Choosing Music for Your Wedding Video

Capturing the magic of your wedding on video requires the skill of a professional videographer. These professionals know how to showcase your special moments and present them in the most romantic manner possible. From the initial filming to the final editing, your videographer will create a video or DVD that you will treasure for years to come.

Part of the process that makes a wedding video special is the post-production phase where editors clean up the footage and add creative touches. Your wedding video will likely have several sections, commonly called "montages", that require music. The opening scene may incorporate photos of the bride and groom along with the wedding invitation, titles, and exterior shots of the wedding location. A transitional montage may occur between the ceremony and the reception with footage of the reception location, the cake, guests arriving, decorations, receiving line, candid shots of the bridal party, and so on. And at the end, a final montage will recap the day's events.

Each of these montages cries out for the perfect music choice. A perfect music selection for one bride may be a horrendous choice for another. Your involvement at this phase is key in selecting the music for your wedding video.

The best time to select the music is before the wedding because you'll be busy with your honeymoon when the editor is working on your project. Meet with your videographer and see what options they offer. Are you "a little bit country" or "a little bit rock and roll"? Do you want to use traditional music or something more eclectic? Would you like them to record your hired musicians and use the actual music from the day for the soundtrack? These questions will help you focus on the type of music and narrow down your choices.

Another consideration is if you have an overall theme you want to convey. For example, Nat King Cole's song, Unforgettable, is a popular wedding song with a variety of versions. Consider using the original version for the opening scene, an instrumental version for the transitional montage, and end with the charming duet with Natalie Cole.

Remember that the editor has worked with hundreds of weddings and is familiar with romantic music. If you're struggling to find the perfect music choice, don't hesitate to ask your videographer for recommendations. Ask to listen to their music catalogue. You may find something completely unexpected and thoroughly perfect. And because you spent the time before the wedding, you can even use this song as the music for your first dance.