A wedding video transcends the immediate joy and celebration, encapsulating the depth of emotions that define one of the most significant days of your life. It preserves every giggle, whisper and tear of happiness for posterity.

Make sure to ask the couple what shots are must-haves and important to them. Oftentimes, they have their favorites that they want you to capture and will let you know right away.

Videography

When choosing a videographer, inquire about their equipment and editing process. High-quality cameras and audio equipment can make a huge difference in the quality of the final video. The editing process can also greatly impact the cinematic look and feel of the film.

While photography may capture the emotions of your day, wedding videography adds a deeper level of meaning to those moments. The jittery nerves, overall excitement, and genuine happiness are best conveyed in story form – and the perfect way to do that is through a wedding video.

For more supplemental footage, consider using photos and videos from a pre-wedding shoot or from friends or family that were given a camera for the day. VEED provides a range of video editing tools that can be used to level up these wedding clips. Split, trim and rearrange clips to organize how you want to present your wedding video. Add titles, music, intros and outros to further enhance your finished video.

Lighting

Lighting is an essential part of wedding videography. It does more than illuminate the scene, it enhances moods and emotions, and creates a visual style that complements the story being told. From the sun-kissed beaches of a destination wedding to the grandeur of a UK venue, every smile, tear, and tender look can be transformed by the right light.

When choosing the right video lights, look for ones with adjustable color temperature and brightness to match the ambient light of the wedding location. Diffusers and reflectors can also help soften harsh light, creating a flattering and romantic atmosphere. Moreover, look for LED lights with a long battery life and power options to reduce downtime during the event. Additionally, a dimmable setting allows videographers to control the intensity of the light. They can then adjust it based on the couple’s vision and preferences. This can also save time during the editing process. It’s important to experiment with different lighting setups and effects before the wedding day.

Editing

The editing aspect of wedding video is one that needs to be done well. It's important to know the pacing and which moments of the day deserve the most attention. Also, special effects should be used sparingly; too much can look silly or make the film difficult to watch.

Sequential editing can help tell a story and set the tone for the entire wedding. Whether it's the jittery nerves of the bride getting ready or the overall excitement of the couple during their first dance, these emotions can best be conveyed through the narrative form.

It's important to have a variety of b-roll shots on hand to use during the editing process. This could include everything from wide landscapes to close-ups with a beautiful bokeh effect (using a lens with a small minimum aperture). I'm a big fan of including b-roll footage that is relevant to each speaker. For example, when the father of the bride is talking about his children it would be a good idea to show some photos of them.

Audio

When it comes to wedding videos, the audio aspect is one of the most critical. A lot of emotion is conveyed in the sounds of the vows, laughter, and music. Getting it right is an art form.

It starts with mic placement, which can be tricky depending on the officiant’s attire. For example, a priest or judge usually wears a robe, making it difficult to hide a wireless lapel mic under their collar.

Once the audio is captured, it can be cleaned up using automated mixing. For example, if the groom’s vows are a little soft, we can boost them while lowering the volume of other noise sources like his rustling suit. We also use musical accompaniment to elevate certain moments, and we judiciously utilize time jumps to keep the viewer engaged without interfering with the authenticity of a moment. This all adds up to a truly magical experience for your loved ones when they view your wedding film.