If you've found the perfect wedding videographer for you, but don't know exactly what they'll be doing on the day, this is for you! Videographer and bride-to-be Rachel from Veiled Productions explains what you can expect from your videographer on your wedding day...
Without seeing a videographer in action it’s difficult to know what they will be like on your wedding day. Like lots of wedding suppliers, videographers have different styles. Here are some of my top tips about what to expect from your wedding videographer on your wedding day.
Image credit: Damien Vickers Photography
Before the ceremony
During the preparations videographers will want to capture the emotions of the two of you with your wedding party, family and friends.
I often say it is at this point that you are most likely to notice someone is filming you because there are fewer people around. However, in order to be as subtle as possible, I use zoom lenses throughout the day. This means I can stand further away and capture the action as it happens without intruding in the build up before the ceremony. I’m also happy to help with anything you might need. In the past I’ve put flowers in water and fetched drinks to help brides stay hydrated and feel at ease.
At this point in the day it’s the perfect time to film the outfits, jewellery and any gifts you may have purchased too. I usually spend a minimum of two hours capturing the preparations before the wedding ceremony so that there is plenty of footage of you getting ready as well as the details.
During the ceremony
The most important element during the ceremony is sound. Any professional wedding videographer will want to get your voices really clearly during the vows and ring exchange. I personally use a wireless clip on microphone and will hide it discreetly to make sure the audio is clear.
I always set up for the ceremony an hour before it is due to start. In order to get lots of different angles, most videographers will set up unmanned cameras on tripods which film the whole ceremony. I do this so you can watch back the whole ceremony edited between different angles and see reactions from family and friends you may not have seen on the day.
During the afternoon reception
The main focus during this time is natural footage of you and your guests. I use a zoom lens to capture everyone hugging you and congratulating you after you exit the ceremony. An important moment is often the confetti throw and your photographer and videographer will communicate with each other (and the two of you) how best to do this in the space available.
I always film the formal photographs as well because often there are moments where you laugh with your guests before or after the photos are taken - some great natural moments.
Image credit: Veiled Productions
During the wedding breakfast
At this point it is very likely your photographer and videographer will eat as well. Footage of you and your guests eating isn’t very flattering! If you’d like footage of the food then definitely ask your wedding venue coordinator to alert the videographer when each course arrives before people tuck in!
During the speeches
Similar to the ceremony, the most important element for your videographer will be recording the speakers’ voices clearly. Although some venues will have a PA system, I always like to use my own clip on microphones for the speeches so I can trust all sound will be picked up clearly.
Professional videographers will avoid moving to prevent disturbing the speakers and everyone watching. For this reason I use static cameras to pick up guest reactions and I film with a camera and zoom lens to capture the two of you and your speakers.
During the evening reception
Often at this point your photographer will request some additional photographs of the two of you. Golden hour (just before sunset) can have amazing light for photographs and video footage! I love these moments of the two of you reflecting on your day.
Footage of you greeting your evening guests and more natural moments are prioritised at this point too. It’s a great time to film you chatting and laughing with your guests. It’s amazing how quickly the day goes by and time spent with your loved ones is precious.
Image credit: Veiled Productions
During your first dance
This is another event in the day where videographers will often use multiple cameras so you can watch the first dance back in full.
Working with your DJ or band is crucial here as often it’s incredibly dark on the dance floor. For the best footage of the two of you videographers will use LED lights to get beautiful shots. Although modern cameras and lenses can cope fairly well in low light situations (so it wouldn’t be a disaster if lights weren’t used) the lights ensure the best quality footage.
During the party
This is the most fun bit! Photographers usually only stay for one or two dances after the first dance but for videographers the party is one of the best bits of the day. Capturing fun footage of you and your guests on the dance floor, at the bar and in the photo booth makes your wedding day films! It’s for this reason that I stay for a minimum of an hour after the first dance so I can get footage of the dancing and other entertainment you may have in the evening.
The way videographers will work on the day will vary so it’s important to look at their reviews. Check what previous couples have said about them. You want to feel confident they can film and edit in the way you want and that they will work well with your other suppliers. The best compliment I receive from couples is that they hardly noticed me filming all day because I don’t want to intrude. I capture the action as it happens and then edit the films to showcase the wedding day like I was a guest.
Thanks to Rachel for her advice! See what to expect from your wedding videographer before the day and after the wedding here.