5 Wedding Ceremony Tips Your Videographer Wants You to Know

Ever feel like wedding planning has become a whirlwind of decisions, details, and Pinterest boards? Fear not, bride-to-be! This article is your haven for ditching the stress and embracing the mindful moments that make your wedding truly special.

We’re talking about rewriting the rules for your grand entrance – no more sprinting down the aisle like you’re late for happily-ever-after. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’ll delve into other ways to savor the ceremony, take a deep dive into your music choice, and create a seating plan that sparks connections.

So, take a deep breath, ditch the pre-wedding jitters, and get ready to discover how a little mindfulness can transform your ceremony from a blur into a cherished memory. Here’s your guide to creating a wedding experience that’s both beautiful and deeply meaningful, for you and your partner, and for everyone who shares your special day.

Let Your Bridesmaids Shine

Your bridesmaids are your rockstars – the ones who’ve been there through thick and thin. Their walk down the aisle is a chance to celebrate their friendship and unwavering support. Consider having them walk in one by one – it can be a winning move for several reasons.

Firstly, a single-file procession allows each bridesmaid to showcase their individuality. This special day is about celebrating your love story, but it’s also about the incredible women who stand beside you. Having them walk one by one gives them a chance to shine and truly own their moment in the spotlight. They can take their time, savor the walk down the aisle, and let their unique personalities and styles come through, whether it’s a radiant smile, a confident strut, or a heartwarming tear.

Secondly, a slow reveal with each bridesmaid entering one by one builds anticipation for your grand entrance. Guests will be eager to see each friend take their turn, adding to the excitement and emotional weight of the ceremony. This anticipation culminates in the moment everyone has been waiting for – your walk down the aisle.

Hold Your Horses: Why a Slower Walk Down the Aisle Wins

As a videographer, let me tell you a little secret: us wedding film folks are all about capturing genuine emotions. A bride who walks down the aisle a bit slower is a gift (wink wink). It gives us a chance to get that perfect shot of the sparkle in your eyes, the proud smile on your dad’s face, and every beautiful detail of your dress. Plus, a slower walk lets you soak it all in – and maybe even snag a glimpse of your groom tearing up a bit!

Don’t worry those manly tears make for fantastic footage too.

The bride making her ceremony entrance is arguably the most anticipated moment of a wedding day. There’s no need to rush it.

Take a deep breath. Savor this incredible scene you’ve created. Let the deliberate pace allow you to truly absorb all the sights and sounds – the faces of your loved ones beaming with joy, the stunning ceremony space you poured your heart into, and the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside you. This is your chance to pause, take it all in, and relish every precious moment.

There’s no need to worry about a perfectly timed step or a flawless dress flow. A slower pace allows for more graceful movement. The coordinator is there precisely for those last-minute tweaks, so you can walk with confidence knowing everything will be picture-perfect. Let the train of your dress flow elegantly behind you, and focus on feeling amazing.

A slower walk builds anticipation and allows you to truly appreciate the significance of the moment. Not just for you, but for everyone.

So slow down, soak it in, and own that spotlight. This walk is about more than just getting to your partner; it’s about creating a memory that will last a lifetime. It’s your chance to be fully present, ensure a flawless presentation, and most importantly, give yourself the gift of savoring every detail of this incredible day.

Change the Music

The tradition of bridesmaids and the bride entering to the same song creates a sense of unity and flow in the ceremony. However, many brides opt for a distinct song for their grand entrance and good reason! Here’s why choosing a separate song can elevate this pivotal moment:

• The Power of Personalization: Your walk down the aisle is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that marks the start of your journey as a married couple. Having a unique song sets it apart and makes it feel even more special. It’s like a scene straight from a movie – your song, your moment, etched in memory.
• Setting the Mood: Music has a powerful way of setting the tone for an occasion. Choosing a song that reflects the emotions you want to evoke for this specific moment allows you to craft an unforgettable atmosphere. Do you yearn for a romantic and intimate feel? A powerful and dramatic entrance? A joyous and celebratory one? The music selection helps set the stage.
• Tell Your Love Story Through Music: Is there a song that perfectly captures your love story – the way you met, the first date, a special memory? Using this song for your walk down the aisle allows you to express those emotions and share a piece of your journey with your guests. It adds a deeply personal touch that a generic bridal march simply can’t replicate.
• Building Anticipation: While the bridesmaids’ entrance sets the stage, the bride’s entrance holds the most anticipation. Having a different song creates a distinct shift, building excitement and drawing everyone’s attention as you prepare to walk down the aisle.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to use the same song for everyone or have a distinct one for the bride is a personal one. However, exploring the reasons behind choosing a separate song might spark some inspiration and help you personalize this special moment in your wedding ceremony.

Bonus tip: wait for the chorus of your song!

There’s a certain magic to waiting until the chorus of your chosen song to walk down the aisle. It builds anticipation like a rising crescendo, amplifying the impact of your entrance when the music truly explodes. Guests will be fully focused on the song you love, and the wait ensures they hear every beautiful note.

Some brides take the art of the dramatic entrance a step further by not revealing themselves until the very moment the chorus of their song erupts. It’s a strategic decision that elevates your walk down the aisle from a simple entrance to a truly unforgettable moment.

Plus, it creates a clear cue for everyone to settle in and witness this momentous occasion. Ultimately, it’s your day and your song, but if you want a dramatic entrance that ties perfectly to the music, waiting for the chorus can be a powerful choice.

The Hidden Gem of Wedding Ceremony Tips: Mic up Dad

Obviously for many fathers, walking their daughter down the aisle is a moment they have anticipated for years (my daughter is only young and I’ve already thought about it!). They’ve seen their daughter grow, offered guidance and support, and now, they get to escort her into a new phase of her life.

As a videographer, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a father and daughter chat as I film them enter the ceremony together. I’ve always wondered what is said in this brief, but important moment and then it finally hit me:

Why not put a microphone on Dad?

Here are some reasons why this is such an awesome idea:

• It captures a moment that the bride and her dad might not even remember. The father-daughter walk is a very emotional and nerve-wracking moment for both of them. They might be so overwhelmed by their feelings that they don’t even remember what they said to each other.
  
  That’s why I love using a microphone on the father of the bride. It captures not just the visuals of this special moment, but also the intimate conversation, the jokes, the whispers of encouragement. Later, when the emotions have settled and the day’s a memory, they can watch the video and relive that exchange, word for word. It becomes a cherished keepsake, a reminder of the love and support shared between father and daughter on this momentous occasion.
  
• It surprises and delights the viewers. The father-daughter conversation is usually not heard by anyone else except them. By including it in your video, you can surprise and delight the viewers with a unique and touching perspective. You can also use it to create contrast and suspense, building up to the big reveal of the bride.
  
• It can add depth and intimacy to the video. By recording this moment, I can create a more personal and authentic video that showcases a father and daughter’s bond. I can also use the audio as a voice-over for your video, adding another option for narration and emotion to the visuals.

Of course, this can apply to anyone who has the honor of accompanying you down the aisle. Not just the father of the bride.

Have Your parents switch sides

As a bride or groom, you want to share every precious moment of your wedding ceremony with your parents. But let’s be honest, traditional seating arrangements can leave them with a less-than-ideal view of you and you of them.

Speaking from my own wedding day, it would have been so much better if I could see my mother clearly during the ceremony. She came all the way from the USA to celebrate my wedding in Australia, and with the traditional seating, we couldn’t see each other. It would have meant a lot to share those emotional moments with a direct glance.

Here’s where the trend of having parents seated across from their child comes in, and why it can be a game-changer:

• Unforgettable Faces: This is their child’s big day, and parents deserve a full, unobstructed view of their face throughout the ceremony. Sitting across the aisle guarantees they won’t miss a single expression, a tear of joy, or that radiant smile as you say “I do.”
• Emotional Exchange: Weddings are full of charged moments. Imagine the impact of a loving glance, a silent exchange of pride, or a shared tear – all magnified by direct eye contact made possible by facing seats.
• Witnessing the Union: More than just a logistical tweak, this seating arrangement can be symbolic. As parents witness their child joining a new family, they’re positioned directly across, signifying their continued love and support for the new unit being formed.
• Picture Perfect Memories: Photographers and videographers love this setup! Capturing the parents’ reactions throughout the ceremony – from a heartwarming smile to a tear of happiness – adds a whole new layer of emotion to your wedding photos and video.

Of course, there’s always the chance that seeing each other across the aisle might bring on a few happy tears! And that’s perfectly okay. In fact, for some couples, that shared vulnerability might be an even more meaningful way to connect on this special day. Ultimately, the decision of where to seat your parents is a personal one.

Remember, your wedding ceremony is all about celebrating your love story. This simple change can create a more meaningful and visually stunning experience for you, your parents, and everyone sharing your special day.

include Your Grandparents as witnesses

Your wedding day is a beautiful celebration of love that extends beyond you and your partner. It’s a chance to honor the love and support of generations. Here’s a heartwarming way to include your grandparents in the ceremony:

Witnessing Your Union: Why not invite your grandparents to witness you sign your marriage certificate and add their signatures alongside yours? It’s a personal touch that shows them how much their presence means to you.

Imagine the pride and joy on their faces as they’re invited to participate. This might lead to a few happy tears (cue the tissues!), but more importantly, it creates a treasured keepsake. The signed marriage certificate becomes a cherished family heirloom, a reminder of the love and support that surrounded your wedding day.

A Note to Consider: Before incorporating this idea, be sure to check with your celebrant to ensure it aligns with the legal requirements for witnessing the marriage certificate in your area. But for a truly touching way to honor your grandparents, this is a wonderful option to consider.

Photos in this article courtesy of Ben & Hope Photography