Tips For Quality Wedding Audio/Video
The Ceremony
1. Microphones
If you’re getting married in a church, chances are there’s a sound
system already in place that you can use for the ceremony, but don’t
take this for granted. How many weddings have you attended, in doors or
out, where there was no microphone so you couldn’t hear the preacher or
the bride and groom exchanging vows?
And
if you're videotaping, you need to consider whether the sound is going to
be picked up on the recording. Most videocameras typically have very small
built-in microphones that won’t pick up quality sound unless the person
is standing pretty close by. So if the preacher and bride & groom are
not mic’d, chances are when you watch your video later on, you won’t
be able to hear anything that's being said.
It’s very easy to avoid this with a little planning. Check with your
videographer and/or DJ and see if he/she has the equipment to solve this
problem. If not, call Audio Drops or another audio company that does live
sound. We’ve got several different options to help you out.
2.
Music
If you're having a singer or a group play music during the ceremony, make
sure you have what you need for it to be heard and captured. Again,
without microphones, you're taking the risk that people won't be able to
hear and that it won't come across on your video.
If you're playing music from a CD or IPOD, you need to plan how it's going
to be played. A lot of people fall into
the trap of assuming there will be a CD player and sound system available,
so make sure you plan for this. Even if you're using a DJ, tell them what
you need. Technology has changed and a lot of DJ’s work solely from
computers. It’s very easy to plug a CD player into a sound system, but
they have to know you need it or they may not bring it.
3.
The Video
There is a lot of planning necessary to pull this off with quality. First
of all, if you are videotaping everything, starting with the wedding party
getting ready, there needs to be some coordination.
Everyone who is taking part must know how important it is for them to be
there on time and be in a certain place when they are needed. This cuts
down on the bride and groom’s stress and enables the videographer to do
their job without missing a moment.
Think
about where you want them to videotape during the wedding. Of course, you
don’t want them to interfere with your guests being able to see. At the
same time, you may not want them in the very back of the room or in areas
people can easily walk in front of the camera. And they’re going to need
enough flexibility to shoot the wedding party as they come in, the
ceremony and the end when the wedding party walks out.
This
might sound a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. A good
videographer has been through this routine enough times to guide you in
planning for all of this and making it happen. All you have to do is take
the time to have that conversation and make the final decision.
The Reception
1. The DJ
Your DJ is going to play a huge role in the success of your reception, so
work closely with them to get exactly what you want out of it. Again,
there are a lot of things that come into play and a good DJ is going to
know what questions to ask you to guide you through the planning process. Take
advantage of it!!!! I
f
you have specific needs, music requests or anything else that they don’t
bring up, ASK!!!!! They are there to help and you’d be amazed at
what they can pull off given the time to plan. However, once the reception
starts, their ability to pull rabbits out of a hat diminishes greatly! Don’t
wait until the last minute. Scheduling and communication is just as
important with the DJ as it is with the videographer. The DJ can’t
introduce your wedding party or play the music you want if they don't know
when to do it or what to play.
2. The Video
Again, planning and communication is the key to a great video! You want
the videographer to capture
those priceless moments like the toast, cutting of the cake, first dance,
etc. Again, don't forget about the importance of a microphone! Without it,
you may not be able to hear your family and friends toasting you when you
watch the video, not to mention the people who are there may not be able
to hear.
Don’t
forget that the videographer is going to need the same flexibility as they
did during the ceremony. Tell
them when and where the special moments will happen and give them the room
to film it properly. Otherwise, they could miss part of the moment and you
could end up having people walk in front of the camera, etc.Try to
have a timeline or schedule of events and communicate with them if
anything changes.
Enhancements
Here
are a few creative ideas to make your wedding
and the memories even more special!
1.
Audio/Video invitations
Audio
invitations can be done in the voice of the bride & groom, inviting
their friends and family to spend this special day with them. Or, have a
professional voice talent record it. Make it sound like the “don’t
miss” event of the year!
The
same goes for the video invitations, but of course, you add pictures
and/or video! It could be a series of pictures and/or video of the bride
and groom through the years, especially during their time as a couple.
Set
it to music and you have a beautiful keepsake for your family and friends!
Best of all, you can save money on postage, packaging and copies by having
it made into a format that you can send by email or post on a personal
website.
Of
course, the audio and video invitations can include maps, directions,
RSVP’s and all of the information you would normally include in a paper
invitation.
2.
Audio/Video Guestbooks
Everyone always has a guestbook, but there’s never any room to write
anything other than your name and maybe “good luck.” Consider an audio
or video guestbook instead!
True, most people have someone videotaping people at the reception and
they’re asked to give the bride and groom a message. But when you catch
people off guard like that, a lot of them get very intimidated and don’t
know what to say.
The
audio or video guestbook is great because you can set it up in a quiet
place away from all the other people and noise. Guests can go there at
their leisure and record a personal message in private.
3.
Audio/Video Thank
You Cards
After it’s all over, you’ll send out thank you cards to all of your
guests. Again, you can send audio or video thank you cards that are more
personal and won’t get thrown away!
It
can be as simple as the bride and groom thanking the guests in their own
voice or you can add the best pictures and/or video from the wedding and
reception and thank them on camera. Again, you can save money by emailing
or posting it to your website!
We
invite you to contact Audio Drops with your questions or to find out
how we can help you with all of these services |
