Chane Greyling, 25Weddings co-founder and cinematographer, shares a few need-to-knows when preparing for your camera-perfect wedding moments. She has the map to videography perfection. Follow her on a journey through your most memorable day.
Look your best and be one time
Greyling advises when the cameras arrive it’s time to start filming. Therefore, the bridal party should have an early start to their day making sure to shower and enjoy a light meal before the videographer is scheduled to arrive.
And oh yes, the all-important schedule. You only have one wedding day and you want to optimize every minute. So, appoint a bridal party timekeeper to watch the clock and keep everyone moving strictly according to schedule.
TOP TIP 1: Bridesmaids and groomsmen must pack an emergency toolkit to stay fresh throughout the day.
TOP TIP 2: Bride to finish makeup second to last and drink lots of water as your morning mimosa may make your skin a little red and blotchy.
TOP TIP 3: Don’t underestimate the importance of waterproof makeup and always dab, never rub or wipe, your tears of joy. You want the best version of yourself throughout this special day.
The ceremony is prime filming time, it’s not just a formality
Greyling has attended many weddings in her day, both as a guest and a videographer, during these hours she’s seen everything from the perfect bride gracefully gliding down the aisle to those running faster than Usain Bolt.
She has a few suggestions to help brides create picture-perfect aisle moments.
STEP 1: Practice makes perfect! Allow some time for your bridal party to practice their walk down the aisle. Think about who walks first, where they stand, when they start walking and at what point in the music you want to enter. Share this with the videographer so they know where they need to be when.
TOP TIP: Encourage the bridal party to enter an aisle length from each other. This will ensure that your photographer & videographer gets the best shots of them all.
STEP 2: Easy peasy, just breathe and pace yourself to the beat of the music. You’ve chosen the song for a reason, listen to the lyrics and the chords as you make your way to your partner.
STEP 3: Spend some time making eye contact with your guests, the person you’ve chosen to walk you down the aisle and most importantly, take in who is waiting for you at the end of that aisle! You only walk down the aisle once on your wedding day. Make it count and memorable!
STEP 4: If you are having a videographer on the day, please ensure that any readings, poems, prayers or vows go through some kind of microphone. Camera sound is awful! You won’t like the final product.
Yum, yum canapes and pre-drinks – some serious Instagram-able moments
During this time everyone is filled with cheer and still looking stunning. It’s the perfect moment to snap a picture with your guests.
FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT: It’s a great idea to have someone in charge of finding family members and getting everyone ready for the next photo – it saves time and keeps everyone on schedule.
MINGLE: Natural laughing and hugging make for some of the most epic shots so spend some time talking to your guests about love, life and the celebration you’ve created for them. Your videographer will be in the background capturing all the special glances and kind gestures.
Reception and celebration
Bam, before you know it, you’ll be walking into your reception and all your hard work and love will be a reality in that moment.
Greyling advises, when entering the reception area, don’t just walk directly to your table. Take a twirl or walk around the room and then make your way to the table (if your layout allows it). This makes for some great shots and it’s also a way to show off your dress (Bride) and your gorgeous wife (Groom)!
TIP 1: All speeches need to go through both microphones please (videographers should ensure that the lapel is on the main microphone).
TIP 2: Have a podium for speeches. This will ensure the speakers don’t walk around with the microphone, standing with their backs to guests or causing the lapel to break loose & the background to differ in light. It will also be nice for any papers or drinks to be put onto the podium.
SUPER PRO TIP: Partner with an expert wedding planner to keep you and your party on schedule, looking great and ready for the camera all day. A professional wedding planner will also work hard to create memorable moments which can be easily captured throughout your day.
SPECIAL THANKS TO CHANE GREYLING FROM 25WEDDINGS FOR POURING HER SOUL INTO THIS ADVICE, YOU ARE WONDERFUL!
Now, it’s time to get planning and feel free to contact Kelly Kreates to help plan your memorable experience: hello@kellykreates.co.za.
Yours in event perfection,
Kelly Atherton-Schilder.
