The following are some technical and practical considerations you need to take notice of to ensure we can provide a quality video production.
Please assist us with the following:
Ceremony
- Insufficient light:
Churches and chapels are generally not well lit. If the interior of the building is too dark, the video will become grainy and the faces of the people will be dull.
Please inform us if additional lighting must be provided. - Back light:
If the preacher or the bridal couple stands in front of bright windows or bright lights, back light will become an issue. It causes the cameras to compensate for the bright light and tone the foreground subjects darker, causing a silhouette effect. We will try to position the cameras to avoid back light, but in some cases it is just impossible. In that case, we will try to adjust the cameras to lighten the faces – which may lead the video to be slightly over exposed (i.e. washed-out) - Positioning of the cameras:
We use two cameras: one camera for the bridal couple and the second for the preacher. We prefer to position both cameras to the left side of the church/chapel (on the bride’s side). - Insufficient space:
Ensure there is sufficient space for all the people at the front of the service. Take in consideration that the video camera and tripod must have a clear view of the bride walking down the isle and of the bridal couple standing before of the preacher. Ensure the bride’s maids and groom’s men do not obscure the camera’s view. - Entrance of the bride:
When the bride enters, the first camera is positioned on the bride and the second on the groom. In some cases we need to move the first camera directly in the middle of the isle (temporarily) to have a clear shot of the bride down the aisle. We face the following challenges when the bride enters and walk down the aisle:- People usually stand up when the bride enters
- Roaming photographers blocking the view of the bride (major problem!)
- Back light when the door opens and the bride enters. Please arrange with someone to close the door behind her.
- People (curious individuals) moving in the aisle in front of the camera
- Groom meeting the bride:
The groom should restrain from moving down the aisle to meet the bride half-way. Please inform us if the hand-over ceremony does not take place at the front of the church. - Exceptions in the ceremony order:
Please inform us of any movement of the bridal couple (e.g. they move to a table to light candles) - Rings:
We usually do a retake of putting on the rings direct after the ceremony before the couple leaves the church.
Inform us if a person will carry the rings to the bridal couple. - Audio messages:
With some weddings, the bride prefer to play an audio message before the procession. Please provide us with a copy of the audio message to include with the DVD footage. - Audio recording:
We do equip the preacher with a wireless lapel microphone. For more than one preacher, we might use the built-in microphones of the camera. - Hymns and songs:
When the congregation singing is of poor performance and quality, we will edit it down.
Reception
- Insufficient light:
Since the reception will most probably take place during the evening, the use of additional lighting will be required. Please state if the DJ will provide additional lighting. - Backdrops and backgrounds:
Ensure the backdrop of where the speeches are made is uncluttered, tidy and well lit (e.g. not in front of hanging cables, speakers, fairy lights, etc.) - Placement of Parents, Grandparents and VIPs:
Please indicate to us where the grandparents are sitting and who they are. - Cutting of the cake:
Inform us if the cutting of the cake will not be part of the reception order (e.g. cutting it directly after the ceremony)