Wedding tips There are some things when filming weddings that the videographer cannot predict or control, so I have put together a few tips and ideas that you can apply to help me make the best possible production for you. And of course if you think of any other tid bits, I'm always open to suggestions!

Choosing music for your DVD When choosing music to use in your dvd I always suggest to pick a mixture of both upbeat and slow songs, especially songs that have any special meaning to you. I never know what songs will be used until I have the footage in front of me, as every wedding is completely different and therefore different songs will suit different sections of your DVD. It is therefore important to provide an ample amount of songs so I have plenty to choose from. I'm always happy to choose music for you, but if you at least give me a few songs as a starting point, I can get an idea of your taste in music so I can select other songs similar to the genre/s you like. If you get stuck, there are loads of wedding websites out there that have music suggestions and they are often categorised into songs for the ceremony, songs for the girls, songs for the boys, the reception and so on, so that should get you started.... While you're at it, you may even find some songs you could use on your actual wedding day.

Please note, it is very important that I receive your music selections prior to your wedding. For a number of sections of your DVD, video footage is edited based on the music selections chosen, so if they are received late, this will delay the completion of your DVD. In turn, this will also delay subsequent productions, so again it is very important to give me your music selections on time. Cheers!

DVD cover and disc prints When you receive your completed DVD production, they are always presented in a personalised DVD cover and the disc's themselves are also personalised with a picture and titles. To see what I mean, click on the link for the "DVD COVER SAMPLES" on the left hand side of this page. When creating these, I either use pictures from your actual wedding photos (if your photographer included your photos on a disc and you have their permission for me to do so) or I use video stills taken from the footage I shoot on the day. Being video stills, the picture quality is not as high as that of actual photos so obviously the quality of your DVD cover and disc prints is better when I use photos, so let me know if you would like me to do this.

Background music on your wedding day. On the wedding day if you are getting coverage of the girls and/or boys preparing before the ceremony, often people will have music playing and/or perhaps a TV going while they are getting ready. This of course is a great idea to help you to relax and get "in the mood" but you do need to keep in mind that if music is playing, when editing your DVD I will probably have to "dull down" the original audio quite a bit to remove the music sound to allow for the soundtrack on the dvd to not sound muffled.... Imagine trying to listen to two different songs playing at once and you'll know what I mean. What you do here is completely up to you and if the music will keep you relaxed and comfortable, by all means play it, but just remember that I will more than likely have to remove it during editing which also means that what is spoken as well will also be "dulled down" with it.

Reception lighting People often asked me if I use a video light at the reception when the lights are turned down and my answer is simple.... No and Yes :-) I will use a video light if requested, but personally I don't like using the video light as I find it "puts people off". Many people are still shy around video cameras and I do try to stay hidden as much as possible so people can relax and enjoy the reception as though I wasn't even there, but it is very difficult to do that if I have a light on, even though it is a subtle one. Furthermore, when a light is used, it can interfere with photos, especially if your professional photographer is present at the reception. When the lights are down, the camera I use is up to the challenge but the quality can never be as good as that when the lighting is better... so my suggestion to couples is this...if the lights down will make your guests more comfortable then you don't need to do anything, but if you would like a better quality picture for the bridal waltz, garter throw, dancing shots etc etc, simply let your reception venue know that you are having the reception filmed and could they please leave the lights on until all the formalities are over and/or until I leave.

Guest Messages As part of all my wedding packages I always offer to collect congratulatory messages from your guests during the reception. These can be anywhere from sentimental and "awwww" inspriring, right up to down right hilarious! So if you would like me to get messages from your guests, perhaps it might help to get your MC to mention it at the start of the reception so people can have a little time to think about it should I approach them.

Signing the register pen This is just a little tip, more for your wedding photos than anything.... but so many times I've seen couples sign the register and they just use whatever pen the priest, celebrant etc etc has on hand, and it's almost always some dingy old looking thing! It looks much better if you have a nice pen to use... it's a "finicky" tip I know, but those shots in your DVD will look much nicer, not to mention your wedding photos too.... You're already spending thousands on your wedding, what's another 10 bucks for a decent pen right? hehe

Lapel microphone During the ceremony when the nerves often kick in, people tend not to project their voice very well so the mic on my camera may not pick up what is being said by the couple too clearly, thus I will attach a lapel microphone to the groom so the really important bits aren't missed... So in saying that, it is really helpful if the groom can arrive at the church at least 20 minutes before the ceremony so I can get the mic on and can then get back to filming the guests arriving and so on... Often the photographer will want some time with the groom before the ceremony to get some pictures taken and your guests will want to say hello to you so it woudn't hurt to be a little early anyway for those reasons as well.

Your Reception Itinerary Believe it or not an MC can "make or break" a reception and it's important to discuss with them how you would like the night to progress and give them at least some kind of itinerary. When you're paying good money to have your reception filmed, it helps me to do a good job if the night progresses as planned. I always try to talk to the MC at some stage to ask them to give me a little wave before formalities begin so I can prepare, but it helps if you mention this to them as well. Furthermore, if everything does progress as planned, your less likely to have a reception that runs late and therefore possibly require me to work overtime which incurrs yet another cost for you.

I swear I'm not a snob! As a final note, I thought it wise to mention that whilst I am normally a very chatty person, and if you've already met me I'm sure you know what I mean!.... On your actual wedding day while I am filming I won't speak much at all... and I just wanted to point out that I'm not being a snob, I'm just avoiding getting my voice on your video, especially because my mouth is right near the microphone!

I hope you find these tips useful and please feel free to let me know if you think of any more! Cheers, Libby.