10 Essential Tips for Planning Your Wedding Film
So, you're about to tie the knot…
You’ve got the dress, the venue, and even that one cousin who insists on doing the Cha Cha slide at every family event.
But have you thought about your wedding videographer?
Before you say "I do" to your videographer, here are some essential things to discuss prior to the big day.
Timeline 🕒
You’re about to book your videographer to capture the big day (and congratulations if you’re choosing us! 😜) — go ahead and tick that off your planning list, but don’t stop there.
Providing us with a detailed timeline of the day’s events can make all the difference in creating a video that reflects every special moment. While we’ll be there for the big moments like the ceremony, first dance, speeches, and cake cutting, having a clear schedule allows us to plan ahead and ensures we’re ready for every key moment.
Here’s the part you may not have considered: the magic of your wedding day is often found in the quieter, unexpected moments—those spontaneous smiles, happy tears, and little bursts of laughter between friends and family. By sharing your timeline with us, not only can we prepare for the major highlights, but we’ll also be ready to capture the smaller, intimate moments that make your day truly unique.
As part of our process, we take the time to carefully audit your timeline during the planning stages. We’ll go over the key events, and even the quieter moments like getting ready with your bridal party or the first look. Our goal is to ensure everything flows smoothly, and we don’t miss a beat. Whether it's a surprise toast, a special dance, or any hidden details, we’ll be right there to catch it all.
You probably already knew that part, so let's dive into the bits you might not have considered."
2. Feeling Confident on Your Big Day 👰♀️
Your wedding day is all about celebrating love and making memories, and we’re here to ensure you feel confident and comfortable in every moment. From the tiniest detail to capturing the most beautiful, candid shots, our goal is to reflect the joy and beauty of the day exactly as you experience it.
A good videographer or wedding filmmaker should understand that unexpected things can happen, or there may be certain preferences you have in mind.
At LVIT, we aim to create a relaxed, stress-free environment so you can fully enjoy the moment while we take care of everything behind the camera. If there’s anything you’d like us to be mindful of, feel free to let us know. We're ready to listen and accommodate whatever makes you feel your best, ensuring that every frame highlights the happiness and excitement of the day.
After all, this is your day to shine, and we're here to make sure those memories are captured in the most beautiful and authentic way.
3. Audio Preferences 🎤
Great audio is just as essential as stunning visuals when it comes to capturing your wedding day. If you have specific audio preferences—like recording vows, speeches, or background music—let us know ahead of time. We use discreet clip-on mics to ensure clear and crisp sound without disrupting the moment. In some cases, your venue may provide audio options that require speaking into a microphone, which we can easily connect to our audio recorder for the best sound quality.
If you’re planning to feature live music or have a DJ for the reception, we can work with them to ensure that every sound is perfectly captured. Whether it’s a romantic love song or the energy of the dance floor, we aim to bring out the best in both the audio and visual elements, creating a vibrant, cinematic wedding experience that reflects your day.
By discussing your audio preferences with us, we can ensure your wedding film not only looks amazing but sounds just as good, enhancing the unique storytelling of your special day.
4. Soundtrack to Our Lives 🎶
Music is the heartbeat of any great wedding video, so be sure to discuss the soundtrack with us to make sure it’s as epic as your love story. Whether you’re walking down the aisle to a sweeping orchestral piece or jamming out to your favorite punk rock anthem, the right music will enhance every emotion and moment in your film.
We’ll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tracks for each part of the day—whether it’s something vibrant and fun for the ceremony, or an elegant, timeless classic for your first dance. Our curated library offers over 100 tracks in every style imaginable, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
And here’s an important tip: Make sure you’re selecting music that you won’t get tired of hearing. Your wedding film will be something you watch for years to come, so choosing the right soundtrack is key to keeping it special.
We’ll also handle all the licensing and copyright requirements, so you’re free to post and share your video anywhere without fear of takedowns or restrictions.
Lastly, while no one wants to accidentally set their first dance to "The Chicken Dance" (unless you do, in which case, go for it!), we’ll make sure the soundtrack to your wedding video feels just as unique and meaningful as the day itself. Let’s create something unforgettable.
5. Love Story Integration 👨❤️💋👨
Your wedding day is a beautiful milestone, but the story that brought you here is just as important. Consider discussing with us how your love story can be creatively woven into your wedding video to make it truly unique. This could include snippets of your journey together, old footage from your early days, or a pre-recorded message where you both share how you met or the moments that have shaped your relationship.
By adding these personal touches, your video transforms from a simple recap of the day into a creative storytelling piece that reflects your individual journey. Whether it’s a quirky detail from your first date or a heartfelt retelling of the proposal, these moments make your wedding film stand out as an alternative wedding video, and one that tells your story in a truly vibrant and meaningful way.
It's not just about capturing the big day, but also celebrating the unique path that brought you to it. With creative storytelling and modern cinematography, your wedding video will feel like a timeless keepsake that reflects the bond you share.
6. Highlight Reel vs. Feature Film 🎥
When it comes to your wedding video, do you envision a quick highlight reel that captures the day’s essence in a vibrant and fun way—perfect for sharing online with friends and family? Or perhaps you’re dreaming of a full-length feature film, complete with in-depth storytelling, interviews, and every little detail that made the day special.
Whatever your style—whether it’s a modern, quirky video or a more classic, elegant approach—let your videographer know your vision so we can plan accordingly. From non-traditional and indie-inspired videos to those filled with creative storytelling, there’s a perfect format to match every couple’s love story.
If you’re unsure, feel free to check out our blog on the five different styles to consider for your wedding video [link]. We’ll guide you through the options, so you can decide whether a short and sharp highlight reel or a more comprehensive feature film best captures your day.
7. Unscripted Moments 🤣
Some of the best wedding moments happen when no one is looking—those genuine, candid moments that truly capture the spirit of the day. Share a list of "must-capture" moments with your videographer, like your grandma breaking it down on the dance floor, your best man’s impromptu karaoke session, or even the kids having fun with the wedding cake.
Whether you're after fun-filled, quirky shots or more romantic and heartfelt moments, let us know what really matters to you. This ensures we capture all the unique, spontaneous moments that make your wedding film one-of-a-kind.
8. Key People 🙋♀️
So you’ve invited the neighbors, that uncle you’re pretty sure you’re not actually related to, and the new guy at work, but that doesn’t mean you want the focus on them. Make a list of key people who may not be part of the obvious wedding party but that you want to be featured in the video. This might include parents, grandparents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and close friends. This will help your videographer ensure that no important people are left out.
On the flip side, please tell us about the people who are especially important to you—like older relatives or cherished friends—so we can capture those meaningful connections. If there’s anyone you’d prefer not to be heavily featured, just let us know, and we’ll keep that in mind while filming.
(Note: We won’t leave the groom out, though—even if requested! It’s his day too 😉).
9. Pre-Wedding Jitters 😬
Some of the most touching moments happen before the ceremony. Let us know if you want pre-wedding preparations captured—everything from makeup mishaps to last-minute pep talks.
It's all part of the magic.
Emotions are high right before the “I do’s,” and this gives us the opportunity to capture your last moments before becoming a married couple.
10. Guest Interviews 🎤
Want to add a personal touch to your wedding video? Consider having us conduct guest interviews! This is a fantastic way to capture the spirit of your day through the voices of those who matter most. Just be prepared for Uncle Bob’s unsolicited life advice and your best friend’s hilarious recounting of that wild bachelorette party!
You’ll be busy all day, and there may be guests you don’t get a chance to chat with, but they probably have a lot to say! From heartfelt messages to funny anecdotes, these interviews can reveal the unique dynamics that make your wedding special. Imagine looking back and hearing those touching stories, laughter, and genuine sentiments from your loved ones.
Let us take the time to capture these moments on video, making your wedding video not just a collection of clips, but a vibrant and creative storytelling experience. This personal touch will enhance your unique wedding films and ensure that the voices of your guests are woven into the fabric of your love story. It’s a wonderful way to create a keepsake that feels truly personalised and reflective of your special day.
Bonus Round: Emergency Dance Skills 💃
If you have any impromptu dance-offs or flash mobs planned, let your videographer know. We want to be ready to capture those moves, even if your version of dancing is more "Elaine from Seinfeld" than “Strictly Come Dancing.” If you plan to surprise everyone with a big routine, a heads-up would be appreciated so we can ensure we capture it all.
With so much pressure on a single day, we understand that keeping your videographer in the loop isn’t always top of mind. But the more you share, the more we can personalise your video with creative documentary storytelling.
Remember, your wedding video is a keepsake you'll treasure forever, so make sure it reflects you and your partner. By discussing these essential points with us, you can ensure your big day is captured perfectly—quirks and all. So, go forth and conquer that wedding planning, and may your love story be beautifully preserved for years to come.
Contact Us and Explore Our Portfolio 💌
Ready to capture your love story? Reach out today to schedule a consultation and dive into our portfolio of bespoke wedding videography.
Let’s create something extraordinary together that you'll cherish for years to come!
