HOW TO MAKE A GREAT WEDDING VIDEO

Q. What are the different types of wedding video styles?

A. Common styles range from 'journalistic' and 'cinematic', to 'Storytelling' and 'Traditional'. Wedding videographers are not limited to using just one of these styles, but we at Digital Bride have built our reputation on creating stylish and contemporary wedding productions that you will treasure and enjoy for years to come.

Q. How much of my wedding day should I have filmed?

A. Normally filming begins one hour before the wedding ceremony, but if the bride wants us to capture her morning preparations, then we will of course film this. We always stay until we have videoed the bridal party dances, which always involves two video cameras so that very special 'first dance' moment is captured. After the bridal dances one camera stays on the dance floor while the other camera finds a nice quiet spot in order to capture the guest interviews, which have been very popular over the years, so on average we would stay until around 10pm-11pm. All of this is discussed in advanced to ease any worries the special couple may have.

Q. Do couples need to get permission from their minister/priest for you to film in the ceremony?

A. We would recommend that the couple would let their Minister/Priest know in advance that they intend to get their wedding videoed, but we always have a chat with the Minister/Priest before the service just as a common courtesy.

Q. What is the most popular ask from couples – what do they especially want filmed?

A. Again, each wedding is different, but the most popular request would probably be videoing relatives who have traveled from far and wide to be at their wedding, or an elderly relative who they want to be featured on their wedding dvd.

Q. What should a bride and groom look for in a good videographer?

A. In our opinion, a good wedding videographer should represent not only someone who can make an excellent wedding DVD which captures their special day, but also someone who is friendly and approachable, and is willing to listen to make sure that the final outcome matches the expectations of the couple.

Q. What do Digital Bride offer as videographers?

A. We have 15 years experience in the visual communications field, and we know all the ins and outs of capturing such an important event. Our professional and creative team of videographers, graphic designers and motion graphic experts will ensure that your whole day is covered from start to finish in the highest professional standard. The final product will be presented in the most elegant and beautiful way to ensure that it will be a day that you can cherish and relive for many years to come. We believe in our mantra "...life is not about the amount of breaths you take it's about the moments that take your breath away...", and our images, both moving and still wedding photography from the day, will certainly guarantee to take your breath away!

Q. What do couples want from their wedding video?

A. A good, honest wedding DVD which reflects their personal feelings towards each other and their loved ones, from their favourite songs, to their favourite moments. A professional wedding video isn't expensive, it's priceless!

Q. What sort of wedding packages do you offer?

A. We offer two wedding videography packages. Both packages are of the same high standard and quality is never undermined. Our packages cover all the major events of the day, shot in High Definition and always with two cameramen, but remember that we can also tailor packages to suit your requirements and wedding budget.

Q. Do you offer any extras, for example guest comments/videos?

A. We offer many extras including, guest interviews, overview montages, photographs in slideshow set to music, motion graphics, honeymoon snaps slideshow and of course the latest and greatest wedding video craze, MARRYOKE!

Can you give ten top tips for a couple choosing a wedding videographer?

1. Look for a videographer who is experienced, creative and artistic
2. There are a lot of wannabes calling themselves "cameramen" and "editors" when really they are just "guys with a camera and some software." Don't fall for this!
3. Ask what packages are on offer and can they be adjusted to suit your wedding budget?
4. Ask to see a demo DVD that uses actual, sequential clips from a wedding (or even an entire wedding) incorporating recorded natural sound mixed with music.
5. Always choose a videographer who uses at least two cameras and make sure both cameras are manned by separate qualified cameramen; do not let them leave a camera unattended on a tripod.
6. Insist on a videographer that uses a wireless microphone: they are small and unnoticeable and amazing at recording vows or people coming up to you to congratulate you, etc.
7. Check that you get a written contract detailing what you are getting for your money and what your guarantees are
8. Check that your videographer will be unobtrusive and that the shoot will not interfere with the proceedings in any way.
9. Do they work with the photographer to ensure mutual co-operation? Try and use a company who offer both wedding photography and videography, that way you know your DVD and photographs will complement each other.
10. Make sure they have back-up equipment and that it is comparable in quality to the original