How to help make your award-worthy wedding film

What you get out of your wedding filmmaker is ultimately dependent on how much you put into your wedding as well. Within the wedding film community, I see a number of filmmakers wonder how some films win awards (myself included) and how some just don't make the cut.

I agree that the quality of your wedding film will be heavily dependent on the filmmaker you choose (and their choice of shots and editing style), but I would also like to add that your film is heavily influenced by the choices you, the couple, makes.

• How much time are you allocating to be on camera?

• Is there enough space to have all your camerapeople involved?

• Is there specific décor or people you would like to be highlighted in your film?

Below are tips I would like to publicly share to all couples currently planning their big wedding. Whether you have a videographer or not, I really believe your wedding day will benefit from the following 3 tips.

ProTip 1) Do not overlook a wedding planner

Wedding planners are a godsend. If you are on the fence about bringing a planner onto your team, I wholeheartedly urge you to take the plunge. Having worked events throughout the world, there is one major pattern I see with the most stunning of celebrations– they have a planner.

As a couple, you will be lovingly pushed and pulled throughout the day by your guests and fellow vendors. In the moment this may seem like a harmless sign of love, but when you add up all the things that get asked of your attention (e.g. - wondering if your floral arrangements are okay, thinking about the catering, confirming the band and DJ has your song requests ready to go) you need someone bodyguarding your time and energy. Your planner has this covered.

They will have their team on top of everything throughout the day and they will keep you and your wedding party on schedule. The last thing you and your guests need is an awkward pause at your ceremony or reception because something was not ready to go. This also helps your videographer use the most of their time with you on camera, and a good videographer will have your shots scheduled out beforehand.

Imagine you're at a party and all of a sudden your favourite band or artist walks in! You sincerely try to say hi or try to get a photo or autograph together. A whole crowd of other heartfelt fans begin to swarm around you and the stars. But no one can get past their security and management. Then almost instantly your favourite musical act smoothly makes it on the microphone and puts on the greatest show of your life. Your wedding planner was that security and management team. Keeping you and your guests happily entertained and on time.

If there's any day to have a personal manager, your big celebration is the day to do so.

ProTip 2) Prepare your rooms

Please remember to keep your rooms tidy. This is especially true during your morning preparations. Whatever you see on the floor may also be seen on camera, let alone your loving guests. As your filmmaker, I will try my absolute best to hide any unflattering clutter, but it will significantly make it easier (and calmer) for everyone if your rooms are well kept beforehand.

The major item on your morning schedule is getting your hair and makeup done. This is also the time that rooms tend to get messier than expected. When your talented hair and makeup artists are working on you and your loved ones, the food and drinks typically come out and the party subtly begins. This is also when I notice belongings start to pile up around the room. And this is completely fine! I totally understand that people need to place their things somewhere, however, when there are tons of bags or coats lying around, it leaves us less space to work with. And we want to really show off the work of your magical hair and makeup artists without a distracting background.

Just before your wedding party and guests arrive in the morning, try to keep a pleasant backdrop and have a dedicated area to store any unattractive possessions.

ProTip 3) Set aside some time to breathe 

This is one of the biggest moments of your life, please don't forget to take it all in! Before solidifying your wedding day schedule, please be mindful to set aside some breaks throughout the day to breathe. You won't believe how many times I hear couples say the day just flew by (I'll tell you how many times: 100% of the time). You will wake up in the morning to your half of the wedding party, and in the blink of an eye, you will be wishing everyone a good night. Don't forget to appreciate the moment.

Between your hair and makeup, maybe your first look, your photosession and greeting your guests, it is very rare to see the happy couple just by themselves. You are the literal stars of the day, so it is expected of you to keep your loving guests feeling at home– but at the same time, you need your energy too.

I remember a few years ago, I was shooting a wedding with close to 800 guests. I did not see the couple alone for one second. They held their posture and poise like no one I had ever seen before, smiling at everyone. But just after their first dance, you could tell they were ready to call it a night. They just wanted to sleep, or at the very least just have a moment to themselves. They ended up having to please their guests past 3am (having started at early summer sunrise). Exhaustion shows in your films, please be mindful of your energy!

With your wedding planner, try to give yourself 10-20 minute buffer times between different events. I know you and your wedding party are there to celebrate, but where's the fun if you don't have the vitality to enjoy it? This is your day of stardom, take breaks when you can!

And that’s it for now. I look forward to seeing it all come together ;)

Until next time,

Aaron