How To Optimise Your Wedding Day For Video

So, you’re having your wedding day filmed - because, of course!

And you might be wondering now, “What can we do to make sure our video is as awesome & true to us as it can be?”

It’s a great question, because there are so many elements that contribute to the way your films will come together, and some of these elements can be deliberately prepared to optimise your day for video capture. I’m going to attempt to lay them out for you, and offer suggestions for how you can have your best wedding film.

Communicate with Your Videographer:

First of all, It’s super important to be open to communicating with your videographer, and making your preferences heard & understood. While trust can be given to our creative choices during the process, it’s awesome when couples offer their own tastes and preferences so that us videographers can start things off in a place of better understanding.

Plan Your Timeline with Video in Mind:

It’s a great idea to run your timeline by your videographer, so that they can let you know about any red flags they see, and whether there may need to be a slight gap between certain parts of the day to allow time to set up for the formalities. The main sections of the day that require longer setup times are the ceremony & the speeches. Other than that, It’s a good idea to have your hair & make-up finished early enough to have your pre-ceremony photography (preferably at least an hour and a half before the ceremony start time).

Getting Ready Locations (De-clutter):

Some of this may be out of your control, and that’s totally fine. But the cleaner and simpler the space is where you’re getting ready, the easier it is to capture beautiful photos & videos. So just keep this in mind and perhaps remind your bridal party to also help keep the space tidy. Also consider (if possible) choosing a space that is already stylishly decorated, or has a good vibe to it, as this makes for easy filming.

Consider Your Lighting:

Lighting plays a huge role in videography, and natural light (from the sun) is often the most flattering. Try to opt for a getting ready location that has sufficient and plentiful natural light (e.g large windows). Also, try to incorporate outdoor events with golden hour (sunset) and even better, allowing time for some couple’s portraits at this time. When it comes to indoor lighting for your reception, soft warm light can set a really nice atmosphere, so consider String Lights, Candles, Lanterns, Halogen Bulbs, or Up-lighting to create a beautiful scene.

Include Archive Footage:

If you have any old footage or photos of yourselves together that hold nostalgic value, I always encourage couples to send that through! Even if it’s just average quality phone footage, it can be manipulated to look vintage or stylised and can help fill out your story.

Shoot More Than Just The Wedding:

It’s pretty rare that you’ll be making a heirloom film like this again, so why not take the opportunity to expand the filming beyond just the wedding, capturing family events leading up to the wedding, or something creative between the two of you.

There are also certain special events or vendors that not only enhance the day, but add cinematic and flattering qualities to your wedding film, such as:

A Champagne Tower:

So much fun. These look so great on video, and are a great way to kick off your reception!

Live Musicians:

This can really enhance the atmosphere, and in turn, create an awesome party scene for your wedding film.

Fireworks or Sparkler Send-Off:

In Australia, fireworks are generally off-limits, but sparklers aren’t! As long as there isn’t a complete fire ban, this can create awesome footage. Timings can be difficult, as the send-off is technically late at night and your photo/video package might not last that long, so it’s also an option to do this as an entrance moment, or to prelude the first dance.

Specialty Cocktails or Beverage Stations:

Of course, this is a great way to enhance the party, but it also looks great. You could have an ‘Espresso Martini Hour’, or organise other specialty cocktails to liven up the dance-floor and increase the party energy.

Surprise Performances:

A surprise performance could be in the form of a dance, a song, or an unexpected entrance manoeuvre. For example, your father-daughter dance could take an unexpected turn into a choreographed hip hop routine. There’s plenty of room to be creative, so let your ideas flow and don’t be afraid to consider stepping outside the norm if you’re feeling it.

Unique Transportation:

Vintage cars, tractors, helicopters… Nothing’s off the cards really. Consider if some fun transportation could fit into your day.

Pet or Animal Inclusions:

If you have a loved pet, they deserve to be a part of your special day too. Whether it’s only for the prep, or the ceremony too, it’s always great to see the animals get involved.

Most Of All:

Have fun.

Enjoy yourself, and try to leave your worries at the door once the day has begun. All of your planning will pay off, and everything will happen just how it’s supposed to - even if a few things don’t go to plan.

The best thing you can do for yourself, and the photos & video, is to relax, and enjoy the moment. Have fun with your friends, family, and experience the day as much as you can. I, as your videographer, will let you know if there’s anything we need you to do. And if I’m not saying anything, just keep on enjoying!