Summary: Every couple orders a full video of their toasts, from beginning to end. You must capture the entire toasts with excellent audio and steady footage. You only need to focus on one primary camera. Make sure it’s perfect.
Don’t be creative.
Reaction shots and cutaways are not important.
Instead, focus on excellent footage of the person giving the toast.
Remember, the couple wants to watch the toasts and relive the speeches. That’s why they order a complete video of their toasts. They want to watch every person who gave a speech.
PREPARATION
Coordinate with the planner and the DJ. Make sure they know you need time to set up. Tell them how much advance warning you’ll need. This is your responsibility.
AUDIO
Follow our audio requirements. You must record 2 separate sources of audio. You cannot rely on the DJ’s sound board — ever. This is a third backup source only.
We suggest placing a wireless microphone directly on the DJ’s handheld microphone. As a result, the person giving the toast will essentially be speaking directly into your own wireless microphone.
If the DJ resists, you must involve the couple. Ask the couple what they prefer. Explain the consequences. It is your responsibility to record excellent audio, regardless of what the DJ says or does. Only the couple can make decisions that affect the audio quality.
WHEN TOASTS START WITHOUT WARNING
The DJ might suddenly introduce the first speaker before you’re ready. We understand this happens. However, it is your responsibility to interrupt. You must stand up, and immediately tell the speaker that you are not ready. This is perfectly OK. The couple will thank you.
It is unacceptable to miss the first part of toasts simply because you were not prepared, even if the toasts began without warning.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Please understand pay will be reduced if any of the toasts are not recorded in full. If necessary, it is your responsibility to interrupt and ask the speaker to wait until you’re ready.
CAMERA ANGLES
If possible, encourage the DJ to use a microphone stand. This will help eliminate the person speaking from wandering all around.
You should film toasts with a tripod.
Your primary focus should be the person speaking. Footage of guests and the couple are not important.
You only need ONE MAIN CAMERA. Pay attention to your primary camera, and make sure it’s a great, steady shot the entire time.
These are perfect shots:
Notice how the videographer attached a wireless Rode microphone to the DJ’s handheld microphone. This is perfect.