sure you provide a detailed schedule of the order of the day and inform your videographer of any last minute changes. You don’t want them off filming the grounds while you’re cutting your cake.
Be specific about all the little details
When and where are you throwing confetti? Are you having a receiving line after the ceremony? Are you heading straight from the church to the reception venue or going for a drive in between? These finer details will help the videographer plan when and where they need to be to avoid missing a significant event.
If lapel microphones are being used, brief the speaker of this beforehand
Let the groom and anyone giving a toast know that the videographer may be placing a small microphone on them for the ceremony and speeches. Before the speeches can be a busy time for a videographer, prepping the camera and audio equipment, so it saves time explaining what the microphones are for and to calm any pre-speech nerves!
Send a list of important people in your wedding party
Send photos beforehand of key people in the wedding party, or designate someone on the day to point them out. Your videographer won’t know who your favourite Auntie Suzie is, so this will help avoid disappointment if they don’t make an appearance in your film.
Check if the venue permits the use of drones
Wedding videographers who operate drones will need permission to fly on their premises, so be sure to find out and let your videographer know before the day. Read our dedicated article about having a drone at your wedding.
Inform them about any surprises or special features occurring throughout the day
Is a surprise guest making an appearance, or are you planning a secret choreographed first dance? It’s worth mentioning these things to your videographer that may not necessarily feature in the order of the day.
Plan for golden hour
Golden hour is a short time before sunset where the light is soft and creates lovely shadows for your photos and video. Talk to your photographer and videographer about what time the sun will set on your wedding date and allow a little time outside for a couples shoot (weather permitting). Who wouldn’t want to watch a beautiful sunset with their new husband or wife anyway?
What to Consider On/After the Wedding Day
Ignore the camera
If you become aware of it out of the corner of your eye, try not to immediately stop what you’re doing as it’s probably a beautiful moment that the videographer is hoping to capture. Most videographers will move away now and then if you have noticed them, so that you’re not camera aware.
Project during the ceremony and speeches
Everyone knows that it can be daunting being centre stage, but speaking up as much as possible can make a big difference to your recorded audio. Your guests will thank you too as they will be able to hear every word you say.
Write your own vows
Nothing creates a heartfelt wedding video like writing your own vows. Saying unique and personal words to one another will be incredibly special in the moment and when you listen back to them for years to come in your wedding film.
Allow time to incorporate some drone shots into your couples shoot
Not only will the shots add a different perspective to your film, but it’s also a great opportunity to share some alone time walking the grounds of your venue together.
Provide a meal for your videographer
As videographers are filming for most of the day and are on their feet non-stop, a meal is always greatly appreciated to keep them well-fuelled. The venue will usually have an option for videographers and photographers when you enquire. Let your videographer know beforehand, so they are aware that they don’t need to venture off-site to find lunch.
Speak from the heart during the speeches
Regaling the moment you met, or the reasons why you love each other is not only beautiful for your friends and family to hear, but also creates lovely dialogue for your wedding film.
Trust your wedding videographer’s artistic direction
When it comes to editing, let them do what they do best. Trust them to select the best footage and music that will complement the tone of your wedding. Most wedding videographers will allow a few changes if you’re not keen on a shot or two, but you should have a good idea of their style from looking at their portfolio.
Last but not least, relax and enjoy yourselves!
The most amazing wedding films are those packed full of natural moments, where you’re not thinking about the camera as you enjoy one of the most special days of your life.
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