| Having a professional videographer at your special day | | | | to watch the final video and some may be offended |
| is the perfect way to capture those precious | | | | or embarrassed by drunken messages or crude |
| moments and store the experience to re-live time and | | | | advice offered by your friends after one too many! |
| again. With careful planning and preparation, you can | | | | Lighting is an important element to consider when |
| be sure to have a film to cherish and enjoy for a | | | | planning your video. Visit the locations for your day and |
| lifetime. A key factor when finding your videographer is | | | | check that there is sufficient lighting, or if candles, lamps |
| to have a skilled person behind the camera. As well as | | | | or lanterns are available or can be introduced if |
| checking for proper credentials and being registered | | | | required to enhance and add to the ambiance. Ask |
| with professional bodies, you should ask to view | | | | your videographer to visit the venues with you and |
| examples of your prospective videographer's portfolio. | | | | take advise on whether they may need to bring |
| Different recording and editing styles will appeal to | | | | professional lighting equipment. Remember the time of |
| different people, so it is important to have an idea of | | | | day and even time of year that you visit might not |
| the final product and be sure it is one that you are | | | | reflect the full circumstances that you will have on your |
| happy with. An experienced videographer should have | | | | wedding day. |
| plenty of references available. Don't be afraid to ask | | | | Ask to meet in person with your videographer ahead |
| for them. | | | | of the big day, to give you a chance to get to know |
| Choose music carefully for your ceremony and first | | | | each other and feel happy that you can entrust this |
| dance. Music will add to the ambiance and relax you | | | | important task to them and be confident that you will |
| and your guests. Practice your first dance and | | | | feel comfortable and relaxed in their presence. Helping |
| consider having lessons to liven up your performance. | | | | to make you feel at ease should be high on your |
| If you are having live musicians, seek their consent to | | | | videographer's agenda, as natural smiles and poses will |
| keep their music on the video. Check with your | | | | make for much better viewing. If both yourselves and |
| videographer that they hold the necessary licenses for | | | | your guests are comfortable with the videographer, |
| having copyrighted music on the video recording. In | | | | they are much more likely to make spontaneous |
| addition to the music played on the day, you may be | | | | comments and actions that will add to the richness of |
| asked to prepare a list of songs that you would like to | | | | the video and memories of the day. |
| be included on the final edit of the video, such as | | | | It's unlikely you'll need reminding, but remember to smile, |
| providing a musical backdrop to images of you getting | | | | relax and enjoy your big day! Feel confident and |
| ready or travelling to the ceremony. Choose songs | | | | beautiful and make the most of this opportunity to look |
| that appeal to both you and your spouse-to-be, that | | | | and feel your best, sharing your love for each other |
| are in keeping with the tone you wish to convey. | | | | with all the people dearest to you. Make sure all of |
| Encourage your guests to record video messages | | | | your family and friends are recorded, sharing in your |
| with your videographer, which can result in the sharing | | | | special day and capturing all the joys and surprises it |
| of some precious and unexpected words. You | | | | brings. It's a priceless treasure to have a video of your |
| probably won't see these being recorded, as they'll be | | | | wedding day, being able to relive exchanging vows |
| captured throughout the day or evening, while you are | | | | and stepping through the rituals together. It is money |
| busy with other guests and each other. These can | | | | well spent to have a professional, successful final film, |
| make for a wonderful surprise, when your video | | | | that you will enjoy throughout your years together. For |
| arrives on your return from your honeymoon. | | | | most people, their wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime |
| However, make sure you give a clear brief as to what | | | | event, so make the most of it and have a fabulous |
| is acceptable when editing. Your whole family are likely | | | | day. |