An Essential Guide to Wedding Videographers

Thinking of Video for your Wedding? Here’s an Essential Guide to Wedding Videographers to set you up for the right film for you.

When it comes to your big day, there is very little that is more important (besides getting married, of course!) than properly recording your day, whether done by a photographer, videographer, or both.

Your cake will be eaten, your dress will age, and your memories of precisely what was said during the speeches will fade, but your wedding video will help you relive your wedding day over and over as you watch it on the TV or computer, or mobile phone.

That's why choosing the right videographer is so important, and when it comes to wedding video packages, many options are available.

Here's an essential guide to what I offer and what you should expect from whichever wedding videographer you hire.

1. A professional, experienced videographer

Beautiful wedding videography can only happen at the hands of an experienced videographer.

I’ve been filming weddings videos for years, so you can feel confident in my ability to capture the beauty and energy of your day with skill and sensitivity.

With experience comes the ability to shape your wedding video from the offset. I’ve written about how choosing the right wedding videographer influences the style of your wedding video.

Part of the necessary skillset for videography is people skills.

Interacting with guests, family, and friends is an important part of the job. I'm always friendly and professional with your wedding guests, whilst having as much fun as possible, so you can rest assured that everyone will feel comfortable in my presence.

2. Quality audio recording equipment

Capturing the audio on your wedding day is just as important as capturing the video.

I use high-quality microphones and audio recording equipment to ensure you can hear everything clearly on your wedding video.

There is nothing worse than muffled speeches!

To ensure that we capture clear audio for your vows and speeches, I set up microphones near the altar/podium and on the tables for the wedding speeches, and fit lapel microphones to the groom and officiant - you can never have too many recorders.

Further to this, I use the latest audio editing equipment to clean up the audio signals and get rid of any unwanted noise and echo - it’s just part of the service.

3. Drone footage for aerial shots

Many of our fantastic Northern Irish are stunning. For any wedding videographer, Belfast and the surrounding area is a visual treat, both from the ground and the air. I use drone footage to capture stunning aerial shots of your wedding venue so you can get a birds-eye view of the day's festivities.

Drone footage is an excellent component of creating beautiful wedding videography and is one of many growing trends that couples look for in their wedding film.

 I’m always looking at guides from DJI for better techniques to capture weddings with my drone.

4. Audio-visual effects for creative storytelling

Check out each videographer's style.

Do they shoot documentary style, or prefer to be more present in your wedding experience, storytelling and creating with audio and visual effects?

I like to use a gentle mix of both in my wedding videos, as it allows me to combine creative storytelling with classic documentary-style recordings.

For example, I use slow-motion filming for special moments, like a couple's first kiss, a little direction for classic shots of the cake cutting, and creative effects for a montage at the end of the film - often it’s a case of trying out new things that work for each couple and then during the edit I can pull the shots together in a certain way.

All these elements help create a beautiful wedding video that you can enjoy for years to come.

By choosing the right videographer with an eye for creativity and quality audio recording equipment, you can be sure to get beautiful footage.

5. Multiple camera angles and perspectives to capture different aspects of the wedding day

Nothing is worse than seeing a wedding videographer simply shooting from one position for the entire ceremony. I use multiple camera angles and perspectives to capture different aspects of your day, from the big moments like your first kiss as husband and wife to the smaller details like your wedding décor or guests dancing into the night.

By using a variety of lens types and positioning, I can give you a comprehensive look at all sides of your wedding day.

In a perfect world, I would be shooting each wedding with 5 remotely controlled cameras but this doesn’t always happen. The last thing I need is something which often happens - a person steps right in front of my camera at a really special moment of a wedding. Having multiple angles means I might be able to overcome any issues this can cause and provide a great-quality edit for each couple.

6. A dedicated video editing suite with capable software and hardware tools to craft the desired results during post-production

Post-production is the most important step in creating beautiful wedding videography.

Don't be afraid to ask what editing the videographer you are interviewing can offer.

Producing wedding videos is an art form and one that I enjoy. Some wedding videographers struggle to get started with editing - my problem is that often edit through the night and just keep on churning through.

After I've recorded all your footage, I use a dedicated video editing suite with the latest software and hardware tools to craft the desired results for your video.

I take special care in colour correction, audio mixing and stabilisation to ensure that every detail of your video is perfect.

It's possible to get videographers to hand you your wedding film on your wedding day. My thoughts are that you will receive either a poorly edited, long and slow documentary of your day or a template-driven drag-and-drop exercise, where your video looks just like every other video produced by that same videographer. While it may not be bad, it is not how your special wedding day memories should be treated.

7. Editing options tailored to the client's preferences

Got a style that you're looking for?

I’ve written about the changing styles of wedding videography and a guide to wedding videography trends in 2023 for a more in-depth perspective of this.

Maybe you want a vintage colour grade on your film or a particular song to be used for the background music. I offer editing options tailored to your preferences, from colour grading and audio mixing (subject to licensing restrictions) to creating the exact look and sound you want in your unique wedding video.

8. Access to royalty-free music as soundtracks

Music rights are something to be wary of if you plan to share your video - especially if there's any risk of it ever going viral! Ask any videographer where they plan to source the music for your video. Is it legally licensed?

To help keep you covered, I have access to a library of royalty-free music which can be used as soundtracks in your video.

Why you should hire Adam White Wedding Films

By choosing a wedding videographer with experience in creating beautiful cinematic moments from start to finish, you can guarantee stunning results that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

I consider it my privilege to capture one of the most important moments in a couple's lives. Based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, I'm privileged to offer my services to couples of all kinds throughout the whole of Ireland and for destination weddings. If you're looking for creative, emotive and timeless wedding videography, just contact me for more information.

Thanks for reading!

Adam White

Wedding Cinematographer