10 Tips for Looking Great on Camera on your Wedding Day
Happy Saturday to you. 
OK, Let’s say your your wedding day is around the corner. You want to make sure you do everything you can to look stunning on camera, right? Here are some easy to follow tips from the pros. Since it’s not really our place to advise you during your wedding, we still want you to be well prepared for the camera.
- DO Look At Each Other. Many brides and grooms can go the whole ceremony with eyes glued on the officiant. While it is courteous to look at the person who is speaking to you, don’t forget- you are marrying each other. If possible, turn your bodies to face each other. That way you can respectfully listen to your officiant, but spend most of the ceremony gazing at your soon-to-be-spouse. Trust me, you’ll be much happier with a video that shows you exchanging meaningful looks with your partner rather than your officiant.
- DON’T Chew Gum. Nothing ruins an otherwise beautiful video faster than a bridal party full of gum chewers. Picture this: A row of impeccably dressed bridesmaids or groomsmen, softy and earnestly chomping through your wedding ceremony. Or worse yet, a beautiful bride and dashing groom gnashing through their vows. While a skilled videographer will edit unflattering moments out of your video, a pack of gum just means less footage to choose from. If you have to- use mints or breath strips. Just make sure your wedding is a gum free zone!
- DO Stay Sober. Yes, you’re nervous. Yes, you’re celebrating. And yes, you are likely to say or do something less than elegant on camera. If you insist on taking a few sips- keep the indulgence to a minimum. You’ve hired a videographer to capture every spontaneous moment, make sure they see you at your best.
- DON’T Chat With Bridemaids/Groomsmen On Stage. This may seem common sense, but you may be surprised at how much of this we see. It looks childish- take our word for it.
- DON”T Slouch. Don’t even think about slouching. If you think this may be a problem for you, work out some sort of silent code with your maid of honor so she can help you stay slouch-free.
- DON’T Be Left In The Dark. Here is how it looks in your imagination: You and your groom holding hands as you say your vows in the twilight, the sun a small speck on the horizon. Here is how it looks on video: A white dress floats alone in a sea of darkness. I know it’s harsh, but a camera needs light- so if you want to capture an outdoor ceremony on video, make sure it takes place while the sun is still shining or else illuminated by plenty of extra lighting. As you finalize details with your videographer, be candid about what the wedding environment will be like and listen to their lighting recommendations.
- DO Remember That You’re On Camera At All Times. Another one that seems common sense, but sometimes a bride forgets about the camera and the videographer captures a very unhappy, angry or inappropriate scene. Keep it in the back of your mind at all times. This is not to say that you need be some sort of a doll- always smiling, but so you don’t get embarrassed watching yourself later on camera. Again, trust us- it’s for the best.
- DON’T Get Too Lazy And Tired For Pics/Video. Being beautiful is hard work. Hard work is tiring, we know this. But no matter how tired you are- you already paid your photographer and videographer, so don’t get lazy for the camera! If you get careless, you will seriously regret doing so.
- DO Make Sure Your Dress Dosen’t Offer Sneak Peaks. I might of mentioned this one before, but it’s pretty important. Why would you want to watch (not to mention show others) an embarrassing wedding video of yourself? Just avoid it altogether and make sure your dress is well fit. Practice sitting, walking, dancing, bending over and hugging in it.
- DO Mic Your Soloists And Readers. Your BFF is thrilled to be singing at your wedding and your brother has been practicing your favorite poem for weeks. They both have strong, clear voices, so there is no need for a microphone, right? Wrong. By using a mic, not only will your guests better enjoy the poems and songs, but your video will clearly record it. Without one, everything seems extremely distant or are lost completely- especially outdoors.
I hope these have helped you see things from our point of view and maybe even helped you see things a little differently about your video.
Maybe you have something to add to the list for other brides reading this. Go ahead and leave a comment with your tip for others.
Thanks for stopping by, Anna