My Top 5 Tips on how to make sure you get a great video
Clean your hotel room!
Speeches – What makes or break a wedding is the quality of the audio. First of all, it must be captured from the source, not just a microphone on camera. That alone scream beginner, and your video is already going to be subpar. However, not only does the audio have to be capture correctly, but the quality of the content that is being said also has a lot to do with it. The absolute best speech, and my most favorite, is the father of the bride speech. But it can’t be just a thank you. Most fathers, are mostly shy. They always get nervous reading something, but the best ones are always just from the heart. Talking about how much he loves his little girl, who’s not so big anymore….Talks about her value and best qualities, then turns to groom and thanks him for treating her well, then you can insert a jab about if he hurts her, he’ll kill him….but all jokes aside. I just want you to be happy….
Then a sister, mother, best friend, is next….but also depends on the quality. I know it’s damn near impossible to control what they are going to say, especially the cocky best man who think he’s funnier than he really is….tell them you can saw whatever you want, but someone in there, and within your ramble, please include how awesome I am, how awesome Rick is, and how when we’re together, it’s just nothing but totally awesomeness all around. Then wish us the best and a lifetime of happiness, and cheers…Say all the dumb jokes, anecdotes, childhood stories no one cares about, or that time the groom saved you from punching a cop…
Speeches. Extremely important. I can chop up speeches and sometimes only extract a line or two. The more the better. And the longer the video ill be able to edit together.
This also applies to the officiant/priest. Their words, can also be used to create a story which will narrate the day. It’d be best if someone talks about how the couple met…
Write Personal Vows or at least read each other a card
Writing your own vows goes without saying, and after mentioning the importance of the speeches, writing your vows in another massive opportunity to create a custom wedding video that is much more personal, and can hit on a different level, years after you watch it…
These are actually more important that the speeches, and are also a key component to providing high quality content for you videographer to use and tell a story..( really, the story tells itself, if you let) INSERT YODA JOKE HERE
If you have a fear of public speaking, you can also write each other a letter, and you can read it into a microphone before or after. Hell, you can even record it on an iphone after the wedding, but the quality would be much better to read it right after you each finish getting ready.
Have a First Look, if shot well, is a great way to build tension and anticipation on video. And to capture the reactions when you both see each is always fun to watch and experience…It’s like it sets the tone for the rest of the day, and you feel like you’re in together, and not separated while having different experiences.
Lastly, be patient with your photog/videographer! They are there to help you and are just trying to get you the best footage possible, without keeping you away from your family and friends too much. They’ll be with you almost every second of the day. There are situation where we have to switch lenses, check on our second shooter, coordinate something with the planner, have a request from a family member, or have to change some settings on the camera.
BONUS TIP: If there’s rain in your forecast, plan to bring, or ask your photographer to bring a clear umbrella, or some rain panchos…