Like with any art from, what makes a wedding film "good" or "bad" will be based on who is watching it, and what matters to them personally. Some people enjoy deep, sentimental narratives, focusing on intimate moments between them as a couple. While others may prefer a fun, high-energy vibe, that captures the experience of feeling like a celebrity on their special day. While there isn't necessarily a correct approach, there are things I believe can make a wedding film really shine.
Tell it like it is: I have seen countless amazing wedding films that are structured in all kinds of ways, so it's hard to say there's a 'best ' way of doing it. However, I tend to prefer showing the day's events in the order they happened, and pacing the narrative alongside the natural ups and downs of the day. I find this approach clean and straightforward, and depicts the day as you remember it.
Keeping it Timeless. Like a good suit, or a diamond ring, some things transcend the trends of the day, and never seem to become outdated. These films will last your whole life, and beyond, so it's best to keep them simple and classy, if you ask me. For example, I think that visual effects, like certain transitions and fonts, can lose their luster over time. No one should be able to tell when a wedding video was made, based on what effects are being used! I feel similarly about music, however I think couples can have a very personal connections to certain songs, and that matters way more than keeping the soundtrack ambiguous, era-wise.
Music: An extremely important part of the overall feel of the film, is the background music. Many professionals in the industry choose their music first, and design the film around it, which I don't really agree with. I think it's more effective to take audio recorded from the couple's vows or letters to each other, and create a story out of it, and then find music that matches that "story". This way, the pace is informed more by the relationship and personalities of the couple, and not necessarily a random song.
Sound Design: I don't think enough people realize how big of a deal sound is when it comes to immersing you into what is on screen. It can really bring you into the moment in a way that video alone cannot. There's so much life captured in ambient audio from guests and the surrounding environment, which is great to include into the soundscape of the film.
The Couple: Of all the wedding films I have ever worked on, it is always you, the couple, that is most important when making a great film. It's so important to own your day, be confident, and to express yourself honestly. I also can't advise you enough to simply relax and enjoy your day moment by moment. Not only does this enable you to be fully present, but when you and your loved ones see the genuine tears and laughter on the screen, it will resonate on an emotional level.
more to come..