Wedding videography guide

Hi,

Thank you for your interest in my wedding videography. This guide will help you to understanding what to expect for the days filming. The films I'll send you of your big day will allow you relive the day with wonderful memories of you both and all your guests.

Planning a wedding is time consuming and there’s tons to arrange but it turns out I’ve been to the odd wedding or two in the last few years so I’ve put together this guide to help you along the way.

Top tip from me

Plan the best day of your lives, not the day your family or friends want you to have. Plan the day you want to have. It's your special day and modern day weddings allow you lots of flexibility to do it just how your want. You don't have to stick to certain traditions or you may want something completely unconventional, go ahead as you'll only get one shot at it, make it special, make it yours.

Then on the day, despite all the planning before hand be prepared to let everything go on the day and enjoy each and every moment and let your suppliers take care of it all. The right people, the right day, in a place you love, having the best time ever celebrating your big day with all those you that matter to you. Be yourselves.

You having fun and enjoying each moment = the most awesome pictures - much more than everything being perfect

Before your big day

Let's start at the beginning, communication is absolutely key for your videographer - and of course your other suppliers too. So it all starts with a booking, I generally recommend a meet-up (or at least a Zoom or call) to go through your day and make some recommendations. I then hold the date for a few days and if you decide to book all I require is a small booking fee of £100 and that secures your date - the balance isn't due until two weeks prior to your big day. The invoice is sent via email and is simply paid securely on any card. Alternatively, you can pay with a payment plan, just enquire.

Smooth Communication

Then on the lead up to your wedding day I'll be sending over various bits of of information to help you with the planning and video decisions, this will include

Getting to know you questionnaire - we'll have had the chance at the meet up but ensuring I know you makes for better photography, individual to you.

Family and friend shot list - a helpful guide on getting the group photos you want, these are generally taken care of by the photographer but you may like this guide. 

Other than that I totally appreciate that you trust me to approach your day with an open mind, that way I will create films that are truly natural, unique and yours. I'll call you two or three days prior to your wedding to re-confirm the start time and make sure nothing has changed

Top Tip

I've filmed most venues in Essex and lots in surrounding counties but if it’s a venue I haven’t filmed before I usually visit the venue in advance of your wedding, or I might arrive early to check it out. For me the best films are made by going with the flow on the day. Of course I’m happy for you to mention certain locations that you really want to include.

My Travel Arrangements

Unless your plans make sense to do otherwise, I’ll usually arrange my own travel (and accommodation where applicable) dependant on your preparation and reception locations. If it’s a destination wedding or outside a reasonable travel distance I will arrive the day/night before and stay close by the wedding venue.

The Preparations

I like to arrive early, not always from a filming point of view but in order to say hello to everyone and get to know who’s who and see all the relationships and characters that I can then look into documenting throughout the day. That way you and your party are used to me and can get on enjoying your day.

I like to capture the things that matter and the moments as they happen - so I want you guys to do exactly what you want and I’ll get on with the story telling. I’ll film your wedding just as it was and how it unfolds so you can remember it that way. So if things are chaotic then don’t worry too much about tidying up, or hiding the ‘chaos from ‘me’ - but if you do want things to be neat and minimal for the film then just be mindful of that.

Preparations Continued

If we haven’t already covered this, as a rule for a bride and groom I will be with the girls first and aim to see the guys at the venue. If you'd like both partners covered before the venue or it's a same-sex marriage then I'll spend time with both prior to going to the venue or at the venue if you're getting ready there. This will all depend on the timing and logistics of your wedding. If the logistics or locations are too difficult to cover alone or it is a larger wedding, a second videographer can be a great addition to your wedding. We'll cover one partner each and then meet up for the ceremony. Then the second videographer will add different perspectives and cover different groups of guests throughout the day.

Detail shots

In the morning if there are certain details or items you’d like filmed, then try to make sure these items are out on display. This could include things like rings, shoes, flowers, and hanging your dress in a good location. If you’re not to bothered about those things then no worries, I'll capture the dress and accessories on you anyway. I'll spend all my time filming the people and the moments.

The Arrivals

I’ll capture the groom and party with lots of variety and some natural videos of the guests as they arrive - always happy. I’ll capture the smiles, laughter - selfie taking and of course the kids in their full wedding attire before they trash it :). I’ll capture some film of the surroundings outside and inside as well as the table arrangements and cake at opportune moments throughout the day.

The Ceremony

If you are getting married in a church then it is well worth checking with the priest/vicar if they have any rules for the filming. If there are any restrictions then perhaps see if they would allow me to be at the front at least for your entrances and when you see each other for the first time, that is such a great moment to capture. Then I can move out of the way when the ceremony starts. However be mindful that some churches don’t allow the videographer to be anywhere but the back - the important thing is for you to be aware of that in advance to avoid any upset on the day. If the Vicar has concerns, I’m happy to call them and have a discussion in advance. I’ll film in complete silence and won’t use lights in the vast majority of ceremonies.

If your wedding is anywhere other than a church then there are generally very few if any restrictions, and if there are any it’s usually from the registrar. In the vast majority the registrars are accommodating to the photographers requirements. But do check with them and I will speak to them on the day too.

Top Tip

It used to be tradition that the bride walked down the aisle first followed by flower girls and bridesmaids. Not so any more, it's now popular for the bride to follow the bridesmaids. This can be more settling for the bride too - remember the choice is yours.

For same sex marriages you may choose to walk the aisle together, separately or one partner at the front and the other walking the aisle.

Top Tip

Knowing when to live the moments

I’m totally happy for your guests to take as many photos or videos during your day as they like - but for your parents and/or close relatives encourage them to put down the camera or phone for the important moments, they need to see you as you really are, and videos of pure emotions are much better than with phones or cameras in front of their faces.

Group and Family Photos

You may like to get some nice photos of those people who are genuinely close to you in group shots. Depending on the schedule and the weather, a good time to do this is usually between the end of the ceremony and before you sit down to eat. The photographer will usually finalise the groups and I’ll capture those as well as all the fun in between moments too.

How long will group photos take

On average groups up to 6 people take around 2-3 minutes each and larger groups could take up to 15 minutes each.

No one likes standing around and with that in mind I’d advise as few group shots as possible as the less time spent wondering where auntie sue is and the more time celebrating and mingling with your guests is what you may prefer. 

6 groups = 20 minutes. 10 Groups = 30 minutes

Confetti shot = 10 minutes

If you want a shot of the entire group allow another 10- 15 minutes

Top Tip

If you want to keep the time to a minimum have around 6-8 groups of which the photographer will usually get different versions. Also, consider not having a group shot of the entire party as this can eat up 10-15 minutes. With large groups everyone will be tiny anyway and natural shots during the course of the day will showcase the guests much better. Of course if a group shot is important then go ahead - it’s your day :)

Special Couple Photos

Usually taken before the groups or straight after them but this is flexible according to requirements. Allow 15 to 20 minutes on average. If you’d like some drone shotes then allow a further 15 minutes - these can add really special moments to your wedding film and there’s no additional cost. Be mindful that some venues have restrictions and if there’s an airport nearby it won’t be possible.

Some couples would also like some sunset photos and videos weather depending, just let me know and we can schedule that in too.

The Wedding Breakfast.

If you like I can add a fun dash around each table upon entry to the wedding breakfast. I’ll have the guests all clapping to an upbeat song. This is fun and uplifting and the photographer will get a shot at each table too. It lasts just 90 seconds but your guests will be buzzing afterwards as will you both.

The speeches will all be filmed with multiple cameras to capture different angles and close ups. I’ll also use professional microphones for crisp sound too. It’s important to not only capture the speakers but also the guest reactions too as there will be all sorts of emotions going on :)

The Reception

Depending on your booking I will usually be working up to either the first dance (10 minutes after) or into the evening - and a hungry videographer is a sad videographer. So I’ll either need to prepare a packed lunch or you may like to feed me :). The venue will usually advise you of this too and have special arrangements.

Either way let me know so I can prepare in advance. The best time for me to eat is when you do - it’s really the only time I stop taking videos. If you are supplying a meal this is usually served straight after all the guests are served their mains and most venues have an allocated place away from the main eating area.

Documentary Filming

The key to natural documentary film is acting as if I wasn’t there. Most of the time you won't notice me anyway but if you find yourself looking at me, just look away! It may seem strange at first but I promise you’ll soon forget the clicks.  It’s really about being yourselves. and capturing your personalities.

Much, much more

The speeches, cutting the cake, first dance, all the events will be captured in a natural and candid style. Every wedding is different and unique and range from large weddings with children to small close family weddings. Whatever your choice I'll capture much more than you can see for yourself on the day. The children playing in the evening sun, your friends and family having a great time, the banter (and shots) at the bar, the antics on the dance floor - and much much more.

Here are a few things you should consider and again none of these are additional costs

• Bride & Groom letters read to each other. Usually during the preparations I’ll record and/or film you reading the letters out and overlay the other parties preparations.

• Drone shots. I’ll capture some venue/church shots at the beginning of the day and then some couple scenes all naturally filmed from above. I can also get it out for a few flyovers of the guests later too. I have a special lightweight drone and licence allowing me to lawfully capture the guests and scenery. 

• Table dash -  a fun dash around each table upon entry to the wedding breakfast as described earlier under the wedding breakfast section.

• Personal messages for you from your guests. These will be fun, emotional, silly and sentimental, you’ll get a great mixture and this makes a nice surprise for you at the end on the linger video

A Natural Approach

The scenes have to reflect who you are, capture the real emotions and that way they’ll be more meaningful to you and those that are close to you. I'll be looking out for all the special moments, tears of joy, smiles and laughter, children playing and the adults having a great time. And of course the special couple throughout the day.

Your Party

If I'm booked until the first dance I'll stay a few minutes to get some of the fun on the dance floor. If I'm booked into the evening the advice here is simple - have an amazing party and go as crazy as you like. I’ll be on the dance floor- and at the bar - and outside - wherever the action is. Capturing you and your amazing guests having a great time together.

After Your Wedding

I always aim to provide some preview trailer a day or two after the wedding on my facebook/instagram page - or to you via email/message. This means you’ll have a professional video clip to share on your social media if you choose. If you prefer to keep your videos private then just let me know.

I'm proud of my five star reviews 100% satisfaction record, you can find me here on facebook, and here  on instagram

Amazing highlight film

You'll also receive a beautiful highlight film of your day of  around 7 minutes or so. I aim to have this completed within 6 weeks but usually much quicker. Then a longer video will be sent a few weeks after that with the entire ceremony and speeches as well as much more of the whole day.

During summer or if I have a holiday planned it can take a little longer (not much) but I promise the ifilms will be worth the wait.

As a final note, you'll find me relaxed, friendly and I'll build a good rapport with your guests. I use only professional grade equipment fully backed up with spare camera bodies, lenses, microphones and lighting. I'm also fully ensured and happy to send my insurance details to you or your venue who will often require it.

And that's about it - phew, let me know if you have any queries, anytime

To book a meet up contact me here or text/call 07899944216 or email admin@coconutpier.com

Hope that helps and provides some useful information, All the best, Dave