Your Wedding Day, Through Our Eyes
From Behind the Lens: Your Wedding Day, Through Our Eyes
Hello, lovelies! It's Emily and James here, your friendly neighbourhood wedding videographers from Wedding Video Ireland. We've spent years capturing the magic of weddings across this beautiful country, and we've seen it all – the tears, the laughter, the dodgy dance moves, and everything in between. We thought it was time we shared some of our hard-earned wisdom with you, to help you navigate your big day with a little more ease and a lot more enjoyment.
This isn't just another list of generic wedding tips you can find anywhere. This is heartfelt advice, straight from two people who've seen firsthand what makes a wedding truly special, and what can sometimes trip people up. We're passionate about creating beautiful wedding films, and part of that process is making sure your day is as stress-free and joyful as possible.
Morning Prep
Let's start at the beginning, shall we? Your wedding morning. It's a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of hairspray. One of the biggest regrets we hear from couples is that they felt rushed and didn't have a chance to soak it all in. Trust us, you don't want to start your wedding day feeling flustered and frazzled.
Our advice? Build in plenty of buffer time. More than you think you need. Hair and makeup always, always take longer than expected. Factor in time for a leisurely breakfast, a quiet moment with your closest friends, and, dare we say it, a bit of relaxation. You've spent months planning this day; give yourself the gift of enjoying the build-up. A calm and collected you will make for much better footage, and more importantly, a much happier you!
The Liquid Courage Conundrum
Ah, the celebratory drinks. It's tempting, especially when the nerves are jangling, to reach for a bit of liquid courage. We get it, we really do. We've seen how easy it is to get carried away with the nervous excitement, celebrating with friends and family. But a word of caution: too much bubbly before the ceremony can lead to a whole host of problems.
We've seen brides struggle to walk down the aisle, grooms forget their vows, and guests get a little too rowdy a little too early. You don't want to look back on your wedding video and cringe at slurred words or wobbly steps. Limit your intake before the ceremony, save the serious celebrating for the reception, and make sure your wedding party does the same. Pace yourselves, folks! You want to remember this day, not piece it together from hazy memories.
Speeches
Speeches are often the most emotional and memorable part of a wedding reception. They're a chance to hear heartfelt words from loved ones, to laugh, to cry, and to celebrate the happy couple. But, and it's a big but, they can also drag on. And on. And on...
We've witnessed speeches that stretched on for over two hours! Guests fidgeting, stomachs rumbling, and the happy couple looking increasingly desperate for the dance floor. It's not a pretty sight. You don't want your guests nodding off or losing interest.
Our advice? Keep them short and sweet. A strict ten-minute limit per person is a good rule of thumb. Encourage your speakers to practice beforehand and to avoid rambling. And please, please, avoid overlap. There's nothing more tedious than hearing the same thank yous repeated five times over. A bit of coordination between speakers can make a world of difference.
The Schedule Slip: Embrace the Inevitable
Weddings are like living, breathing organisms. They have a life of their own, and sometimes, they deviate from the plan. No matter how meticulously you schedule your day, something will inevitably take longer than expected. The photographer might get carried away with a stunning sunset shot, the caterers might encounter a kitchen hiccup, or your aunt might decide to give an impromptu performance of her favourite Irish ballad.
Don't panic! It's all part of the fun. The key is to build in flexibility from the start. Allow extra time between events, and don't try to cram too much into one day. Remember, it's about celebrating your love, not sticking rigidly to a timetable. Embrace the unexpected moments, they often make for the best memories (and the best video footage!).
Winter Weddings: Skip the Receiving Line
If you're planning a winter wedding in Ireland, you're in for a treat. The landscapes are breathtaking, the atmosphere is cosy, and the possibility of a dusting of snow adds a touch of magic. But winter weddings also come with their own unique challenges.
One thing we'd strongly advise against is the traditional receiving line. Standing outside in the freezing cold, shaking hands with hundreds of guests, is not anyone's idea of fun. It's uncomfortable for you, it's uncomfortable for your guests, and it can seriously eat into your precious time.
Instead, opt for a more informal approach. Mingle with your guests during the drinks reception, make the rounds at the tables during dinner, and hit the dance floor with everyone later on. You'll have much more genuine interactions, and you'll stay warm and toasty in the process.
It's Your Day, Do It Your Way
Ultimately, your wedding day is about you and your partner. It's about celebrating your love and starting your new chapter together. Don't get bogged down in tradition or feel pressured to do things a certain way. Choose the elements that resonate with you, and don't be afraid to break the mould.
We've seen it all, from intimate elopements to grand celebrations, from traditional ceremonies to quirky, personalised affairs. And the one thing that all the truly magical weddings have in common is that they reflect the personalities and values of the couple.
So, take our advice, but don't be afraid to make it your own. Relax, enjoy the process, and remember to savour every moment. And if you happen to choose us to capture your special day, we promise to do it justice. We'll be there, discreetly documenting the love, the laughter, and all the little details that make your wedding uniquely yours.
With love and best wishes,
Emily & James
