We have compiled a few tips for you to take into consideration when you are putting together the schedule, timeline, locations and plans for your Wedding Day. All of these tips will help you get the very best Wedding Film possible.
When picking out a location to get ready for your wedding, look for a spot that is beautiful, free of clutter, and if possible one that has plenty of natural light. Also request that your makeup artist and hair stylist set up in front of a natural light source instead of a bathroom with florescent lighting.* Neat and Tidy
Delegate wedding party members to help keep your getting ready room organized and clean. This will make you feel more calm as well as make a pleasing back drop for pictures & your Wedding Film.* When music is not your friend
Most couples love to have their favorite tunes playing as they get ready for their big day. When filming your getting ready footage, keep in mind that we cannot edit music out. If we capture a special moment of audio that would be great for your film but an obnoxious song is in the background, we may not be able to work it into the film. At the very minimum turn the music down when you’re getting dressed for any exceptional reactions from your parents and friends.
* Interviews a Priority
Schedule time in your timeline to do Couple interviews for your Wedding Film. Schedule that time during Getting Ready and before the First Look. Planners and Photographers set timelines for the day. If you want an interview for your Wedding Film you need to make sure that you schedule that time with both the Photographer and Planner so that it makes it into their timeline. Otherwise there won’t be time made for it and we won’t get the interviews done.
* Do A First Look
90% of couples do a First Look these days. You are spending A LOT of money on a Photographer and Cinematographer. Doing a First Look allows them to be creative and really be the best that they can be at their craft because they are not racing against the clock or the sun setting. Some of the BEST footage from your Wedding Film will be during the First Look and couples photo session. Your Photographer will set up a First Look in a setting that is both private and intimate so you will have the opportunity to have a moment together and get those nerves out while allowing your Photographer and Cinematographer to get some fabulous shots.
* Time Worries
Schedule enough time for photos and filming. Family photos and portraits can take a while, so make sure you not only allow for this in your timeline, but also have enough time for romantic shots of just the two of you with your wedding filmmaker and photographer. We suggest 15-20 minutes in addition to your formal photography session to get some beautiful eye candy for your Wedding Film.
*Let the Professionals do their Jobs
Encourage family and friends to refrain from taking Photos or Video during the Ceremony, Photo Shoot and Reception. You hired both a Professional Photographer and Cinematographer to capture all of the moments of the day. When there are multiple people take photos or video it gets in the way of the professionals to be able to do their job and do it well. It clogs the aisle during the Ceremony and then during the Photo Session it confuses the people being photographed as to where to look for pictures. Then during the Reception it hinders the professionals ability to move around the room and capture great shots if the dance floor is surrounded by family and friends taking photos. One way to handle this is to have your minister or DJ announce before the Ceremony that you are having professionals take both the photos and the video and that those images and film will be shared with them online and to refrain from taking them.
Remind your wedding party that chewing gum and talking to each other during the ceremony can detract from the attention of your guests and that it doesn’t look good on the film or in pictures.* Take It Slow
The bridal party and especially the bride should remember to walk controlled and gradually down the aisle. This is your time to shine, your guests want to have a good look at you, and it helps us, the filmmaker and your photographer, to capture the moment.* Dancing Queen
Take your time to dance. Sometimes for whatever reason, couples choose to cut short their first dances, having the DJ fade out the music in the middle. From our standpoint we love to film the first dance from different, unique angles and look for tender moments. It’s hard to get all that in 90 seconds so why not just enjoy the moment and your time in the spotlight.
* Light it up
Reception lighting can sometimes make or break the look of your Wedding Film. It’s a great idea to hire a professional lighting designer to add ambiance to a room, but keep in mind that different colors of up-lighting can make skin tones look strange. Lighting that is too bright around the edges of the room can make the interior look dark. Even out up-lighting with spotlights on the dance floor and head table. If a designated spot for toasts or speeches can be picked out ahead of time and then lit properly, it will make all the difference in the world.
* Dinner Time
Make sure the Catering staff at your venue knows to feed the vendors when you are eating as well. I know it only seems appropriate to feed your vendors after every one of your guests has eaten, but after 8 hours of shooting the cinematographers need to re-fuel and they need a few minutes to do that. If your vendors are left to eat last, the action after your dinner is starting on the dance floor. To avoid anything getting missed or a cinematographer to collapse from hunger and thirst, feed them first.
