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How to Film a Wedding with Your Camcorder

Step 1:
Purchase several brand-new tapes to have on hand. Keep in mind that the unexpected may come up (broken/jammed tapes, longer than expected ceremony, etc.) and give yourself a safety net of at least one or two tapes.

Step 2:
Invest in or borrow a tripod. There will be times when a long and steady shot will be required (filming the wedding table at the reception for all of the toasts, for example) and a tripod is the best way to achieve that.

Step 3:
Know what you will be recording and how. Meet with the happy couple to discuss what they’d like see in their video, and make yourself an itinerary. This will help keep you on track and assure that you won’t miss any important aspect of their video.

Step 4:
Start the event with a fully charged battery. Make sure that all batteries are fully charged and close by, so you’ll have them right away if the main battery fails.

Step 5:
Arrive to the event early. You can get set up where you need to be without being in the way, double check your equipment and supplies and be ready to go and/or make last minute adjustments.

Step 6:
Test out the camcorder’s recording by filming a little behind-the-scenes action. Not only will this give you an idea of how the audio might need to be adjusted, how the colors look and how people will react to the camera, but you may also get some priceless footage that can add an extra special feel to the video.

Step 7:
During the ceremony itself, maintain focus on the actions at hand. The procession of the flower girls, the bridal party and the ring bearer/s should be the main focus while they are happening. Of course, don't forget the bride’s procession and her being given away at the altar!

Step 8:
If you are recording the reception as well, be sure to do a test recording before all the traditional events (first dance, garter toss, father-daughter dance, etc.) get underway. The lighting and sound will be different, and you don’t want to miss great memories because of a dark picture and muffled sound.