What should you expect to see in a wedding video?
My Wedding Day Video plan typically looks something like this. I say typically because no two weddings are exactly the same. Things change on the day and usually the only two events that have to stay on track time wise are the ceremony and the wedding breakfast food being served. Everything else is a moveable feast but these are some of the key things that I will be looking out for. The key for me with timing is flexibility. I have no control over when things happen.
I say 'bride' and 'groom' for convenience but the same sort of plan could equally apply for a civil partnership of a couple of the same sex.
- Bridal preparations usually with bridesmaids and mother of the bride perhaps as well.
- Flowers and bouquets arriving during bridal preparations
- Full length ceiling to floor of the wedding dress plus some close up stills if the lighting is good.
- Bride’s shoes If logistically possible shots of the groom and groomsmen getting ready.
- Again, if logistically possible, shots of transport used e.g. bride arrives in a horse and carriage or groom arrives by helicopter.
- Filming around the venue for the ceremony including guests arriving.
- Guests taking their seats for the ceremony.
- Bridal party take their seats.
- Bride and her father walk down the aisle.
- The ceremony including audio of the vows and exchanging of the rings.
- After the ceremony the bride and groom leaving the ceremony room.
- Confetti shots potentially, usually outdoors
- Filming of the photo shoot with family groups as organised in advance by the photographer. Hopefully this will include an arranged shot of all the guests. I will happily help gather people together for group shots but only if asked to do so.
- The bride and groom arriving in the hall for the wedding breakfast as people stand andclap the couple arriving
- Filming and audio recording of the speeches.
- Golden hour couple shoot potentially. Depending on the time of year and the timings of the wedding breakfast most photographers will try and make the best use of the gorgeous golden light that occurs just before sunset. This can be time when the photographer and I get our best images.
- At the start of the evening party the cake cutting followed by the bride and grooms first dance.
- Possibly the bride dancing with her father.
- Some footage of party guests dancing. Any other planned events, for instance fireworks.
- At some stage I also like to get some slow motion video if I can find a suitable moment.
If your guests are up for it and I can find a quiet location I sometimes set up a guest interviews session where I get couples or families to sit in front of the camera and individually or as a family wish the couple well.
Martin Waring - Wedding Videography York
