7 Mistakes You're Making with Your Wedding Video (And How to Fix Them Before Your Big Day)

Let's be honest, your wedding video is going to be one of those things you treasure forever. It's the chance to relive those butterflies, the happy tears, and yes, even Uncle Dave's questionable dance moves. But here's the thing: we see couples make the same mistakes over and over again, and it breaks our hearts a little each time.

The good news? Most of these slip-ups are totally avoidable with a bit of planning. We've been filming weddings across Essex for years, and we've learned a thing or two about what makes the difference between a wedding video that makes you cringe and one that gives you all the feels every single time you watch it.

Mistake #1: Getting Lost in the Pretty Details

We get it, you've spent months perfecting every detail of your wedding. The flowers, the table settings, the venue... it's all gorgeous and you want it captured. But here's where couples often go wrong: they ask their videographer to spend way too much time on the "stuff" instead of the people.

Your wedding video should tell the story of your love, not be a showcase for your Pinterest board. The most powerful moments? They're happening between you, your partner, and the people who've come to celebrate with you.

How to fix it: During your pre-wedding chat with your videographer, make it clear that emotions and people come first. Those detail shots are lovely, but they should complement your story, not dominate it. Ask for plenty of coverage of your guests' reactions, trust us, those moments are gold.

Mistake #2: Leaving Audio to Chance

This one's a biggie, and unfortunately, we see it happen all the time. Couples assume the DJ or venue's sound system will handle the audio for their video. Plot twist: it usually doesn't end well.

We've seen too many beautiful ceremonies ruined by crackling audio, background music bleeding into the vows, or worse, complete audio failure right during the "I do" moment. Your videographer plugging into the DJ's board might seem like the easy option, but it's often a recipe for disaster.

How to fix it: Make sure your videographer brings their own audio equipment. This means separate mics for you, your partner, and the officiant. Don't leave this to chance, ask specifically about their audio setup and backup plans. Good videographers will have multiple recording sources running simultaneously.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Colour Consistency

Your wedding day is long (the best kind of long!), and you'll be moving between different locations and lighting conditions. Indoor ceremony, outdoor cocktails, evening reception, each setting presents unique challenges. When these aren't handled properly, your video can end up looking like it was shot by different people on different days.

Some shots might look warm and golden while others appear cold and blue. It's jarring and screams amateur hour.

How to fix it: Choose a videographer who shows consistent colour work in their portfolio. Ask them about how they handle changing lighting throughout the day. A pro will have the right equipment and skills to maintain visual consistency no matter where your celebration takes you.

Mistake #4: Accepting Sloppy Editing

Nothing ruins the magic of a wedding video quite like flash frames (those random bits of footage that appear for a split second) or jarring jump cuts between scenes. These technical glitches might seem small, but they pull viewers right out of the emotional moment.

Professional editing means smooth transitions that enhance the storytelling rather than distract from it.

How to fix it: When reviewing potential videographers' work, watch carefully for these editing issues. Ask about their post-production process and how they ensure quality control. A good editor will have multiple review stages to catch and eliminate these problems before you ever see the final product.

Mistake #5: Making It All About You Two

Okay, hear us out on this one. Yes, it's your wedding, and yes, you're the stars of the show. But your celebration is so much bigger than just the two of you. Your families, your friends, the joy on their faces: these moments are part of your story too.

Videos that focus exclusively on the couple miss out on capturing the full emotional landscape of the day. Some of the most moving moments happen when you're not even looking: your mum dabbing her eyes during the ceremony, your best mate grinning like an idiot during your first dance.

How to fix it: Ask for comprehensive coverage that includes guest reactions and family moments. Your videographer should be capturing the ripple effects of your joy throughout your entire celebration.

Mistake #6: Boring Your Future Selves with Long, Static Shots

Long shots have their place in wedding videography: they set the scene and give context. But when overused, they can make your video feel slow and frankly, a bit boring. You want your future selves to be engaged, not reaching for the fast-forward button.

The magic happens in the mix: wide shots to establish the scene, medium shots to show interactions, and close-ups to capture those intimate emotions.

How to fix it: Discuss shot variety and pacing with your videographer beforehand. Make sure they understand that different moments call for different approaches. Your ceremony might benefit from some longer, more contemplative shots, while your reception will need dynamic coverage that matches the energy.

Mistake #7: Winging the Contract Details

This might be the least romantic part of wedding planning, but it's crucial. Too many couples have a casual chat with their videographer and assume everything's sorted. Then disappointment strikes when expectations don't match reality.

What exactly are you getting? How many revisions are included? When will you receive your video? What happens if they need to work overtime? These details matter.

How to fix it: Get everything in writing. Your contract should clearly spell out the scope of work, deliverables, timeline, and any additional fees. Don't be afraid to ask questions: a professional videographer will appreciate your thoroughness and respect your need for clarity.

We always recommend having a pre-wedding consultation to go through these details and make sure everyone's on the same page.

The Bottom Line

Your wedding video should make you smile (and probably cry happy tears) every single time you watch it. By avoiding these common mistakes, you're setting yourself up for a film that truly captures not just how your day looked, but how it felt.

The secret sauce? Choose your videographer carefully, communicate your expectations clearly, and trust the process. Your future selves will thank you when you're cuddled up on the sofa, watching your love story unfold on screen and remembering exactly why you fell head over heels in the first place.

Planning your Essex wedding and want to make sure your video is everything you've dreamed of? We'd love to chat about how we can help you avoid these pitfalls and create something truly magical. After all, your love story deserves to be told properly.