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Professional photographer outlines ways to minimize confusion at weddings

3 min read

Dear Joy, As a professional photographer, I would like to pass on a helpful suggestion to the bridal couple.

I often find that many wedding hosts and bridal couples do not follow a schedule on the wedding day. Without a set-schedule to follow, chaos and confusion often happen.

I recommend that a schedule detailing meeting times, ceremony start-time, end-time, photography schedule, etc. be handed out to all participants the night of the rehearsal dinner. This schedule should also be given to the vendors the week of the wedding.

With a schedule, I know when the father/daughter dance is estimated to occur. I will be sure to watch out for the cake-cutting event, too. Better yet, participants will know when to meet and where to go at the appropriate time.

I know this suggestion is quite simple but so many couples just “wing-it,” so we often spend half our time searching or waiting for participants to show up. Tom

Dear Tom,

Thank you for your suggestion. A schedule helps to keep everyone on track and minimizes confusion-especially with a large wedding party.

Dear Joy,

I have a few suggestions regarding wedding videos: I just finished editing a video for a wedding I filmed two weeks ago. I would like to caution guests about inappropriate behavior when the camera is rolling.

Often, guests want to “ham it up” in front of the camera, especially after a few drinks. Usually, they look like jerks. As a professional, I usually stop filming when a guest acts up but more often than not, it usually is cut out of the tape during the editing process. Many couples balk at spending the money on a professional videographer. Usually, they have a friend or cousin who has a camera and the couple enlists their help.

However, a professional videographer knows how to professionally edit a tape, incorporate microphones, and utilize proper lighting. Unfortunately, many amateur video camera operators do not have such skills.

I have a steady hand and professional filming expertise. Often, a non-professional will film the floor and ceiling and have improper transition techniques between close-up and distance shots.

Another suggestion: Remember to feed your professional vendors, such as photographers, videographers, DJ’s, etc., since it can be a very long day for some of us. I really appreciate it when I am treated well. Typically, when I am treated well I will go the extra mile and provide not just good service, but exceptional service. Zach

Dear Zach,

A professional videographer is also non-obtrusive. I have worked with videographers who remain behind the scenes at wedding ceremonies and do not interfere with the view or solemnity of the service. Unfortunately, I have found non-professionals often stand in the way and draw unnecessary attention.

K. Joy Schaeffer is a bridal consultant. You can e-mail her your bridal questions at bridejoy@yahoo.com.

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