10 Important Wedding Video Tips for Couples

Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments in your life, surrounded by loved ones and filled with emotions, love, and joy. While photographs capture snapshots of these memories, a wedding video encapsulates the movements, sounds, and other nuances of your special day, preserving not just images but the very atmosphere of your celebration. This article is crafted to guide you, as a couple, through the essential tips to ensure that your wedding video is as magical and enduring as your love story.

Prioritize Videography in Your Budget

Videography should be more than an afterthought in your wedding budget. The right videographer doesn’t just record your day; they capture the story, the emotions, and the unrepeatable moments of your celebration. Remember, long after the wedding day, your video will be the portal through which you relive those precious memories. Therefore, allocate a sufficient budget for a professional who can artistically encapsulate the essence of your day.

Websites like the Knott suggest allocating 7% of the budget for a videographer. So, for example, if your total wedding budget is $50,000, consider budgeting $3,500 for a videographer.

Choose the Right Videographer and Package

Start by researching portfolios to understand different styles and approaches. Get recommendations from your wedding planner and other wedding vendors. Read reviews and meet potential videographers to ensure they understand your vision. A good rapport and clear communication with your videographer are key to capturing your love story your way.

As you shop for a videographer, be sure to understand all of the different items in the packages to ensure that you are comparing apples to apples. For example, many wedding videographers offer “highlights,” which are shorter, creative videos. They might also offer “documentaries” or “full videos,” which are extended videos that typically encompass the full recordings of the major events, such as the ceremony, speeches, performances, and other events. Does your videographer offer drone services? According to Horizon Imaging, “drone videography can elevate the overall production value of a video and help establish a different perspective for storytelling.” If they do offer it, are there any extra fees and how much drone coverage does that include? Other videographers might even offer the “RAW Footage,” which is essentially all of the footage recorded throughout the day, unedited. Be sure to understand each item in the package, as the names and actual deliverables can differ from studio to studio.

Discuss Your Expectations and Must-Have Shots

A successful wedding video is a result of collaboration. Discuss your expectations with your videographer. What moments are most important to you? Do you have any specific shots in mind? From the first kiss to the laughter during speeches, make sure your videographer knows what matters most to you. As you craft your wedding timeline, ensure that you have these priorities in mind and schedule enough time to capture your most important events.

Suggest Music Styles

Music sets the tone of your wedding video. If your wedding videographer gives you options, choose songs that resonate with your relationship and the mood of the day. Keep in mind, however, that music rights can be complex. Discuss with your videographer about licensing to ensure your video doesn’t encounter legal issues, especially if you plan to share it online.

At the very least, be sure that your wedding videographer understands the overall vibe that you’re looking for. For example, if you’re going for a more dramatic and cinematic feel, the videographer would likely choose very different music than if you were going for a more upbeat and fun vibe.

Plan for the Lighting

Lighting can dramatically affect the quality of your video. If possible, plan your schedule around the best light. This will help you get the best videography and photography. For example, golden hour, the soft, warm light just after sunrise or before sunset, is often an ideal time to take photos and video outdoors. However, other factors come into play, such as the amount of cloud cover, the amount of shaded options you might have at the wedding venue and more. Consult with your videographer and venue about the lighting setup to ensure every moment is captured in the best light.

Consider a First Look For Your Video

Embracing a ‘first look‘ video can add a deeply personal and emotional dimension to your wedding film. This trend involves capturing the moment you and your partner see each other for the first time on the wedding day, before the ceremony. Set in a private, serene location, this intimate exchange offers a space for raw, genuine emotions. It’s a time for tears, laughter, and tender moments, providing incredibly authentic footage that beautifully reflects the personal aspect of your relationship.

This not only creates memorable visuals but also allows you and your partner a few precious moments alone amidst the whirlwind of the day. It’s an opportunity to exchange personal vows or simply bask in the joy and anticipation of the imminent ceremony. Additionally, it eases some pre-ceremony nerves and frees up more time post-ceremony for celebrations with your guests. If this contemporary twist to tradition appeals to you, discuss with your videographer how best to capture this poignant moment, ensuring it’s seamlessly woven into the narrative of your wedding video.

Focus on Authentic Moments

While planned shots are essential, the magic often lies in the unplanned, candid moments. Encourage your videographer to capture the laughter, tears, and spontaneous hugs and dances. These authentic moments bring your wedding video to life, showcasing the true spirit of your celebration.

Communicate these preferences prior to the wedding, ideally in an official pre wedding talk through.

Don’t Forget the Audio

Great videography needs great audio. Vows, speeches, and laughter are as important as the visual. Discuss with your videographer about using lapel microphones or other audio equipment to ensure clear sound, so when you look back, you can hear the quiver in your voice as you say, “I do.”

Ask if the videographer needs to be connected to the DJ prior to the wedding, so that they can work together to ensure clean audio.

Coordinate with Your Photographer

Your photographer and videographer are both there to capture your day, but their approaches can be different. Ensure they communicate and coordinate with each other. This collaboration will not only prevent them from getting in each other’s shots but also can result in a more comprehensive and cohesive storytelling of your day.

It’s often a good idea to hire wedding videographers and photographers who work together often to avoid any surprises or unanticipated tension. While most professionals have no issues respecting each other’s work, time and methodology, poor communication can sometimes lead to unforeseen issues.

Trust Your Videographer

Finally, with all of this said, trust your videographer. You’ve chosen them for a reason. They are the professionals in capturing stories, so let them do their work. The best moments are captured when you’re fully immersed in your day, not worrying about the cameras.

Conclusion

Your wedding video is more than just a recording; it’s a narrative of your special day, a story to be told and retold. By following these tips, you can ensure that this story is captured in all its beauty, ready to be cherished for generations. Remember, your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, but a well-made wedding video will let you relive those moments forever.