Everything from where to prepare for your wedding to how to have flawless audio in your wedding film will be covered in this guide on wedding videography. None of these recommendations are necessary by any means; each wedding is different. But we do think your wedding film and pictures will be great if you adhere to these guidelines to the fullest extent possible!
WEDDING PLANNING STAGES
Initially, we'd like to provide insight into our pre-wedding procedures and offer guidance to couples on establishing a smooth process for their vendor team. At MDS Media Co., we take pride in caring for our clients, emphasising that choosing us means selecting a team that genuinely appreciates you.
So, to make the process easier on you on your wedding vendor team this is what we suggest.
Approximately one month before your wedding day, as all the details converge, it's advisable for you or your wedding planner to compile a comprehensive list of every wedding vendor involved – from caterers and cake bakers to florists and photographers. Once this list is compiled, share it via email with all your vendors. This proactive measure facilitates communication within your wedding vendor team leading up to the big day and provides them with a master list for reference post-wedding.
In addition to sharing the vendor list, it's essential to communicate the timeline you've established with all your vendors. We highly recommend couples engage in conversations with their photographers, videographers, and planners to collectively create a timeline that accommodates everyone involved. This collaborative effort contributes significantly to a stress-free wedding day for all parties, ensuring smooth coordination and a more enjoyable experience overall.
Relax and don’t be afraid to talk with your vendor team if you have any questions. We are here for you, and more than willing to answer any questions you have!
THE GETTING READY PROCESS
Moving on to the getting ready process, it's crucial to consider that this often begins hours before the photographers and videographers arrive at the location. Our recommendation is to utilise spaces with windows if available during this phase. Natural light proves to be the most favourable for photographers and videographers, enhancing the overall quality of visuals. While we can introduce additional lighting if needed, it's worth noting that natural light tends to be the most flattering for capturing the best moments, especially when it comes to showcasing the natural beauty of your skin.
Typically, your hair and makeup team will make efforts to locate a space with natural light, but it's always a good idea to communicate this preference. If you're getting ready at a hotel, engage in a conversation with them regarding your concerns; not all hotels offer the same window options, and some may have better natural light options than others. By expressing your preference for natural light, you contribute to creating an optimal environment for your hair and makeup preparations, ensuring the best possible outcome for your photos and videos.
The beauty of natural light extends to moments like when you put on your dress and showcase wedding day details. Speaking of details, another recommendation is to have a designated box containing all your essential wedding day items. This box can include:
- Invitations and Save the Dates
- Rings
- Shoes
- Garter
- Special Jewellery
Having a designated box for your wedding day details serves as a practical solution for when we arrive. This ensures that photographers and videographers can efficiently locate and capture shots of these details without the need to search for each individual piece. For added convenience, you may consider entrusting the box to your maid or matron of honour, allowing her to have the details readily available when we arrive, streamlining the process and ensuring we can capture these important moments seamlessly.
LETTER READING OR VOW AUDIO
If you're considering writing letters to each other on the wedding day or exchanging private vows, it creates a magical and special moment that we truly cherish documenting. Drawing from our own experience, my partner and I opted for traditional vows during the ceremony but wrote custom vows to share just before our first look. There are countless creative and meaningful ways to incorporate this element into your wedding, and we're more than happy to discuss ideas and options. Feel free to reach out to us for personalised suggestions that can add an extra touch of sentimentality to your special day.
We have a few tips to share to make these moments look and sound absolutely amazing.
First, when reading your letter or vows, we will take you to a quiet place to relax.
Read slowly, as if you are talking to your fiancé(e).
If you mess up, it’s ok just keep going.
Don’t hold back any emotions, after all, it is a very special and emotional day. We love keeping everything genuine and real!
COUPLES SESSIONS AND FIRST LOOK
We always recommend a first look to our couples, with about 75% choosing to embrace this option. While not mandatory, we firmly believe it enhances the flow of the wedding day, primarily by alleviating some of the anxiety and stress.
The first look provides a unique opportunity for you to see your best friend and share a private moment before the day becomes hectic. We make it a point to capture this intimate moment and then give our couples a few minutes alone to savour the time together.
Additionally, opting for a first look allows us to conduct a couple's session before the ceremony and a brief sunset session afterward. We particularly love sunset sessions and strongly advise incorporating them into your timeline. These sessions are typically short, around 15 minutes, and are scheduled either before the ceremony or during the reception. The result is a collection of stunning shots that you'll cherish.
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS
In our role as wedding videographers, our focus is not typically on capturing family photographs, as we leave this task to the photographer to handle your family portraits. However, when these photos are taken before the wedding ceremony, it provides us with the time needed to set up for the ceremony itself. To facilitate a smooth process for your photographers, we recommend collaborating with them on creating a list of family photos ahead of the wedding day. This proactive approach ensures that both videographers and photographers can work seamlessly together, capturing all the important moments without any unnecessary delays.
THE WEDDING CEREMONY
The wedding ceremony holds a special place in our hearts as videographers. It's the moment when you both commit your lives to each other. To ensure we capture every nuance, we will have our camera on stand-by and typically place microphones on the officiant and groom. This setup allows us to capture high-quality audio of both the officiant and the vows exchanged between the bride and groom.
If your ceremony includes readings, a soloist, vocalist, or any unique elements, please inform us in advance. This way, we can take the necessary steps to ensure these moments are recorded flawlessly for you. Unexpected surprises during the ceremony can be challenging to address once it has begun, so communicating any special elements in advance helps us deliver a video that perfectly encapsulates the uniqueness of your ceremony.
THE RECEPTION
Let’s get the party started! You are married! Relax, and dance the night away with your friends and family. There is nothing special we suggest here. Enjoy the party, and you might even catch us on the dance floor too.
THE EXIT
Whether you're planning a sparkler exit, bubbles, flower petals, streamers, or any other creative send-off, we recommend incorporating a pause in the middle for a kiss or the classic dip and kiss. This creates a perfect photo opportunity and a cherished moment with all your guests celebrating your new journey as husband and wife. It's a symbolic and joyful way to mark the culmination of your wedding day festivities as you embark on a lifetime of shared adventures with your best friend.
Follow any or all of the steps outlined in our wedding videography guide, and your videography and photography experience will be nothing short of amazing! Remember, your wedding vendor team is here to support you and more than willing to address any questions or concerns you may have. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to making your day the happiest and as stress-free as possible. Feel free to reach out at any time – we're here for you!
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