The Beginner's Corner: Shooting a Wedding

It's three days until my partner’s best friend’s wedding and they have just asked me to film it for them using a DVD camcorder. I’m experienced with digital SLR still camera, but not a DVD camcorder. The recording is for a 95-year old grandma who can’t attend. Do you have any advice to make it good for her? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have friends ask me to film their weddings on what seems like a monthly basis. Now, after some experience with it, I almost always answer with a firm “No.” Recording a wedding isn’t as easy as just setting up a camcorder and pressing record. At weddings people want you to catch every moment, and on top of that the sound has to be perfect. Weddings are one of those things that, if not done perfectly (and quickly), can cause frustration and resentment.

Making a video for a 95-year old grandma is a little different than making the “Official Wedding Video” for a bride and groom, although I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what this becomes. First and foremost, I would make sure you let them know that you aren’t a professional wedding videographer and that you’ll do your best, but not to expect professional-quality production values. For that, they ought to hire a pro. That said, here are some basic tips to make things run smoothly.

Find out where the wedding is, and check it out early.
One of the last weddings I recorded for a friend was out of town so I didn’t have a chance to check out my surroundings beforehand. I talked to the bride’s mother on the phone and was told the wedding was “At the Poe House” and “Kim and Bob are bringing a sound system.” When I arrived the day of the wedding I found out that “at the Poe House” actually meant outside the Poe house on one of the windiest days I’ve ever seen. Bob and Kim were actually friends of theirs who were singing before the service. They brought a sound system for them, but the priest, bride and groom weren’t mic’d at all. The result: No one at the wedding (even those sitting on the front row) could hear a single thing  except the singing (which I would have preferred to have missed).

Sound
I usually use several wireless microphones when I do weddings that I’m being paid for. If it’s workable, it’s nice to mic the bride, groom, and officiator. Having everyone mic’d individually guarantees that you'll hear what’s going on. If one of the mics dies, you still have 2 more audio tracks to pick up the action. If you have the ability to input a mic into your particular camcorder I would recommend doing so, even if its just one mic set up at the front of the church. If you can’t plug a microphone into your camera I would talk to the bride and groom beforehand about where you’re going to be shooting and what the sound situation is going to be. Make sure they know that the sound on their video is only going to be as good as the room allows. You may need to adjust your position in the church to be able to hear. Better still, they may want to consider using a sound system for the benefit of the guests and the video.

The Ceremony
For every wedding I’ve ever done, I have brought at least two cameras. I like having one camera on a tripod set for a static wide shot, then a second handheld for close-ups of things like the vows, kiss, rings, etc. Since you’re only using one camera I would suggest you set the camera up on a tripod for the actual ceremony and just press record. It may not be the most interesting thing ever, but that way you’ll be sure to catch all the action and not miss anything important. I’m a big fan of setting up behind the back row in the center. You want to make sure you’re not going to be in anyone's way, particularly the bride. Depending on the set-up you can sometimes find a nice nook near the front of the sanctuary. If you get there early enough it can be nice to film some of the decorations. Here's another trick I've learned that's always a hit. Set the camera up in the back as people start entering and record five or so seconds every five-to-ten minutes. The result is a pretty neat looking time-lapse video of people coming in. You can get the same effect by just letting the tape record everything and then pulling a few seconds every now and then.

Talk to the DJ / Party Planner / Photographer
If no one else has a clue what’s going on, the DJ does. When you get to the reception try to make contact with the DJ pretty early on and ask them about the schedule of events for the reception. DJs are typically the person who moves guests along through the reception process. Things you want to make sure you catch:

• Bridal Party being announced when they arrive
• The cake being cut
• Toasts
• The first dance
• Dances with parents
• The bride and groom's exit, especially if they have with rice or bubbles

 
One thing I like to do during the reception is talk to guests and have them send their well-wishes to the bride and groom. This is very easy and usually a big hit with the bridge and groom.

You also want to talk to the photographer (if there is one) when you get to the wedding. Explain to them what you are doing and tell them to let you know if you get in their way. Chances are the bride and groom would much rather have excellent wedding pictures than have you block the photographer.

Things not to forget
Tapes / DVDs
Weddings are long - very long, in fact. If you’re shooting using a DVD camcorder you are going to need TONS of DVDs. The average DVD allows for about 20 minutes of video in the highest quality. Think about what's coming up before you switch out a DVD. You will definitely want to start a fresh one right before the ceremony starts and another when you arrive at the reception.

For people using MiniDV tapes you want to bring along plenty of extra tapes. I usually try to have almost double the amount I think I’ll need with me that way if I end up with a bad tape or things run long I know I’m covered.

Tripod
Tripods are very important for weddings. You may not be able to use it very much during the reception, but for the ceremony the more tripod time your camcorder gets the better. Shaky video isn’t fun for anyone to watch.

Extra Batteries
A wedding is the time to pull out every battery you have for your camcorder. Don't have an extra? Buy one. Make sure they're charged and ready to go. Weddings are long. The worst thing that can happen is for you to run out of battery power in the middle of the ceremony. I also carry along my AC adapter and plug in my camcorder when I can. Bring along your battery charger so you can charge a dead battery, if need be.

Comfortable Shoes
You’re more than likely going to be on your feet for the entire ceremony and reception.  It may seem pretty obvious, but comfortable shoes are a must-have. My first wedding I showed up in 3 inch heels. I was uncomfortable halfway through the ceremony (it was an hour long). By the time I got to the reception I actually had to take my shoes off. Don’t be the weird shoe-less wedding videographer.

Shooting you’re first wedding will make you realize why companies charge so much for wedding video services. It's hard work, but it can be an excellent gift to give a friend who might not otherwise be able to have a video, especially for the 95-year old grandma who couldn’t attend. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!