Planning for authenticity: 7 tips to turn your wedding into a story
A lot of people that watch our wedding films and say, “I feel like I know them.” The truth is, we really can’t take much credit for that. We tend to work with really open, heart-on-their-sleeve type people that know who they are. The second truth is we spend lots of time getting to know our couples and making sure we know about all their special touches and their specific vibe! Along the way, we learned some things that really help us turn their day into a story. Here’s 7 tips to help you plan for some authentic moments (we promise, it won’t be cookie-cutter).
1. Do something meaningful before it starts. Whether you’re getting ready with just a couple of besties or you have a whole crew, think about what you like to do with your team and try to incorporate in getting ready. You like to go out and dance? Rad. Let’s throw on a banger and have a dance party. Brunch more your speed? Make sure we’re there when you pop a bottle. Do you like to get witchy? Let’s pull some brief tarot cards before the ceremony. Whatever it is, have fun with it.
2. Write it out. It’s hard to think of things on the spot. Sometimes the best thing you can do is get all your thoughts out on paper. We love incorporating letters and/or personal vows in our edits. It’s what gives us story, but it’s also a great time to stop, think and have a moment thinking about why you’re there. And if you aren’t a writer, don’t stress! We got a blog for that.
3. Don’t be afraid of a first look. You’ve probably heard that first looks are great for making things easier for your wedding party and vendors. And that’s true and that’s why we like them. And hey, maybe the reasoning is “but I want that first moment to be down the aisle.” That’s FINE! We just want to let you in on something: that walk to your beloved is going to be special no matter what… but in a different way. First looks are a night in playing board games and aisle walks are a night on the town. They’re both good. They’re both special. Neither negates the other. Both give us great moments to use in your story arc. Consider it for storytelling purposes, and that’s all we’ll say about the subject.
4. Two words: Voicemail guestbook. Gone are the days of the wedding videographer who walks around asking all your wedding guests to say something to the camera. (Well, maybe not, but that’s not really our style.) Even if you have a physical guestbook, consider it as an add-on. Because we’re hardcore obsessed those lofi messages you get from all the guests at your reception. What a way to include voices from some of your favorites!
5. Dance together during the reception. It sounds like a weird request, but you’d be surprised how many couples don’t do it after their first dance. Try to hang on the dance floor for at least 1 or 2 songs when it first starts. Your guests are liable to join and keep it going long after you peace out to give your feet a rest!
6. Don’t try to do too much. We’ve been at a lot of weddings, both personally and as vendors. We’ve been at receptions that we wish never ended and ones that fizzled from the moment the DJ says “game.” Toasts, tosses and games can be super fun, and if your family isn’t super dancy, they’re great alternatives. But if dancing is your priority and you want the reception to look “hype” as they say, keep the formal festivities to a minimum and…
7. Hire a great DJ or band. Yeah, your music taste is on point. And that Spotify playlist has been months, maybe even years, in the making. But that’s not something you should be worried about at the reception. Hand off your playlist to someone who will curate it based on the mood of the reception, and as a bonus they also handle all the coordination of a grand entrance, toasts and dances.
Remember, these are just our tips for making authentic moments happen. But never do something because someone else is telling you to do it or because that’s the way it’s always been done. There are no rules. Just think about what you want to do and do that.
