Tips For a Better Wedding Video:

Sometimes, to save money, a bride will consider not having a rehearsal. Wedding Rehearsals are very important but in order to process weddings in less time, many chapels are recommending against them or charging exorbitant prices for that hour or half-hour.

At rehearsals, we almost always uncover problems that would have prevented us from having the best view of the couple during the ceremony; Unity Candle; etc. But it's not just for video, that you need a rehearsal. We've seen officiants try to place bridesmaids where the maid-of-honor would be too far to assist with the train or hold the bride's flowers, having the bride on the wrong side of her father, and many other mistakes that we were able to help correct during the rehearsal. Having said all this, we do at least dozen weddings each year without a rehearsal and our experience gets us through. If you must do without a rehearsal, after you register, we'll give you information to help ensure that all will go smoothly.

Florists and decorators often place large vases of flowers or other decorations right in front of where our cameras will be, and we have to arrive early on the wedding day, to check on these and so that decorators will have time to make any necessary changes. You may want to let them know in advance that you want your videographers to have a good view of the ceremony. They are welcome to email or phone us in advance of the ceremony for tips.

More Wedding Video Tips:

1. Ask everyone - bridesmaids, groomsmen, bride, groom and everyone who may be on camera, to not chew gum. Gum chewing looks awful on video and your photographer will have a terrible time getting a decent expression on unposed photos.
2. Most photographers dress and conduct themselves professionally, but surprisingly, about a third of them do not. So, to protect your wedding video, ask your photographer to not dress in bright colors (one recent lady photog in OKC, wore a big straw hat and bright green dress) and not to get in front of the video cameras. You don't want a loudly-dressed photographer distracting you everytime you watch your wedding video.
3. A photographer only needs a second to get a shot, but it only takes a second to ruin a videographers shot which needs to run three seconds or more. Most photographers are great to work with, but believe it or not, there are photographers out there who feel that if they can block enough video that will just create more demand and more sales for their photos. We've actually had photographers purposely stand in front of our cameras every chance they got. And other wedding videographers we've spoken to have had this happen also. With three video cameras, they have a hard time slowing us down, but a word from the bride or groom asking that they cooperate with the videographer, will go a long ways.
4. The groom will understandably be nervous, but ask him to remember, when it comes time to say his vows, to look his bride in the eye and say those words, to her, like he means them. (Some nervous grooms try to rattle the lines as fast as they can, while looking at the minister!).
5. When it comes time for the ring ceremony, if you can remember this - try to ever so slightly, tilt the hand you are placing the ring on, toward one of the camcorders so it can capture the moment in a close-up. Typically, the camera on the groom's side catches him placing his bride's ring on, and vice-versa.
6. If your videographers are on-stage, behind the action, ask the best man and maid of honor to look over their shoulder at the camera operator on their side and be sure they have left a wide enough gap between themselves and the groom, for the camera (usually three feet works fine). Preferably, the best man will leave a few feet between himself and the groom. If you can't see the camera, the camera can't see you.
7. Ask the bridesmaids (especially the maid-of-honor) to look over their shoulder at the camera operator and be sure they have left a wide enough gap between themselves and the bride, for the camera. Preferably, the maid-of-honor will leave a few feet between herself and the bride.
8. During cake cutting, toasts, etc., the groom should stand on the far side of the bride, so that she is closest to the camera side, and not blocked by the groom. (Do the opposite if the bride is much taller than the groom.)
9. If your wedding will be held outdoors, remember that bright, overhead sunlight can be harsh and unflattering. The couple of hours after sunrise and before sunset are the best times for photos and video. (Of course, if you can arrange an overcast day, that works fine too!)
10. We recently heard of an unusual instance where a minister refused to have camcorders anywhere but in the far back of the church. The videographer (from another company) called us for advice. Our advice was for him to talk with the minister and explain how discreet video operators can be. Failing that, a remote-control system might be acceptable. If the minister holds fast and the bride will not change the ceremony location then he should still setup multiple cameras with varying perspectives and make the best of it. But you cannot get the very best wedding video that way. If you have any doubts about the rules set by your officiant, you should advise your videographer right from the start.
11. If your videographer is using 1-Lux video cameras, like he should be, then it is alright to have the lights turned down low during dancing at your reception, but even 1-Lux cameras have limits, so be sure to go over this with your videographer. Generally speaking, if you can read in the light, it will be fine, but if it's too dark to read, your video won't have good colors.
12. Once things start, relax and don't worry about your photos or video. By this time, you've done all you can, now enjoy your day and we'll take care of the rest!

More Important Wedding Video Info:

Microphones

1. We will place a wireless lapel mic on the groom, about twenty minutes before the proceedings begin. Sometimes the groom wants to have a private conversation with his buddies and turns the mic off. They never remember to turn it back on, thus diminishing the audio for bride and groom's vows. Tell the groom that we will not turn the receiver on until the ceremony begins, so there is no need for him to turn his mic off. Although we use a backup mic, this does not capture voices quite as clearly as the lapel mic, so please tell the groom to not touch his mic or transmitter.

2. A well meaning person, perhaps your photographer, may suggest you change your lapel microphone location from your coat lapel to your vest, pocket, or behind your boutonniere, etc. Firmly refuse. Your videographer knows where to place your mic. A seemingly minor change like one of the above, can ruin your wedding audio.

3. We will place a wireless lapel mic on the officiant. It does not matter that he may already have another mic for the house sound system. Experience has taught us to not rely on the house sound system for our audio. Though we will tap the sound board with a digital recorder, we always use our own audio as well. So please notify your officiant that you want him to wear our microphone.

4. We'll usually mic the father of the bride, or whoever is giving the bride away.

5. Be sure and let us know, well in advance, about all persons who will sing, speak or play instruments. We must place microphones for these, if the audio is to be captured crisp and clear. Yes, I know that other videographers don't bother with this, but we are professionals and we want your sound to be as good as your video.

If you've booked with OKVideoGuy.com, please double-check your "My Info" page and be sure that everything we'll need to know is there. If you haven't booked yet, keep in mind that dates often start filling up three to four months in advance and that some couples book as early as a year in advance.

Here's a wonderful article on: "Choosing Your Wedding Photographer".

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.