Wedding Videography Preparation: A Necessary Step

Ensuring a smooth and seamless wedding day is key to capturing the best possible video of your special moments. To help, we’ve put together this essential Wedding Videography Preparation Guide with everything you need to know.

Please review the information below to ensure your videography team can work efficiently and capture every important detail. If you have a wedding planner, we highly recommend sharing this page with them as well.

Getting Ready

  • Keep Rooms Tidy: Clutter can be distracting in your video. Designate a clean space for final touches.

  • Good Lighting: Natural light is best. Try to get ready near a window and avoid harsh artificial lighting.

  • Coordinate with the Us: Let us know about special moments (gift exchanges, letter readings, first looks, etc.).

  • Avoid Logos and Distracting Prints: If possible, wear neutral or coordinating outfits in your getting-ready shots.

First Look (If Applicable)

  • Pick a Private, Well-Lit Location: Natural light outdoors or in a softly lit indoor space works best.

  • Take Your Time: Walk slowly toward each other and enjoy the moment—it makes for great footage.

  • Be Aware of Audio: If you plan to exchange private vows, choose a quiet spot away from background noise.

Ceremony

  • A Single Handheld Mic is Ideal: This ensures clear audio and minimizes background noise. Always speak directly into it.

  • Shade or a Covering is Ideal: If having an outdoor ceremony, consider shade or a tent to prevent harsh lighting and shadows on your faces.

  • Officiant Coordination: Ask your officiant not to stand directly between you and your partner during key moments (e.g., vows, first kiss).

  • Positioning & Spacing: Ensure there is enough room at the front for us to capture key cultural or religious traditions.

  • Unplugged Ceremony Encouraged: Ask guests to put away their phones so they don’t block professional shots.

  • Lighting Considerations: Avoid standing directly in front of bright windows or strong backlighting.

Post-Ceremony / Couple & Group Photos

  • Plan for a Few Video-Specific Shots: Candid laughter, intimate walks, and natural interactions make great footage.

  • Golden Hour Timing (If Possible): The hour before sunset is perfect for dreamy, cinematic shots.

  • Family & Bridal Party Awareness: Ask them to stay nearby so group shots run smoothly and efficiently.

Reception & Speeches

  • Ensure Sufficient Lighting: The reception area should have enough ambient light to create a warm atmosphere but still be visible on camera. Overly dim settings can make footage grainy.

  • Do Not Obstruct the Couple’s Table: Avoid placing tall candles, large floral arrangements, or other decorations in front of the couple, as they can block their faces in video and photos.

  • Toasts & Speeches: Speakers should stand in one spot and hold the mic close to their mouth.

  • DJ & Audio Coordination: Ensure your videographer can connect to the DJ’s sound system for clear speech and music recording.

  • Avoid Guest Obstruction: Keep a clear line of sight to the speaker for both videographer and photographer.

First Dance & Special Dances

  • Keep Your Faces Visible: Try not to turn away or keep your heads down the whole time—show emotion!

  • Dance Floor Lighting: Avoid excessive colored lighting or strobe effects, which can distort video quality.

  • Parents’ Dances: Give space between you and guests so the team can capture clean shots.

Cake Cutting & Other Traditions

  • Allow Space for Filming: Position yourselves where videographers can capture expressions and reactions.

  • Slow Down: Whether feeding each other cake, breaking a glass, or performing a cultural tradition, take your time—don’t rush through special moments.

Exit / Send-Off

  • Plan a Well-Lit Send-Off: If using sparklers, glow sticks, or other props, check that the lighting is sufficient for filming.

  • Move Slowly & Enjoy the Moment: A relaxed exit gives your videographer time to capture great footage.

Other Helpful Tips

  • Limit LED or Neon Lights: While trendy, harsh LED or neon signs can cause flickering or unnatural coloring in video.

  • Coordinate with Your Planner: Ensure your wedding planner is aware of any specific shots or moments you want captured.

  • Write Down Any Must-Have Shots: If there are specific moments or people you want featured, let us know in advance.

Have Questions or a Shot List? Send It Here!

We’re here to make your wedding videography experience seamless. To help us plan effectively, please upload your ceremony rundown, wedding timeline, and any specific shot lists or special requests.