By: Bob Brichmann

Videotaping wedding ceremonies and receptions has been taking place for decades. 20 years ago, the cameras were almost as big as the giant cameras found in TV studios. Events were shot in Beta or VHS format. Looking back, it almost seems prehistoric now.
As with all technology, equipment has gotten much smaller and less expensive, quality has significantly improved and the whole process is easier for everyone to understand.

FILM-LIKE TRENDS
Further separating the pro video from the amateur video world is the creative film-like approach videographers are stressing when it comes to properly videotaping weddings.
Movie Trailer – a two to three minute highlight reel of the bride and groom and their courtship leading up to the wedding. It’s a taste of things to come. This is delivered a few weeks before the wedding and the couple can post it to their blog or wedding web site or even
show it at the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. It’s very popular.
Overall, people are going for more of a cinematic flair with moving shots, more sweeping shots, shots from above using a monopod to lift the camera over peoples’ heads. They want more of a short movie or wedding film.
Face it, we all love watching movies. Many brides and grooms want their beautiful day to play out like a fairy tale and be captured like a movie. They want the drama, emotion, memories and fun captured for eternity.
Today’s couples expect their wedding videos to have the look and feel of anything from an MTV music video to a Hollywood epic including movie trailers to ending credits.

DEBUNKING THE ‘I DON’T NEED VIDEO’ THOUGHT
Your wedding day is arguably one of the most important days of your life. It’s very possibly a once in a lifetime event. It’s also a day that can be a blur.
So much is going on. So many people are doing different dances at different stages of the night. Conversation, jokes and stories run rampant throughout the room the entire day and night. A bride and groom cannot possible see, hear and share in everything as it unfolds.
Videos capture the sights and sounds…all of the emotions of the day. They can go back and see all the fun they missed. For people who lose older family, this might be the last video memory of them.
Photography captures moments, but video captures sound. How can you possibly remember the crackle in dad’s voice as he gives his toast and evokes some loving emotion from a picture? A picture can’t revive the screams of joy as your bridesmaids descend upon the dance floor upon hearing your favorite college dance song.
Video is usually one of the first things cut from the budget and then later turns into one of the biggest regrets. You won’t believe how many brides have told me this in hindsight.

PHOTO/VIDEO MONTAGES
Adding entertainment value to your event is a big trend these days. Brides, grooms and families are enjoying sharing the childhoods of the special couple and their families.
Many companies are now offering both video and photography which allow the video editor to incorporate photos from engagement photo sessions, rehearsal dinners and wedding formals into their highlight video and photo montages.
Most of us have seen these. You start with three minutes of pictures of the bride growing up set to one of her favorite songs. Then three minutes of pictures of the groom set to his signature song. Then you close with three to four minutes of the courtship with a song with mutual meaning to the couple. If you’ve got some extra bucks, you might incorporate some video into the montage.
A key bit of advice? Keep it no longer than 10 minutes. Your guests will love it and thank you for keeping it concise and short.

LOVE STORY VIDEOS
Shot before the wedding…it’s kind of a he said – she said interview video on how they met. Then it closes with a shoot of them together explaining the what, when, why and how’s of their relationship.
Keep it short – 5 to 10 minutes. Usually shot at a favorite restaurant or in an environment the couple is most comfortable in. Then it’s played at a rehearsal dinner or as a prelude at the reception.
It can be creatively shown prior to the grand entrance of the bride and groom. Then they segue into their 1st dance. Very dramatic!

WHAT’S NEXT?
Blu-Ray, 3D…each are expensive now, but will come down in price for the average person, so they’ll expect it. Professional cameras are also shooting video. High definition is king right now, but that will evolve.
As the newer technologies develop, they are driven by promotion and word-of-mouth. As the popularity increases, production increases and price points become more competitive and more favorable to the consumer. It’s an age-old process.
The bottom line? Don’t discount video for your once-in-a-lifetime day! There are so many new and creative ways to add video entertainment to your special event.
Video can capture the day for you to remember and reminisce and, more importantly, for your children and family to enjoy for years to come.