The Top Rules for Creating a Beautiful and Memorable Wedding Film

Want to capture your wedding in the most beautiful and meaningful way possible? Then you need to find a videographer who follows these essential rules! From capturing the big moments to paying attention to the little details, these guidelines will ensure that you get a high-quality and unforgettable video of your special day.

If you want a truly exceptional wedding videographer, then you need to find a filmmaker who follows certain rules to ensure that they capture all the special moments and details of your big day. And trust us, you don't want to take any risks when it comes to hiring a videographer! Without the right attention to detail and experience, you risk missing out on important shots or ending up with footage that is of poor quality.

But don't worry, we have the solution! By looking for a videographer who follows the rules outlined in this article, you can be confident that you are hiring a professional who really knows how to capture your wedding in a way that is meaningful, beautiful, and totally unique to you. Whether you are looking for a documentary-style video or a more cinematic highlights film, these rules will help you find a videographer who has the skills and experience to create a truly unforgettable record of your special day.

As a wedding videography company, Snowbird Films is dedicated to creating fun and unobtrusive films that tell the complete story of your special day. Our focus is on capturing the big moments and reactions in a documentary format, as well as creating a shorter highlights film with a cinematic style. To achieve these goals, we follow a set of rules that help us to deliver the best possible product for our clients.
Before we discuss the rules we follow on the day of the wedding, here are three general rules we have:






Rule 1: Communicate with the couple before the wedding to understand their vision and preferences.
Before the wedding, it is important to communicate with the couple to understand their vision and preferences for their film. This may include discussing their style and aesthetic, the key moments and people they want to be featured in the film, and any specific requests or concerns they may have. By taking the time to understand the couple's vision, you can ensure that you are able to create a film that truly reflects their unique style and personality.

Rule 2: Edit the film in a way that enhances the story and emotions of the event.
The editing process is an important part of creating a great wedding film. By carefully selecting and sequencing the footage, you can create a film that tells the story of the event in a compelling way and enhances the emotions of the day. It is important to take the time to experiment with different edits and to collaborate with the couple to ensure that the final film reflects their vision and preferences.

Rule 3: Continuously educate yourself and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques and equipment used in wedding videography.
The field of wedding videography is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. This may include attending workshops and conferences, reading industry publications, and experimenting with new equipment and software. By continuously educating yourself, you can stay ahead of the curve and deliver the best possible product to your clients.


Now onto the on the day wedding videography rules



Rule 1: Use our experience to make the technical and logistical decisions that ensure the best possible results.
As experienced wedding videographers, we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that we can use to make the technical and logistical decisions that ensure the best possible results. This may include choosing the correct camera and lens for different settings, adjusting the white balance and exposure to ensure optimal image quality, and knowing when to change batteries and cards. We also have the experience to know when to switch to a higher frame rate for slow motion and how this will affect the camera's ISO and shutter speed. By using our experience to make these important decisions, we can ensure that we are always in the right place at the right time and that we are able to capture beautiful and high-quality video footage for our clients.

Rule 2: Try to blend in and be unobtrusive whilst Interacting with the key wedding party and guests to stay informed and friendly.

At Snowbird Films, we believe that the best way to capture the genuine emotions of your wedding is by interacting with the wedding party and guests in a natural and unobtrusive way. We strive to blend into the background and become a part of the event, rather than a distraction.
However, if we are asked a question, to help or to direct people to get a specific shot, we are happy to oblige.

Rule 3: Record professional audio for all important wedding moments, including speeches, readings, and vows.
Audio is a crucial element of any wedding film, and we take great care to ensure that all of the important moments are captured with high-quality sound. We use professional equipment and techniques to capture clear and accurate audio of the ceremony, speeches, readings, and vows.

Rule 4: Focus on capturing the big moments of the day, as well as the reactions of the couple and their loved ones.
The most memorable moments of a wedding are the ones that truly matter to the couple and their loved ones. At Snowbird Films, we prioritise capturing these big moments, as well as the reactions of the couple and their guests. We believe that these are the moments that truly tell the story of your special day.

Rule 5: Pay special attention to key individuals, such as the couple's parents and siblings.
While the couple is naturally the focus of the wedding, there are often other key individuals who play important roles in the event. These may include the couple's parents, siblings, and close friends. At Snowbird Films, we make sure to capture these important people and their reactions to the big moments of the day.

Rule 6: Look for special touches that make the wedding personal to the couple.
Every wedding is unique, and the details that make it personal to the couple are often what make it truly special. At Snowbird Films, we pay close attention to these special touches and make sure to capture them in our films. From the flowers and decorations, to the special dance or song, we strive to capture the elements that truly make your wedding your own.

Rule 7: Choose a tripod location that is optimal for the shot, while still considering the impact on the guests' view.
When setting up our tripods for the ceremony and speeches, we strive to find the best possible location for the shot while also taking into consideration the impact on the guests' view. We try to find a compromise that allows us to get the best shot while still being respectful of the guests' experience. In addition, we may use discreet cameras in other locations to capture different angles.

Rule 8: Work closely with other vendors, especially the photographer, to ensure a smooth and successful event.
We believe that the key to a successful wedding is good communication and teamwork with all of the vendors involved. At Snowbird Films, we make a point of working closely with the photographer and other vendors to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that everyone is able to do their best work. We also aim to enhance the day for the couple and make it as stress-free as possible.

Rule 9: Stay informed about the schedule and plan ahead to be prepared for any changes.
One of the keys to capturing great wedding footage is being prepared for anything. At Snowbird Films, we make a point of staying informed about the schedule and any changes that may occur. We also try to anticipate potential issues and plan ahead to be ready for them. By being well-prepared, we are able to adapt to any changes and make sure that we capture all of the important moments of the day.

Rule 10: Collaborate with the DJ to ensure the best lighting for the first dance and other evening shots.
Good lighting is essential for creating high-quality wedding footage, and we work closely with the DJ to ensure that we have optimal lighting for the first dance and other evening shots. By collaborating with the DJ and other vendors, we can create beautiful and memorable films that truly capture the spirit of the event.

Rule 11: Use a combination of tripod, gimbal, and freehand techniques to capture a variety of angles and moments.
To get the best possible footage, we use a combination of different techniques and equipment. We use tripods for the ceremony and speeches, gimbals for setting details and couple shots, and freehand for moments where we need to be more discreet and blend in more like a photographer, such as during bridal preparations or in tight spaces. By using a variety of techniques, we are able to capture a wide range of angles and moments in a natural and unobtrusive way.

Rule 12: Use a combination of manual focus, auto focus, and assist modes to achieve the best results in different lighting conditions.
Depending on the lighting conditions, we may use different focus modes to get the best results. In low light conditions, we may use manual focus or low light assist mode to ensure that our shots are sharp and well-exposed. In other situations, we may use auto focus or assist modes to get the best possible focus. By using a combination of focus modes, we are able to adapt to different lighting conditions and capture beautiful footage.

Rule 13: Keep an eye out for spontaneous moments between guests, as these can often make for great video footage.
Some of the most memorable moments at a wedding are the spontaneous ones that happen between guests. At Snowbird Films, we are always on the lookout for these special moments and try to capture them in our films. Whether it's a heartfelt conversation between friends or a playful moment between family members, these are the moments that truly capture the spirit of the event.


By following these 13 rules, we at Snowbird Films are able to create beautiful and memorable wedding films that truly capture the spirit of your special day. Whether it's the big moments or the spontaneous ones, we strive to create films that you will cherish for a lifetime.



Rule 14: Always have a backup plan.
In the world of wedding videography, it is important to be prepared for the unexpected. At Snowbird Films, we always have a backup plan in place to ensure that we are able to adapt to any challenges that may arise. This may include having backup equipment on hand, having a plan in place for dealing with inclement weather, or having a contingency plan for any other unforeseen circumstances. By having a backup plan, we can continue to deliver high-quality footage to our clients, no matter what challenges come our way.

We also add a bonus rule when the couple book a second videographer from our team

Rule for second videographer : Experiment with different camera angles and shots to add variety and interest to the film.
To create a dynamic and visually appealing film, it is important to experiment with different camera angles and shots. This may include using wide shots to capture the overall atmosphere of the event, close-ups to capture intimate moments and emotions, and aerial shots to add an extra layer of interest and perspective. By using a variety of camera angles and shots, you can create a film that is visually interesting and tells the story of the event in a compelling way. We have written an article that describes how we train our second shooters and what role they play in capturing your day, I will link to it in the description

Oaks Farm is a beautiful venue with a historic barn and stunning gardens. This venue offers a charming and rustic setting for your wedding, with plenty of space for both the ceremony and reception.

Here is a 2009 Wedding Film



Coltsford Mill is a unique and picturesque venue located in the heart of the Surrey countryside. This venue offers a range of beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for your wedding, including a stunning riverside garden and a picturesque mill pond.

Here is a aerial film we shot of Coltsford Mill in 2014



Addington Palace is a magnificent venue with a grand 19th century mansion and beautiful gardens. This venue offers a range of elegant and historic spaces for your ceremony and reception, as well as luxurious accommodation for you and your guests.



De Vere Horsley Towers is a stunning venue with a beautiful Victorian mansion and picturesque gardens. This venue offers a range of flexible spaces for your wedding, including a grand ballroom and a beautiful outdoor gazebo.



Great Fosters is a luxurious venue located in the picturesque village of Egham. This venue offers a range of beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for your wedding, including a stunning garden and a grand ballroom.

Frimley Hall is a beautiful venue with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This venue offers a range of elegant and modern spaces for your ceremony and reception, as well as luxurious accommodation for you and your guests.

These are just a few of the many wonderful wedding venues in Surrey. No matter which venue you choose, you can be sure that it will provide a stunning and memorable setting for your special day.

Your wedding day is one of the rarest occasions in your life when most of your nearest and dearest are gathered together in one place. That's why you spent days, months, and even years planning your dream day to ensure that every guest has an unforgettable experience on your wedding day.

But how frustrating it seems you will hardly get time to chat to any of your dear ones because you will remain busy all day with the photoshoot, first dance, cake cutting, and other ceremonies that go along with wedding day.

So if you don't want to let it be over in just one day, don't worry! There are some possible ways to extend your wedding celebrations over multiple days, which is also a growing trend in the wedding industry.

Make sure your wedding celebrations don't end too quickly by choosing our top ways to extend your wedding celebrations over multiple days.

Three-day weddings:

Three-day weddings or Week-long have become very popular nowadays. Many modern-day couples choose a three-day wedding if their budget allows it. However, planning a three-day wedding isn't as simple as it seems because it requires everything organised to keep things moving without any awkward gaps.

If you choose to have a three-day wedding, separating your wedding into different events is the only strategy to organise this extended celebration in a worry-free way. You could consider a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, the main event (i.e., your wedding ceremony and reception), and a farewell brunch in a three-day wedding. This allows the guest to have endless fun and unforgettable experience.

Hold a pre-wedding welcome party:

Hosting a welcome party before the big day is a good idea, particularly if most of your friends and relatives are out of town. This is a fabulous way to greet guests and a fun social gathering to begin your weekend wedding celebrations.

However, it would be best if you held a welcome party one or two days before the big day when most of your attendees will be coming. You can make this party special for everyone by encouraging attendees to mix and mingle with each other. You can also take the chance to squeeze in a little quality time with people you haven't seen in a long time.

A Rehearsal Dinner:

A rehearsal dinner is usually the final pre-wedding event before the actual big day. Rehearsal dinner will not only provide you one additional night of enjoyment to share with your attendees, but it also allows family and friends to come together and rehearse for the big day, which is led by an epic night of toasts, drinks, and good cheers.

A rehearsal dinner is also a remarkable moment to distribute gifts to your wedding party and parents if you aren't planning to do so on your big day. You'll be in a more small crowd and have a little more time to hand out and open gifts.

Throw a farewell brunch:

A farewell brunch, sometimes called post-wedding brunch, is a favourite way for newlyweds to extend wedding day celebrations. It's a grand opportunity for newlyweds to spend some more time with their loved ones and exchange final goodbyes before they head home. Generally, farewell brunches are more popular at destination weddings or for weddings where the majority of the friends and relatives are out-of-town. However, anyone can hold a post-wedding farewell brunch!

Since you're looking for ways to extend your wedding celebrations, you absolutely can throw one, even if all of your guests live nearby. By doing so, you not only wrap up your wedding celebrations in a pleasant way, but you can also take this chance to thank your guests and spend more time with your loved ones.

We decided to make an infographic explaining some of the wedding tips we have picked up over the last 20 years as a company.

We hope you like the infographic and feel free to tell us any of your own ideas!

5 Easy Ways to Help Your Wedding Videographer and Also Help Them Remain Unobtrusive

1). Send them a wedding schedule with timings and with as much details as you know ( for example Kelly and Simon will be doing the readings - There will be 4 speeches from Dad, Best Man , Groom and Bride)

This will help the videographer plan and be in the right place at the right time, not rushing about trying to make sure they capture everything. It will also help them plan on who to put a microphone on and when.

If you are not having a ton of formal group shots, letting your creative team know the important people to you is a great idea. It might even be useful to have pictures of them next to their names and give this to your photographer before the day, for them to easily recognise the ket people.



2) In the day of arches and fantastic floral arrangements its important there is a small space for your creative team to stand to film and photograph your ceremony. Often the flowers are placed either side of where the couple are getting married and the person conducting the ceremony will stand directly in front of you. Although a good videographer will make the best of any situation, planning for a good position for your videographer will enable them to stay in one place and remain unobtrusive.



3) Inform the important people and guests that the day is being filmed. You will often notice the videographer more when your guests get in their way. The biggest moments of the day when this can happen are.


When the best man comes up to hand over the rings and proceeds to then stand in front of the camera. Often the registrar will inform him not to do this, but pre-warning the best-man will mean the videographer won’t have to move to capture the ring shot.

When you walk back down the aisle. One of the best shots of the day the new bride and groom walking down the aisle, however all your guests want a piece of the action as well. Guests will often step into the middle of the aisle to get a shot with their phone of the happy couple, unfortunately this will mean them appearing in your photographs and film instead of you!! Let the register tell your guests that they may take photos of you signing the register but otherwise to please wait until after the ceremony. This will enable them to enjoy your day and get the shots they want, but to also stay out of the professionals way.

Pre-warn the people making a reading or speech that they will be being filmed and wearing a recording device. We are used to finding the important people and mining them up however If they know to come and ask for one, it will enable us to concentrate on getting on with recording the day, instead of tracking people down.



4) Book a second videographer. Having a second videographer can often help in larger weddings. Not only will you get extra angles of the big moments, you can also have two simultaneous moments captured (such a groom preparations, or guest shots whilst the photographic session is happening)



5) Stay in contact with before the day. Let your videographer know if there is anything you need advice on for your big day or any changes that occur in terms of timings. Letting them know a point of contact for the wedding reception and even sending pictures of all the important people before your day will help them when they first arrive.

The Formal Receiving Line

Being Bride and Groom, no doubt you would like the opportunity to great every guest personally at your wedding and the formal receiving line is the traditional way to achieve this. This normally takes place just before the sit-down wedding breakfast, although we have seen many guest over the years accidentally do this after the cvil or church service. To avoid an accidental greeting of guests make sure you move away from the church or civil room, otherwise your guests will stop to chat to you on the way out causing a blockage inside the church.

Problems With the Receiving Line

The most common problem with the formal receiving line, is that the wedding is often running late and the chef has hot food to plate up. Something has to give and its often the receiving line. (TIP) Save some time by reducing the line down to just the bride and groom or by using the experience of a toastmaster to move guests along quicker.

Informal Ways to Great Your Guests

Allot of bride and grooms will feel the formal line is just too old fashioned and will want a less riding way to great everybody. Here are a few ways that this can be achieved.

1) Going around the tables after the main course. Your wedding caterers will be relaxed once the main course has been served and as you have been served your main first, you should have plenty of time before the desserts are due to be served. Your guests will also be happy to great you once being fed and watered! Although you will be talking to each table as a group, don’t expect it to be allot quicker than a receiving line, but (TIP) bring the photographer around with you to take a photo at the end of the chat and this will gently move the process along.

2) Use the time when the room is changing around. Often there will be the need to clear up after your wedding breakfast and to change this room around fro the evening reception. Why not use this time to great your guests. Be inventive! Why not serve your guests chocolates, or a drink from the bar?

3) Use your evening Photo Booth to request guest shots. Get some fun photos of everyone including your evening guests, whilst getting the opportunity to say hi to everyone and giving them a photo to take home with the happy couple. (TIP) So that you recognise guests avoid full face masks as props!

4) Add a video booth. If you have a large number of guest and fear that you might not be able to great everyone personally, add a video booth so they can leave you a video message.