The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Wedding Videography Dreams a Reality

Your wedding day is a day you'll remember for the rest of your life. From the getting ready moments to the first dance, every moment is worth cherishing. As a wedding videographer, it's my job to capture those moments and turn them into a timeless film that you'll treasure for years to come. But the truth is, there are things you can do on your wedding day that will make my job a lot easier and help me create a better wedding film for you. In this ultimate guide, I'll be sharing my top 14 tips for making your wedding videography dreams a reality. These tips are designed to help you plan your day in a way that will maximize the potential for beautiful, cinematic footage. So, whether you're a bride or groom, grab a pen and paper and get ready to take notes!

Tip 1 - Keep your prep room tidy

Your prep room is the place where all the getting ready action happens & we’ll be filming in here for a good portion of the day. It's the place where you & your bridesmaids (or groomsmen) will spend hours getting ready for the big day. As a wedding videographer, I'll be capturing those moments on film. Keeping your prep room tidy & clutter-free can make a huge difference in the final product.

A tidy room means that there will be fewer distractions in the background of your shots (remember, what is not in the shot is as important as what is in the shot!), which means that your focus will be on you, & the important moments happening in front of the camera. It also helps to keep the room looking neat and organized in your film, which can make it even more enjoyable to watch- trust me, there’s nothing that shatters that beautiful bridal shot quicker than the luminance orange of a Sainsbury’s carrier bag! So, before the big day, make sure to designate someone to keep the prep room tidy and organized, so that when it comes time to film, we'll be able to capture those beautiful getting ready moments in the best way possible. Try keeping all of the overnight bags, gifts, coats & everything else at one end of the room, or even better if your venue has space, in a separate room entirely.

This is especially important if you want those beautiful, elegant bridal shots that you see in my films. For those we need a clean room & a lovely window, so keeping on top of things can really make the difference when you look back at these moments for years to come.

Tip 2 - Have all your details in one place

I love capturing the small details that make your day unique and special- its these little touches that really help make a film unique. These can include everything from your wedding dress, shoes & jewelry, to the invitations, programs etc. Having all of these details in one place when I arrive on the wedding day can make a huge difference in the final product- I don’t have to disturb you having your hair & make up done & I can simply grab everything that’s important to you, take it to a beautiful location & capture it for your wedding film. It ensures that I don't miss any important details, and it allows me to be efficient with my time, which means that I can capture even more footage of the important moments throughout the day.

Here are some tips for having all your details in one place:

• Use a special box or bag to gather all of your wedding details together

• Keep the box or bag in a safe, easily accessible location, like your hotel room or bridal suite

• Assign a bridesmaid or family member to be in charge of gathering all of the details and bringing them to the designated location

• Include all the items you want captured on film, so that I can make sure to capture everything on the list

By having all of your details in one place and making them easily accessible for me, you can ensure that your wedding film will be full of beautiful, meaningful details that will help tell the story of your special day.

Tip 3 - Get in your dress earlier than you think!

Getting into your wedding dress is one of the most special moments of the day, & it's also one that I love to capture on film. It’s a moment that can really start building the suspense in your film, which is why I love capturing these moments. However, it's important to remember that getting into your dress can take longer than you might think, especially if there are any issues with the fit, or if you have a particularly intricate dress.

Getting into your dress earlier than you think can help to ensure that me & your photographer have plenty of time to capture this special moment, without causing any delays in the wedding day schedule. It also allows for some extra time for any necessary touch-ups or adjustments to your hair and makeup. Again, if you want those beautiful bridal portraits of you in your dress we need time to do this, so even if you are ready a little early we can use that time effectively.

Here are some tips for getting into your dress earlier:

• Work with your hair and makeup team to create a schedule for the morning that includes extra time for getting into your dress & ensure you talk to them about what is important to you (trust me, I have filmed so many wedding where we didn’t get any professional portraits of brides in their dresses because hair & make teams were filming for their own content or delaying proceedings- remember they are recording content for themselves, not for you, whereas me & your photographer want to capture beautiful images for you to keep forever)

• Consider doing a trial run of getting into your dress with your bridesmaids or family members, so that you can identify any potential issues or delays ahead of time

• Plan to have your dress, shoes, and accessories all in one location, so that you don't have to waste time searching for items on the day of the wedding

• Give yourself at least 30 minutes to get into your dress, to ensure that there is plenty of time for me & your photographer to capture the moment (plus this leaves time for a glass of bubbles!)

By giving yourself extra time to get into your dress, you can help to ensure that your wedding film includes a beautiful & meaningful moment that truly captures the essence of your special day.

Tip 4 - Letter readings, presents & sound bites

One of the most emotional & meaningful moments of a wedding film can be the inclusion of letter readings, gift exchanges & sound bites- remember you have hired me & my style of filmmaking for the story telling element, so the more you can give me, the more I can create with your wedding film. These moments can add a personal touch to your wedding film that makes it completely unique from everyone else’s & helps to tell the story of your relationship & your wedding day.

Here are some tips for incorporating letter readings, presents, and sound bites into your wedding film:

• Work with me ahead of time to identify the best opportunities for capturing these moments, whether it's during the getting-ready process, the ceremony, or the reception

• Communicate with your wedding party and family members about the importance of these moments & ask for their participation in creating meaningful & heartfelt letters & gifts.

• Speak to me beforehand if you want to do something like a letter reading & I can scout a nice, quiet location on the morning of your wedding day- especially if you don’t want to do this in public

• Make sure to set aside enough time in your wedding day schedule to capture these moments & be sure to communicate any surprises or special moments with me ahead of time

• Personal vows are amazing for my style of filmmaking & you can include them even in a civil ceremony

By incorporating letter readings, presents & sound bites into your wedding film, you can create a truly personal & emotional story that captures the essence of your relationship & your wedding day.

Tip 5 - Remember to go bush to bush!

One of the most important shots for any wedding film is the footage of the bride & her bridesmaids walking down the aisle. To capture this moment beautifully, it's essential to make sure that the bouquets of flowers are held low enough so that we can see the smiling faces of the bridal party as they make their way to the altar- you’ll be nervous & so what happens is those bouquets start rising up & before you know it, i’m filming several bouquets with legs walking down the aisle. So, we have a special saying & this is referred to as "going bush to bush" (if you need clarification on this, ask a friend!).

Here are some tips for ensuring that I am able to capture this important moment:

• Work with your bridesmaids to practice holding their bouquets low, making sure that they are able to comfortably see where they are walking while still keeping their flowers at the right height for filming & photographing

• Communicate with your bridesmaids ahead of time to make sure that they are aware of the importance of the "bush to bush" shot

• Walk slowly down the aisle, allowing me & your photographer plenty of time to capture beautiful footage of each member of your bridal party

• Remember to relax & enjoy the moment! A natural & relaxed bridal party will help to create beautiful, candid footage that can make your wedding film truly magical.

By keeping the "bush to bush" technique in mind & working closely with me to ensure that this important moment is captured beautifully, you can create a wedding film that perfectly captures the joy and beauty of your special day- not to mention that this funny phrase means you & your girls will all remember it!

Tip 6 - Get those bouquets out early

To avoid water marks on dresses, make sure to take the bouquets out of water at least 30 minutes before the wedding ceremony. Use a towel to dry the stems and keep them dry until it's time to walk down the aisle. This will ensure that your dress stays dry and free of any water damage.

Tip 7 - Practice your first kiss!

The first kiss is one of the most important moments of your wedding day, & it's something that you'll want to remember forever. To make sure that we get the perfect shot, it's a good idea to practice your first kiss before the ceremony. This will help you feel more relaxed and confident when the time comes, and it will ensure that your videographer gets a great shot of this special moment.

Do you want a big epic embrace or a small peck on the lips? Is your future husband going to lean you backwards whilst kissing, or do a dip even? It’s such a wonderful moment- after all, its the part of the day that seals the deal & means you are finally married, so you don’t want it to be an awkward moment where you go one way, your partner goes another, or it isn’t as big or as epic as you thought it would be. Even just having a simple discussion before the big day will help you both know what your plan is.

Tip 8 - Let Your Videographer and Photographer Set Up Your Confetti Shot

The confetti shot is a classic moment in any wedding video, & it's essential to get it right. However, to capture the perfect shot, it's important to let me & your photographer set it up.

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your confetti shot:

• Don't let the vicar or registrar have any input on the confetti shot. They cannot see the camera or consider things that professionals would do (trust me, they cause more confusion than anyone!)

• Some venues have specific areas for confetti shots, so be sure to ask your venue coordinator about this & let me & your photographer know so we can maximise the area that we have.

• There are different types of confetti shots you can choose from (such as tunnels, circles, and static), so discuss these options with me to find the one that works best for your wedding.

By letting your videographer and photographer set up your confetti shot, you can ensure that it looks great on camera and creates a memorable moment in your wedding film.

Tip 9 - Make sure your venue bring you canapés

As a couple, you have likely spent a lot of time & effort in selecting the perfect venue for your wedding day. However, it's important to remember that your venue also has a role to play in ensuring that your wedding film turns out as great as you have envisioned it to be.

One way that your venue can help is by providing canapés to you, either during the recption or the portrait session. Having canapés on hand will help to keep you fed & energised, which can lead to better photos & video footage. Either way, you’re going to be in high demand with everyone wanting to talk to you & congratulate you, so theres a very real possibility you’ll miss the canapés if you don’t get your own personal portions brought to you by the venue.

Tip 10 - Throw some spins in your first dance!

Your first dance is one of the most memorable moments of your wedding day, & it's also a great opportunity to capture some amazing footage for your wedding film. While a slow dance can be romantic, consider adding some fun & excitement to your first dance by throwing in a few spins or twirls. Even if your first dance song is slower paced, you can still throw some elegant twirls into it & trust me, it looks so good on film.

Here are some key takeaways for incorporating spins into your first dance:

• Practice your spins ahead of time, so you feel confident and comfortable on the day.

• Make sure to communicate with me about your plans for your first dance, so I can be sure to capture all the best moments (I need to be in the right place at the right time!)

• Consider choosing a song that lends itself well to spinning & movement.

• Have fun with it! Your first dance should be a celebration of your love, so don't be afraid to let loose & enjoy the moment.

Tip 11: Consider having a first look moment

A first look is a special moment when the couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony. It can be a private moment or with a select few people present & is originally an American tradition, although it has gained popularity over here in the UK over the last few years. Here are some reasons why having a first look can improve your wedding film:

• It allows for a private, intimate moment between you that can be captured on film.

• It gives you a chance to calm their nerves and enjoy each other's company before the ceremony.

• It allows for more time for photos and video footage before the ceremony, freeing up time after the ceremony for other things.

• It can result in more genuine, emotional reactions from you that can make for great footage.

• It can provide a different angle & perspective for the videographer and photographer to capture the moment.

If you are someone that wants something special for your wedding film but don’t feel like letter readings or personal vows are your thing, then a first look could be the perfect alternative. Its a genuine, real emotion moment that cannot be faked or re-shot & you’ll react with each other how you would naturally react normally, which is why its such a lovely moment for your wedding film.

Tip 13: Don't be afraid to show your emotions

Your wedding day is one of the most emotional days of your life, & it’s natural to feel a range of emotions from excitement to nerves to overwhelming happiness. As a couple, it's important to embrace and show these emotions & not be afraid to let them shine through. Here's why:

• Authenticity: When you allow your true emotions to come through, your wedding video will be more authentic and reflective of who you are as a couple. Your videographer will be able to capture real, genuine moments that are unique to your relationship, rather than stiff, posed shots that don't convey the same level of emotion.

• Memorable Moments: By showing your emotions, you'll create lasting, memorable moments that you can look back on for years to come. Whether it's a teary-eyed first look or an exuberant first dance, these moments will be captured on film and can be treasured for a lifetime.

• Connection: Displaying your emotions on your wedding day can also help you connect with your partner and your guests on a deeper level. It creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, which can strengthen the bonds between you and your loved ones.

Remember, your wedding day is a celebration of your love and commitment to each other, so don't be afraid to let your emotions shine through. If you can’t do it on your wedding day, when can you do it!

Tip 14: Enjoy the Day and Don't Worry About the Cameras

One of the biggest mistakes couples make on their wedding day is worrying too much about the cameras & not enjoying the moment. Remember that the purpose of having a videographer is to capture your special day so you can relive it later. Don't let the cameras & equipment distract you from the real reason you're there - to marry the love of your life and celebrate with your family and friends.

Here are some tips to help you relax and enjoy your day:

• Trust your videographer & let them do their job. They are professionals and know what they're doing.

• Remember that it's okay to make mistakes & not everything will go perfectly. Embrace the imperfections & enjoy the moment.

• Take some time alone with your partner to take it all in and enjoy each other's company.

• Have fun with your guests & let loose on the dance floor. Your videographer will capture all the fun moments.

• Lastly, take a deep breath and remember to enjoy every moment of your wedding day. It will be over before you know it, so make the most of it.

By following these tips, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your wedding day, and your videographer will be able to capture all the special moments that you can cherish for years to come.

Conclusion

Your wedding day is one of the most important & special days of your life, & capturing every moment on film is crucial to preserving those memories for years to come. Hiring a professional wedding videographer is essential, but there are also things you can do to ensure that your wedding film is the best it can be.

In this article, we've covered 14 tips for making your wedding videography dreams a reality. From keeping your prep room tidy to throwing some spins in your first dance, each tip is designed to help you get the most out of your wedding video.

Some of the tips may seem small, but they can make a big difference in the final product. For example, getting in your dress earlier than you think or having all your details in one place can help you stay calm and relaxed, which will show in your video & letting your videographer & photographer set up your confetti shot can ensure that you get the perfect shot with no unexpected surprises.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to enjoy your wedding day and not worry too much about the cameras. Trust me to capture all the special moments & emotions, & focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime.

With these 14 tips in mind, you can rest assured that your wedding video will be a beautiful and meaningful representation of your love story. So go ahead, dream big, and make those wedding videography dreams a reality!