Drones are becoming more and more common across a lot of different industries, including the wedding scene. They are so efficient and effective that the FAA expects that about 823,000 drones will be flying around the United States in 2023.
Given their ability to provide a new perspective and unique angles, it’s not surprising that photographers and videographers are starting to incorporate drones into their work to separate themselves from the competition.
Here’s what you need to know when thinking about drone footage for your wedding:
They won’t kill the vibe
There are a lot of benefits of using drone video, but being subtle is definitely high on the list. With the help of this device, you can get aerial shots and motion shots while being undetected by the wedding guests. Nowadays, drones can capture great photos and videos without disrupting the event. Unlike traditional photography and videography, a drone can simply fly from above while snapping photos of the festivities without creating any sounds or physical obstructions. This way, your guests don’t feel like they have a camera in their face, and you get to watch the event from a bird's eye view once you look at the clips.
It adds to the cinematic-ness
One of the main reasons couples like drone footage is because they see their wedding in a completely different way. Nothing gets “oohs” and “ahhs” like seeing an epic sweeping drone shot of the wedding venue and surrounding landscape. A drone shot provides a fuller perspective, so you get to see the entire place and all the weddings guests at once. These shots alone are already impressive, but good videographers can take the footages that they’ve captured and integrate it into the wedding film without being over-the-top or distracting. Used correctly, drone footage helps add to the cinematic experience and provides a more dynamic view of the wedding.
You can get in on the action
Drones can seem daunting, but they’re very easy to learn and could save you money by renting a drone rather than paying for drone photography. Since there are a wide variety of drone cameras available, you can choose one based on the price range and features. Just consider the megapixels, sensor size, and focal length to make sure you get high-quality pictures and videos. If you go the DIY route, we recommend assigning a friend or family member to fly the drone so you can focus on the wedding… just make sure you pick a responsible one so that your device will be in good hands!
It complements traditional photos and videos
Drone photography definitely has its perks, but it’s only the icing on the cake. It should not be treated as a replacement for traditional photography or videography, which has been a staple in weddings for a good reason. Though drones provide an added pizazz and perspective, traditional photos and videos show the emotions and the story of your big day from eye level. When you put these two elements together, you get a complete depiction of your memorable experience from different angles and perspectives.
Our team uses drones for all of our wedding films, and you can learn more about how we use them to tell your unique story by clicking below and getting in touch.
7 ways to make your small wedding more intimate
Small weddings can still be big. In fact, intimate weddings are no less special than bigger ones.
Intimate weddings are on the rise because of the ongoing pandemic and their popularity only proves that nothing can stand in the way of celebrating love.
But how do you prepare an intimate wedding that will be remembered forever? Here are 7 tips:
#1: Include more people in the ceremony
If you have a limited guest list, consider assigning roles so all your guests can participate directly in the ceremony. For instance, you can ask one of your closest friends to read a line at the ceremony, or have all your guests surround you while you exchange your vows.
Also, take the time to dine and chat with your guests after the ceremony, too. This will make your guests feel like their presence is appreciated and that your wedding would not be the same without them.
For guests who have not been invited to the ceremony, consider sending a personalized wedding announcement to inform them of your upcoming union. Better yet, consider streaming your wedding so that guests who can’t attend the ceremony in person can still join virtually. And for a special touch, send wedding favors to the virtual guests so they can join in the wedding festivities.
#2: Make a creative seating plan
Take inspiration from your living room or your favorite cafe when designing the seating at your wedding. Spread out the chairs and think of a design you can easily reassemble, say, for an afterparty or cocktail night. Not only will your guests feel cozy, but they will also have more chances of interacting with each other meaningfully.
#3: Personalize everything
With a short guest list, it is possible to personalize almost everything you’ll use in the wedding. Handwritten invitations and escort cards have a very personal and heartwarming feel to them. The wedding decorations, food, and the music at the wedding should reflect you and your partner’s taste. In fact, you can tell your love story through your choice of music and food. Keeping your wedding intimate frees up a bulk of your time and budget, so you can indulge in the details.
#4: Choose a memorable venue
Speaking of details, your wedding venue is one of the most important elements that affect the look and feel of your special day. Though small weddings are usually set in remote destinations, recent travel restrictions have kept weddings domestic. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. Choose a local spot that marks a milestone in you and your partner’s relationship, like the restaurant where you had your first date. If not, you can always have a home wedding, book a pretty and comfy Airbnb, or get married at city hall. Any of these options can work as long as it’s relevant to your wedding theme and your story.
#5: Show off your fashion sense
Another good way to tell a story is through fashion. The traditional white wedding theme is used in America, but it takes a lot of inventiveness and effort to stand out if you choose a theme that has been around for ages. Brides can consider using short wedding dresses, or getting a dress in their favorite color. Grooms can also be experimental in their choice of fabric, cut, and color. Having a small guest list gives you license to take some fun risks with your wedding clothes.
#6: Give unforgettable gifts
A welcome gift for all your guests won’t be extravagant if you’re hosting a small wedding. So, go on and put items that you and your partner love. Consider adding your favorite wine or snacks. You can also incorporate items from the locale. If your wedding is happening on the beach, you can include a beach-ready kit. If the wedding is not in the neighborhood, consider adding a map and city guide. Plus, you can even put an itinerary or activity list so guests can fully enjoy their stay. Consider eco-friendly packaging, like simple brown paper bags or reusable canvas tote bags.
#7: Plan fun activities for your guests
Since you’ll only be inviting your friends and family, ensure that your guests have a wonderful time by planning activities. Number one should be taking creative wedding photos with all the guests. After the ceremony, you can offer the microphone to anybody who would like to share a message, poem, or song for you and your groom or bride. Get your guests comfortable and active by initiating small group games, too. Whether your wedding venue is a campsite, beach resort, or house, there are bound to be activities that you and your guests can enjoy and bond over.
Final thoughts
There are many ways to make your micro wedding fun and inclusive and at Married Livestream we’re focused on making it as inclusive as possible.
Instead of worrying about your guest list and who can/can’t come, you have the peace of mind knowing that everyone will be included and nobody will miss a thing.
We want to help make your planning process a breeze. Click the button below to talk with someone on our team about how we can make your wedding amazing!
How to use INSTAGRAM to plan your perfect wedding
Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, especially if you’ve already had to plan and reschedule your wedding due to COVID.
You have to find the right venue, book your vendors, put together a guest list, figure out a theme and color palette.
Sheesh!
But luckily there’s a tool that helps make this planning process a little less arduous.
Instagram is a visual-driven platform that has become the go-to destination for couples trying to envision what their wedding could look like.
And with so many florists, cake shops, and designers promoting their products and services on social media, it’s a great place to get inspired!
Here are 4 ways you can use Instagram to plan your perfect wedding.
#1 Create a “collection” of posts for inspiration
Photo credit: @kenzievictory
Instagram has this neat feature called a “collection” where you can save posts and compile pictures you’d like to reference later.
Just like Pinterest, you can create boards to categorize your saved photos, which makes it incredibly easy to share your inspiration with people who are helping plan the wedding.
Plus, you're the only one who can view your collections, so you don’t have to worry about your friends judging your dress before you’ve even bought it :)
#2 Use hashtags to narrow down your search
Photo Credit: @galialahav
If you’re looking for something specific, the best way to find it is through hashtag searches.
According to this guide to Instagram hashtags, there are different types of hashtags that help attract like-minded people to things they’re interested in.
If you’re searching for hashtags related to the wedding industry, you can search for something as simple as #weddingphotographer.
If you’re simply in need of inspiration or ideas, you can also search for hashtags such as #weddingcake, #weddingdress, etc.
You can get more specific and try searching #rosebouquet instead of #weddingbouquet, or #lasvegaswedding instead of just #destinationwedding.
Try using hashtags that are both generic and unique, you never know what you’ll find!
#3 Get tips from influencers and wedding brands
Photo Credit: @nisiesenchanted
Aside from scrolling through hashtags, following Instagram accounts dedicated to wedding planning can give you a lot of ideas, and you can see what concepts are actually doable.
For instance, Galia Lahav is an account for wedding dresses where you can find beautiful designs to help inspire your own dress.
Meanwhile, Nisie Vorachard is a floral and event designer, and her profile is filled with gorgeous bouquets and table settings.
If you’re working within a limited budget (aka pretty much everyone), you can check out The Budget Savvy Bride for tips to avoid breaking the bank.
There are a lot of wedding creatives on Instagram who can help you stay motivated and creative as you plan your wedding.
#4 Reach out to vendors you like
Photo Credit: @budgetsavvybride
You can find a lot of artists, brands, and creatives on Instagram who use the app to build their network and find work opportunities.
Pay attention as you scroll through your feed because you never know when the perfect photographer or florist is local to your area.
You can also narrow down your search to local vendors by searching via location or using hashtags as well.
For instance, you can search #californiaweddingphotographer or #losangelesflorist.
Don't hesitate to reach out and say hi!
Final Thoughts
Just like Instagram is a powerful tool that can supercharge the planning process, live streaming is another powerful tool for including all of your family and friends who can’t be there in person.
Instead of worrying about your guest list and who can/can’t come, you have the peace of mind knowing that everyone will be included and nobody will miss a thing.
We want to help make your planning process a breeze.
Click the button below to talk with someone on our team about how we can make your wedding amazing!
