Want a wedding video that feels real and captures your true emotions? Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Be Yourself: Focus on your partner, not the camera. Share natural gestures like holding hands, laughing, or whispering inside jokes.
- Stay Calm: Use breathing techniques like 4-7-8 or box breathing to relax. Stay present by noticing small details or immersing yourself in the moment.
- Move Naturally: Walk, sway, or share quiet moments as you normally would. Avoid stiff, overly posed actions.
- Work With Your Videographer: Communicate your vision, embrace candid moments, and choose someone skilled in filming genuine interactions.
- Dress Comfortably: Choose breathable fabrics and simple accessories that let you move freely and feel at ease.
Getting Couples to Look Natural on Camera
Tip 1: Be Yourself on Camera
Stiff, forced poses can make wedding footage feel unnatural. The key to beautiful wedding films? Just be yourself.
“The most important thing to remember is to be yourself! Your wedding day is about celebrating your love and the unique bond you share. Don’t try to be someone you’re not or force a pose that doesn’t feel natural to you. The best films come from genuine moments and emotions.” – Heather Nelson
Focus on Your Partner
Shift your attention to what matters most – your partner. Forget the camera and focus on each other. When couples make eye contact and genuinely connect, their love shines through. First and Foremost Productions recommends taking intentional moments to bond during filming .
Here are some ways to make your connection stand out:
- Whisper sweet words or inside jokes to each other
- Exchange meaningful smiles while locking eyes
- Let go of perfect poses and focus on being in the moment
Keep It Natural
Your everyday gestures often create the most heartfelt moments on film. Instead of overthinking, stick to what feels natural:
- Hold hands while walking
- Lean in close during quiet moments
- Laugh together as you recall shared memories
- Move at your usual pace – no need to slow down for the camera
“Authenticity is the essence of a natural-looking wedding film. Remember to be yourselves and let your personalities shine. Don’t feel pressured to act or pose in a way that doesn’t feel genuine. Instead, focus on enjoying each other’s company and the special moments of your day. Your love and happiness will naturally radiate through the lens.” – Gauche Weddings
Tip 2: Stay Calm During Filming
Feeling nervous during filming can throw off your natural vibe. But don’t worry – there are simple ways to stay relaxed and genuine while capturing your wedding video.
Easy Breathing Techniques
Breathing exercises can help calm your mind and body. Respiratory therapist John Landry recommends the ‘4-7-8 breathing’ technique for relaxation . Here are a couple of methods to try:
- Box Breathing: Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, and hold again for 4 counts. Adjust the timing to suit your comfort .
- Belly Breathing: Inhale deeply through your nose, letting your belly expand, then exhale slowly through your mouth as your belly flattens .
These exercises are quick, effective, and can help you feel more present in the moment.
“The great thing about breath work is that anyone can do it. You don’t need to be a consistent practitioner of meditation or yoga to start reaping the benefits. All you need is a few minutes of quiet and a willingness to experiment with different breathing techniques” – John Landry .
Stay in the Moment
Once you’ve calmed your breathing, shift your focus to the present. Forget about being self-conscious and immerse yourself in the day. Psychotherapist Donald Altman explains:
“People were most unhappy when they were mind-wandering and ruminating on anxious thoughts; they were most happy when they were engaged and focused on the present moment – such as being in a face-to-face conversation with someone or while experiencing the body during movement” .
To stay grounded while filming, try this:
- Notice small details, like the scent of flowers or the feel of fabric.
- Focus on how your body feels as you move.
- Tune in to the background sounds of your celebration.
This mindful approach can make your video feel more natural and heartfelt.
Create a Thoughtful Schedule
A well-planned schedule can ease stress and make filming smoother. Build in 10–15 minute buffers, allow time for candid interactions, and prepare for small delays. This structure helps moments flow organically.
“A well-planned timeline is essential for capturing all the important moments of your wedding day. From the pre-ceremony preparations to the evening festivities, having a clear schedule helps keep everything on track. This means less stress for you and more time to enjoy the day with your loved ones.” – Amon Barker
Taking these steps ensures you can relax, stay present, and fully enjoy your special day.
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Tip 3: Move Like Normal
Natural movement brings out your personality – just be yourself when interacting with your partner.
Simple Movements That Feel Right
Practicing everyday poses, especially during your engagement session, can help you feel more relaxed .
Here are a few ways to add natural movement:
- Walk together: Hold hands and stroll like you usually do.
- Sway to music: Let the rhythm guide you.
- Share quiet moments: Have a real conversation or laugh together.
These small actions feel most genuine when they mirror how you typically interact. Many wedding photographers suggest rehearsing these movements beforehand to help you feel more comfortable.
And remember – rigid, overly posed actions can feel unnatural.
Let It Happen Naturally
The best moments often come from being unscripted. Nigeladmin from Wedding Blog shares:
“I remind them to hold hands, walk side by side and share a private conversation. By immersing themselves in these personal interactions, they forget about me and the camera entirely.”
For authentic, effortless results:
- Focus on your partner and surroundings to stay grounded.
- Embrace the imperfect: Little quirks make your moments unique.
- Keep moving: Don’t freeze in place – let your movements flow naturally.
Tip 4: Work With Your Videographer
Collaborating with your videographer ahead of time can help ensure your special moments are captured naturally and without feeling staged.
Communicate Your Vision
Sit down with your videographer before the event to discuss your preferences. Share details about your desired video style, key moments you want highlighted, cultural traditions, and any specific concerns. Work together to create a timeline that helps them anticipate important moments while staying unobtrusive.
Embrace Spontaneity
Encourage your videographer to film candidly, capturing unscripted interactions and emotions. Here are a few ways to make this happen:
- Give extra time for natural, unplanned moments.
- Allow them to film from a distance to avoid making guests self-conscious.
- Include quiet, personal interactions in your plan.
- Remind guests to relax and act naturally.
“Candid Videography captures the essence of a moment, freezing it in time in the most authentic way possible.” – Febus Films
Choose the Right Videographer
Look for someone whose work highlights relaxed, genuine moments. A skilled videographer will know how to guide you subtly without resorting to stiff, posed shots.
“We believe that couples do beautiful, natural things on their own if given the space and subtle direction instead of using awkward posing techniques.” – The Shalom Imaginative
Key traits to look for in a videographer:
- Prefers gentle prompts over rigid poses.
- Stays in the background to avoid disrupting the flow.
- Helps you feel at ease throughout the day.
- Has experience working at your chosen venue.
Tip 5: Dress for Comfort
Wearing comfortable clothing helps you move naturally and feel at ease on camera, which leads to more authentic expressions.
Pick Comfortable Fabrics
Go for lightweight, breathable materials that let you move freely and stay comfortable throughout the day . Here’s a quick guide to help you select the right fabric for your wedding attire:
| Fabric Type | Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Chiffon | Light and airy, flows beautifully | Outdoor or summer weddings |
| Crepe | Soft with a matte finish | All-day wear |
| Jersey | Stretchy and flexible | Casual celebrations |
| Mikado | Structured but soft | Formal ceremonies |
Pair these fabrics with simple accessories to keep your look natural and effortless.
Keep Accessories Simple
Stick to minimal, practical accessories that enhance your outfit without overpowering it:
- Comfortable shoes you can wear all day
- Jewelry that’s subtle and doesn’t steal the spotlight from your overall look
Conclusion: Getting Real Wedding Footage
Creating a natural vibe in your wedding video is all about embracing real moments and teaming up with professionals who know how to film genuine interactions. As Lume Photography puts it:
“The ultimate goal is for them to really connect with each other and be present in the moment. That’s when the magic happens – when they forget about the camera and just focus on each other, resulting in natural & emotive couples photos” .
You can achieve this by preparing mentally, using simple techniques like controlled breathing, wearing comfortable clothing, and staying focused on your partner throughout the day.
Skilled videographers bring these elements to life in your wedding film. Brighton Wedding Videography is a great example of a team that captures real moments effortlessly. Their discreet style, with options starting at £950 for the “Short But Sweet” package, ensures high-quality footage of your special day. Film My Wedding highlights their approach:
“Our approach is to capture the beautiful, candid moments as they happen, letting you and your loved ones interact naturally without feeling watched” .
Here’s a quick breakdown of what contributes to natural wedding footage:
| Element | Impact on Natural Footage | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Being Present | Captures genuine emotions | Focus on the moment, not the camera |
| Professional Support | Ensures discreet filming | Choose experienced videographers |
| Comfort Level | Encourages natural movement | Wear comfortable attire |
| Communication | Reduces stress and anxiety | Share your preferences with your team |
