By the time you’re reading this article, you’ve probably engaged a wedding videographer, but you don’t know what to expect. Well, you’ve come to the right place, because we’re bringing you a complete guide on how to make a romantic and unforgettable wedding video.
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Table of Contents
Love letters for your Wedding Video
Yup, the first thing you absolutely need to do is write a love letter. No, really.
Love letters are the one thing in a relationship that never gets old. In your letter, pen down your thoughts about getting married to the love of your life, how it makes you feel. As cheesy as it gets, weddings are that one day where your loved ones come together and rejoice. It is a celebration of the love you have for each other, so what better to bring it all out with an old-fashioned love letter. Tell your partner how much they mean to you, and how much being married to him/her makes you feel.
If you can find time to write it on your wedding day, pick a quiet spot to think, preferably in the morning before everything happens – before the gatecrashing, before dressing up… Having a moment to collect yourself for what will be the most important day of your life helps, whether you’re feeling the pre-wedding jitters, or simply too excited to calm yourself down.
If not, write your letters beforehand. Exchange it with your partner on the day itself, when the two of you meet for the first time with her in a gown (this can be after the gatecrashing or when you’re both chillin’ in the hotel during midday while waiting for the wedding dinner to happen).
Writing a letter for each other helps both of you feel the actuality of the wedding happening. You’d be surprised to find that a wedding day goes by really quickly, what with the rites and rituals, entertaining your guests and going through the motions of it all. Writing a letter for your partner will help them settle in and even enjoy the whole wedding, especially since it is a celebration of your love for each other.
First look for your Wedding Video
A “first look” is when a couple sees each other for the first time before the actual wedding ceremony. It is a private moment for the couple, away from the eyes from family and friends. First look is a very special element of a wedding; in many cultures, it is even a taboo for the groom to see the bride in her gown before the wedding day.
When you look at your partner for the very first time when they are all dressed, it is a very special feeling. After all, that person is the one you are going to be spending the rest of your life with. It can evoke strong emotions, and allow you to simmer in the moment, and this is it – you’re getting married to this person before you. Some people leave a tear or two, because the moment leaves such a strong memory that marks the start of your new life together.
It is therefore important to leave time for the two of you, and of course have your photographer and videographer there to capture this magical moment so you’ll always have something to look back upon even 10, 20, 30 years – till death do you apart.
The location of the “first look” also matters. While it traditionally happens in the bride’s room after gatecrashing in a Chinese wedding, it doesn’t have to be. Pick a nice spot, like a garden, or the balcony if the view is optimal. This will help set the scene for your videographer to capture the moment in the best setting possible, and help beautify the wedding video.
Gratitude. Love. Friendship.
Dedicate a bit of time with your parents before the day begins. Your parents should be dressed, and allow them to take a moment with you. During this time, videographers usually advise brides and grooms on what to do, such as taking a moment to thank your parents for all they have done to bring you up. Moments like these are precious, because it is the day you will marry someone else and set up a family of your own – sort of like leaving the care and protection of your home. These segments are important in bringing out the heart-warming emotions of your wedding video.
If you could, spare 10- 15 minutes with your groomsmen and bridesmaids too. These people took precious time on their weekends to be there with you on your wedding day, and they are people who matter a lot to you. Friendship that runs deep shows a very raw and humane side of a wedding – which is all about your loved ones coming together to celebrate your big day. Spare that 10 minutes, and let your videographer do the rest to capture moments that will last you a lifetime.
Veiling of the Bride for Wedding Video
Traditionally, veils were used as a way to shield the bride from the groom from seeing her before the actual wedding, especially in arranged marriages. It was also thought to be bad luck for the groom to see his bride before the actual wedding.
While arranged marriages are no longer the norm in the new age of only marrying one’s true love, much value remains in the act of veiling the bride. Usually, the bride’s parents do it before the groom comes to pick her up for the wedding. This process is sacred, and symbolises your parent’s well-wishes in your new life with your new spouse.
You should allocate some time for this, and ensure that your parents are dressed for the camera that will be filming all these. Videographers will also advice that parents whisper well-wishes while veiling you. This moment can be emotional, and they bring out the raw and vulnerable sides of a family – your parents, who will inevitably miss you when you are married and see them less often. These emotional elements are what makes your wedding video a meaningful one.
Outdoor shoot for your Wedding Video
There are 4 parts an outdoor shoot on your wedding day:
- The bride and her bridesmaid
- The groom and his groomsmen
- The bride and groom
- Everyone!
Things to consider before going for an outdoor shoot include timing, location and transport. It would be ideal to pick a place near the location you are setting off from. Typically, the golden hour for shoots range between 7 to 9 in the morning, which coincides with the time after the groom picks up his bride in the morning. Therefore, it is ideal that one picks a place nearby for the outdoor shoot, or a place en route to the next location.
An outdoor shoot could be anywhere, even the rooftop garden above your condominium works too. Ideally, pick a place with greenery, ample sunlight and floral and fauna. Natural elements complements an outdoor shoot very well, and best of all, they’re free!
Do consider that traveling between places take time, especially on Singapore’s jam-packed roads. It is important to set aside at least 30-60 minutes for an outdoor shoot for optimal visuals to be put up in your wedding video.
Photographers, videographers, have to lug around heavy equipment on your wedding day, so remember to include transport options (such as ample seats in the car, space to carry equipment).
Photographs
The last tip is optional, but it would help if you and your partner could put up photographs of childhood days at home, or in the places the wedding would take place. Good videographers would advise you to put them up to help them too, because they tell one of a story, from childhood into adulthood, and now marriage. A wedding video, or a good one, is essentially telling a story about the two of you – the love you share, the journey you’ve walked through, till the day you walk down the aisle with your partner in hand into your very own Happily Ever After.