Advice for filming a wedding?

Question

My friend's sister is getting married in July, and she has asked me to film her wedding. It would be too expensive to have a professional film it, so she has asked me to do it. I am not professional or anything, and im only 16, but i do make and edit videos often, but just for fun. Editing is what im really good at.. and I've never really filmed anything big like this before. I have taken a lot of film classes at school but I am still very nervous about this and would appreciate any advice as to how weddings should be filmed. I have a pretty basic video camera that I purchased in September, and I'm kind of scared it wont pick up the audio of the preacher and the bride and groom speaking when I am standing at the very back. Is there any kind of wireless microphone i could use without investing too much money? Also, I don't want to get in the way at all. I only just met the girl who is getting married today, and I don't want to ruin the most important day of her life. She has asked me to film everyone getting ready, the ceremony, dinner, dancing, and some interviews asking people what they have to say to the bride and groom.

I know it's not until July, but I would really like any advice and tips, because I don't want to let her down and ruin her wedding.

Thank you so much in advance. :)

Answer 1

I would just make sure that you are really steady or use a tripod. Jumpy filming is really the only thing that would ruin it. She isn't expecting a professional video as she didn't hire a professional. Just film what you think she'll want....obviously the ceremony, the cake cutting, first dances, etc. You could also walk around to the various tables and ask the guests to say a few words to the bride & groom. I don't think you need to go overboard with trying to get 'artsy'. If you are doing the editing too, you can do plenty with that alone.



Good luck!

Answer 2

Is she paying you for it? Even if you're doing it for free, she should be providing any materials you need to successfully film the ceremony. Don't be afraid to approach her and tell her that you'll need a wireless mike for the groom to pick up the audio for the vows. She should cover that cost... you're already doing a lot for her.



Also- I know you said you don't want to get in the way, but you won't get good footage if you hang back all night and film from a distance. You will have to be a little aggressive, just not in her face all night. And if she's getting married in a church, ask her what their policies are on photography/videography in the church. Some say that the photographer and videographer can't be too close to the altar or using flash during the ceremony. It just depends on the place.

Answer 3

We had a professional videographer but he had more than one camera. He had one mounted in a floral arrangement in the stage. He had the groom and minister mic'ed and he used the different views from the three cameras to edit the footage into one big wedding scene. He also recorded us getting ready, the rehearsal dinner, any greetings that the guests wanted ot leave, and the reception. We saw the raw footage and he had lots and lots of hours. Maybe you could borrow a couple of people's cameras in order to get more than one shot. Have a trusted friend videotape form a different angle. If they are getting married at a church chances are they already have the lapel mics there.

Answer 4

Only film the wedding nite