Planning a wedding shoot is the most important part of creating a superior wedding movie. Every place is different, every bride is different. It is very important to know as much as possible about the bride and groom at least one month before the date of the event. One of the things I do is provide a detailed questionnaire to the bride about 30 days before the wedding. This gives me all the information I will need to shoot good video clips effectively on the day of the event.

Here is a sample of my quiz:

  1. Name of flanges
  2. groom’s name
  3. Rehearsal dinner date and time
  4. Wedding date and time
  5. Phone number where the bride can be reached before and after the wedding.
  6. emergency contact person
  7. Name and number of the emergency contact person on the day of the wedding
  8. Ceremony location with phone number
  9. Name and phone number of the ceremony coordinator
  10. Name of the place of reception Telephone number and contact person
  11. Photographer’s name and phone number
  12. Provider name and phone number
  13. Florist name and phone number
  14. DJ or band name and phone number

Some pre-ceremony questions would include the following:

  1. Will the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony?
  2. If you are seeing each other before the ceremony, do you want this moment to be filmed?
  3. What time do you want us to start recording your wedding day?
  4. Where will the bride get ready on the wedding day?
  5. Do you want us to film you and your bridesmaids getting ready? If yes, what time should we be there?
  6. Where will the groom be getting ready on the wedding day?
  7. How long does it take to get to the ceremony from where the bride and groom get ready?
  8. Is there a particular activity you want to capture before the wedding begins?

Questions about the ceremony would include the following:

  1. Is the ceremony inside or outside?
  2. What denomination is the ceremony?
  3. Is it okay to place a wireless microphone on the groom’s lapel during the ceremony?
  4. Tell us about the activities that can be carried out during the ceremony.
  5. Are you reading/writing your own vows?
  6. Is there going to be a unity candle, a full Mass, a sand dumping, or anything else we need to consider?
  7. Please inform us of any guidelines or restrictions on the ceremony location.
  8. How long is the ceremony scheduled?
  9. Will there be scripture readings?
  10. any soloist?
  11. any musician? If yes, how many and which instruments?
  12. Will there be a photo session after the ceremony?
  13. Would you allow us to create some fun shots of the bride and groom at the photo shoot?
  14. Would you make sure we have 10-15 minutes before or after the photo shoot for this?

Reception questions would include the following:

  1. How long does it take to travel from the ceremony to the reception?
  2. Is the reception inside or outside?
  3. Number of invites?
  4. When is the completion of the reception scheduled?
  5. Is the food buffet or seated?
  6. Have arrangements been made for us to eat?
  7. Do you have a band or a DJ?
  8. Is there anyone in particular that we need to film? If so, who?
  9. Are you planning a formal outing in front of all the guests? If so, please give us details.
  10. Make a list of unique activities you want to film.
  11. Are there any family policies that we should be aware of or watch out for?
  12. What is the dress for the wedding?

There are a number of other questions that can be asked as well, but these are the main ones that I focus on in order to be fully prepared for the day of the session.