Shoot-It-Yourself Wedding Video Guide: faqvideo.com

The couple may skip the receiving line, but the bridal party introduction is important ceremonial part and ought to be videotaped properly. Success depends on logistics here as much as with shooting the bride and the bridesmaids walking down the aisle in the church.

Find out what door are they going to enter. It may be two different entrances for the couple and for the rest of the bridal party. Position yourself considering the following:

• You should be able to get well lit walking shot from point A to point B. Point A is the door, and point B is the head table. You will definitely need your camera light. Use extra lights if necessary;
• You should be able to get clear shot without guests or caterers lurking in front of you. With all my respect to the guests and especially to the people working hard to make the wedding happen, at this point focus on the bridal party;
• You should be able to get clear shot of the bride and groom presuming all the guests will stand up for their entrance.

Considering all from above, you may position yourself

• at the door;
• half way between the door and the head table;
• or by the head table.

Each position has its benefits and disadvantages. See what works better for you.

The introduction ceremony is usually impromptu event, and does not go smooth all the time. Prepare yourself to continuous rolling. Your queue would most likely be DJ’s or MC’s line: ‘’without further ado I would like to introduce…’’. Press REC and take your thumb away from that red button no matter what. Keep rolling and fix problems later during editing.

While talking to MC or DJ (depending on who is going to announce the entering party) before introduction find out the order of appearance, the path the party is going to take and if there is anything you may not expect.

For the entrance of the newly married couple shoot some reaction from the guests as well: happy faces, cheering and clapping.

Sometimes the bride and the groom make their first dance the part of the introduction ceremony. If that’s the plan, make sure you have enough batteries and tapes, have them handy.