5 Tips to a Better Wedding Film
Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you I love to do research. I have this hunger to want to know everything I possibly can about all of my different interests. Whether its growing indoor plants, planning a vacation or the correct etiquette for eating sushi I am going to search the web high and low for everything I can find on the topic. As a wedding videographer, naturally, I’m going to spend a lot of my time researching other wedding films and let me tell you, I’ve watched a ton of them!
I’ve seen wedding films that made me cry some that made me laugh and the best films always make me feel like I really know the couple. The difference between an amazing wedding film and one that feels like it fell short is CONNECTION. The emotions we feel connect us with a story and it’s no different for your wedding film.
Below I’ve got 5 tips for a better wedding film that will help your videographer tell your story and connect your audience with you!
Caitlyn + Rittner | Phoenix, AZ
Tip #1 Exchange Personal Vows
One of the key ingredients to crafting a film that tells your story starts with sharing your words. Choosing to write personal vows allows your videographer to capture your vows in your own words to be intertwined throughout your final film. I’ve shot both types of weddings, those with personal vows and those with traditional vows and the personal vows always give a sense of connection when you hear them. On one of the biggest days of your life this is an opportunity for your to tell your partner in your words what your promise.
Tip #2 Exchange Letters Before the Ceremony
This is one of my favorite moments of the day to capture! Exchanging letters before the ceremony is an amazing way to not only add more verbal content (outside of the vows), but to help tell the story of your relationship leading to this day in your words. Some couples exchange letters and gifts before the ceremony, while others just exchange intimate letters expanding on their excitement about the day, and love for the other. Either way it is an opportunity to add more authentic emotion to your film.
Tip #3 First Looks
Typically, this is one of the most emotional parts of your wedding day and your wedding film. Ask any photographer or videographer if you should do a first look and the answer will likely be a resounding YES! Not only does it help with time management (all bridal party and family photos before the ceremony) but it is an opportunity to connect quietly and intimately with your partner before the ceremony. If you are adamantly traditional, you can always choose to have a first look with your bridal party, parents, or other significant loved one. I have even had a bride and groom do their first “look” behind a door while they prayed over their day! It’s more about the moment than anything else.
Tip #4 Leave Adequate Time for Photo/Video
There is nothing worse than being told we have just a few minutes with the couple before the reception starts. Allow space and time between each little event throughout the day. Not only will this help with time management but it will give you time to breathe and enjoy the day. By using your Planner or Day of Coordinator you can ensure that directly after the ceremony you and your spouse will head off with the photographer and videographer to create what will likely be some of your favorite photos and video moments of the day. The more time we have the more creative we can be and the creative shots are the ones that stand out. Try to allow at least 30-45 mins after the ceremony to capture these magical moments.
Tip #5 Great Speeches
Its safe to say that by this point we’ve all experienced some terrible wedding speeches and hopefully a few great ones. I know from personal experience that I did not deliver a great speech at my brother’s wedding. The simple reason was I was not prepared and had no idea what I was doing. A great speech adds so much to a final wedding film, its the sharing of your journey from someone you know and care about deeply. They are also usually hopes for your future together, and will be cherished for years to come. If you have any concerns that maybe just maybe your best man or maid of honor might need a little help, here is a great resource on how to write a wedding speech:
Bonus Tip: Use Footage From Your Phone
In my pursuit of research I found a great podcast talking about storytelling in wedding films. In this episode they spoke about how your wedding day is the pinnacle of your relationship. More than likely you’ve been engaged for a little while and probably dating for quite some time. By sharing videos directly from your phone with your videographer you will be able to tell a story that builds.
The Blog
Welcome to my little corner of the internet. Here you will find some some insight into what it takes to have an amazing wedding film along with some examples of my work.
