As a Boston wedding videographer. we enjoy helping our brides and grooms prepare for the perfect day. A few years ago, we created a top ten list for making your wedding film better, but some of the ideas were specific to the wedding day, and others were more important in the wedding planning process. Therefore, after taking part in a roundtable with several of the other top wedding filmmakers in New England, we split our top ten lists into two segments: the planning top ten and the day-of top ten list. First, here are our top ten tips to make your Boston wedding video better during the wedding planning process:
1. Add a welcome speech. That’s right, have Dad speak. It is a great courtesy for the Father of the Bride to welcome everyone and thank your guests for coming on each families behalf. Secondly, and more importantly, fathers get emotional and sentimental when their daughters get married. This usually translates into great moments and speeches about the couple and exactly the type of speech you’ll want to have for your memories.
2. More time for prep. The one thing you cannot get back during the wedding day is time. One of my top suggestions is to add one half-hour to whatever time you want hair and make-up to end. So if you want hair and make-up done at 11am, then tell your hair and make-up team that you need to be done by 10:30pm. No one is to blame here, but this is the most common place for brides to fall behind on their timeline.
3. Have a first look. Just do it! Seeing each other before the ceremony helps you with your nerves and creates a wonderful opportunity for you two to say just say “Hi”. Every bride we talk to says that it does not take away from the feelings you get walking down the aisle either. We also view this as an opportunity to capture you two alone together for an intimate, personable moment.
4. Write personalized vows. Nothing lets your personality into your wedding film better than vows that are written from the heart. It’s a personal touch that cannot be matched!
5. Natural Light. When planning your hair and make-up location, think about natural light (sunlight). If you are not relegated to the salon, try and choose locations with large windows and limited or no need for artificial light.
6. Schedule some time with the cinematographer. When you schedule time with the photographer to do intimate photos of just the bride and groom, be sure to schedule in time for the cinematographer to work his/her magic. We usually need about 10-15 minutes, and most times the photographer will take advantage of this time too.
7. Unplug your wedding. As a bride and groom, you will invest thousands of dollars to have your photographer and cinematographer document your day. With today’s technology, cell phones, ipads and cameras flood your aisle with guests who complicate the equation. One of today’s most popular trends is to have your guests put away all electronic devices and just enjoy the moment. There will be plenty of photo opportunities later in the day.
8. Exchange gifts. Plan on adding a special moment to your day by giving each other gifts with a personally-written card. If gifts are not in your budget, then just exchange cards. You can have a bridesmaid/groomsmen deliver it. It’s always fun to see how we can tie this sequence into your film. Plus, you can see their reaction when they open it.
9. Pick the right Masters of Ceremonies. Your Officiant and DJ/Band Leader will set the tone, provide emotion, and create energy throughout the day. Do not underestimate this! A good Officiant gets to know the couple and incorporates their story and personalities into the ceremony. Meanwhile, the Emcee at the reception really has the ability to set the right tone for the evening.
10. Details. You can never have too many. It’s the details that often bring out a couple’s personality on the wedding day and in their wedding film! Create some pinterest boards while following other boards that match your wedding style and interests. Check out our pinterest boards too, as we have lots of ideas.
The one thing about wedding planning is that not too many people do it more than once. As an experience wedding vendor, we hope that information like this will help you create great memories of your special day. Tune in Friday as we release the updated top 10 list of how to make your Boston wedding video or film better on the wedding day itself.