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planning · working with your videographer

Wedding Videographer TipsA guide to share with everyone

Share this one with your wedding party, your venue and your other vendors. A few small decisions, made ahead of time, make everyone's job on the day easier — including yours.

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Writing letters and vows

  • Write them early so they don't sound rushed.
  • About 1–3 double-spaced pages each is typical — keep both partners' lengths similar so the pacing works on video.
  • Good prompts: how you met, your first date, a favorite quote about each other, what you've learned from each other, their best qualities, and what they're like to someone who's never met them.

Speeches

  • Speakers should plan what they'll say rather than improvise, whether or not they've had a drink.
  • Helpful prompts: your first impression of the couple, how that's changed, what you love about them, what they're like to someone who's never met them.
  • A story that shows character beats a list of fond memories.

Venues

  • Ask about restrictions on where photo/video crews can move during the ceremony and reception.
  • Check whether the venue has a PA system that can carry audio.
  • Think about lighting — a dim room is hard to film, and a bright outdoor entrance can blow out indoors. Keeping lights on, or choosing a different entry point, helps.
  • Share entrance and exit routes with the whole wedding party so the crew can anticipate shots.
  • Check for airspace restrictions if you want drone footage — the FAA's B4UFLY tool shows them for any address.
  • Make sure there's enough room to work during the ceremony, especially with a large wedding party and more than one crew member.
  • Have a rain plan for anything outdoors.

Photographers and videographers, working together

  • Communicate and stay aware of each other's position so nobody blocks the other's shot.
  • A shoulder-to-shoulder approach helps during key moments like the aisle walk.
  • Videographers often shoot wide to medium, so a photographer on a long zoom should position accordingly.
  • Turn off "beam assist" (the red focus light) for most of the day — it's distracting on video and can be blinding to the couple.

The DJ

  • Connecting a videographer to the DJ's sound system is simpler than miking every speaker.
  • Remind guests to speak directly into the mic and keep a safe distance from speakers, to avoid feedback.
  • Save the disco lights for after the main dances — they can distort skin tones on camera.
  • Ask guests to stay a few feet behind the photo/video crew.
  • Let the crew know ahead of any planned audience interaction.
  • Release the crew with the wedding party for the buffet, so they can eat and be ready to shoot again.

Timeline and coverage

  • Build a rough timeline and have your photographer and videographer review it.
  • Leave buffer time — weddings run behind schedule more often than not.
  • Two shooters can cover two angles, or two locations like separate getting-ready rooms.
  • With a single videographer, plan at least 90–120 minutes before the ceremony with both partners in the same location, for setup and pre-ceremony shots.

Catering and seating

Feed your crew around the same time you eat, so they're ready for key moments. Let the caterer know if needed, and make sure there's access to plates and silverware, especially with table service.

A few things for you

  • Don't let a small detail ruin the day — slow down, be present, and let a mishap become a good story later.
  • Tell the crew if you're stepping away or need something specific captured.
  • Make sure someone in the groomsmen knows how to tie a tie.
  • Bring scissors.
  • Stay hydrated, especially in summer.
  • Make sure you can actually walk in your dress or heels without looking down.
  • Keep smiling.
Bride and groom dancing on the barn floor while guests watch
Heather & Evan · Black Star Farms →
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