Avoiding Disaster: Dos and Don’ts of The Wedding Video

With the release of The Wedding Video across our cinema screens this weekend, professional wedding and events planner Ailish McDonnell, from Keep Calm and Marry On, advises on how to avoid a wedding day video disaster.

Ailish says: “Couples want to relive their wedding day exactly as it happened, preserving on film one of the most memorable occasions of their lives. The last thing you want on such a precious day is to dread watching the video back in case it doesn’t live up to expectations.

“In my experience, if a couple are debating whether or not to have their wedding filmed, if they can afford it, I would always advise on having a professional videographer film it. The day passes so quickly and with having all those special moments captured, it’s better to be able to see your ceremony, your first kiss and dance as a married couple, than regret not having recorded any of it.”

Award-winning Cheshire wedding videographers, Unforgettable Memories, know only too well the importance of capturing a wedding day on film.

Craig at Unforgettable Memories says: “A lot of wedding video suppliers have a bad reputation, but that’s because they haven’t moved with the times. They are still in the age of the large shoulder mounted camera which they point at people and expect them to “perform”, having a video doesn’t have to be like this nowadays.

“Don’t have a relative or member of the wedding party shoot your video, as they do in The Wedding Video, unless of course, they are a professional videographer. Remember these people are guests at your wedding and may well be busy with being a guest as opposed to capturing your big day.”

Wedding Planner Ailish from Keep Calm and Marry On and Craig from Unforgettable Memories suggest the following tips to bear in mind when choosing your wedding videographer:

Decide on what elements of the wedding you would like to capture: Bride getting ready; Groom getting ready; guests arriving; bridal party and bride arriving to the ceremony; the ceremony; drinks reception; bride and groom entrance to dinner; dinner and speeches; cutting the cake; first dance; party with guest dancing.

When choosing a professional videographer make sure you know what style you would like – standard static or fly-on-the-wall documentary.

Always meet and discuss your ideas with your videographer well in advance. You need to make sure your personalities don’t clash and that they are sensitive and respectful of your needs on the day.

You should also try to secure your videographer as far in advance as possible. The more popular your chosen professional, the greater chance you’ll be disappointed if you leave it too late to book him or her.

Be clear about what your ‘package’ includes and what, if any, add-ons are required to meet your final film requirements and that it matches your budget so you don’t have a hefty surprise bill.

There is a rising trend in couples having a pre-wedding shoot in the build-up to their big day. This may involve having a pre-wedding party filmed. Likewise, some also have a post-wedding shoot, such as a family gathering the day after the wedding and this might be something to consider.

Prices will vary depending on the type of equipment the videographer uses, whether they’re a part-time or full-time business, if they use broadcast quality, the number of people in their crew and so on.

Always ask to see previous examples, speak to past clients and if it seems too cheap and too good to be true – it probably is.

Remember, a golden rule is that ultimately you get what you pay for.

For advice on any aspect of planning your wedding or event please contact Ailish McDonnell on 07732531910 or email info@keepcalmmarryon.com. For more information visit www.keepcalmmarryon.com.