In the digital age, many of us want our big day to look the best across our social media platforms. That’s why there’s a rising trend for nearlyweds hiring content creators to take the perfect Insta-worthy photos and TikTok and Reels videos that could go viral.
Mel Bunn created her business MD Wedding & Events in 2022 and has roughly 120 weddings under her belt. She specialises in capturing moments for social media and only uses an iPhone to seamlessly blend in with the wedding party - turning all materials around for the couple just 24 hours later.
Speaking on behalf of Guides For Brides, she exclusively reveals to OK! the key dos and don’ts for making your wedding truly Insta-worthy.
Shoot everything in 4K
Mel explains: “When shooting your own content at weddings, there are a few tips you can follow to ensure your footage looks clean and professional.
“Firstly, make sure to adjust your phone settings to shoot in 4K on your iPhone for the highest quality video. This offers more clarity and resolution and possibilities for post-production editing. For the best content, consider your backgrounds and keep rooms tidy. Try and hold the phone as still as possible or purchase a low-cost tripod online for ease.”
Pick a close friend or family member to capture the content
“If you are unable to use a professional to capture the content at your wedding, several factors need to be considered when selecting the right person from your friends or family members to do it. It’s best to choose people who are already part of the wedding party as they will likely see this as a task they’re willing to take on.
"It’s great if someone is close to a lot of the guests and has a great rapport with them. Make sure you both set boundaries, though. Your chosen guest should still feel they can enjoy the day and there may also be parts of the wedding you don’t want documented.”
Turn phones off during the ceremony
Mel explains: “People love to whip their phone at weddings but this can really ruin the footage you’re trying to capture. For your ceremony, you want to capture people’s raw emotion and not see rows and rows of people with their phones out. Going unplugged is also a great way to preserve the intimacy of the moment.”
Work out a timeline ahead of schedule
Mel explains: “Something that really ruins content is not communicating with your individual suppliers. If you want to get good videos or photos during your make-up process, discuss this in advance with the stylists. You don’t want to get in their way or accidentally set everyone behind schedule.
"If you use an official photographer, work out what kind of images they’re responsible for so you can offer something different for social media. You may task one of the bridal party or groomsmen with the job of capturing behind the scenes footage so don’t let them waste time doing set up posed shots with the guests. Instead, make sure the focus is authentic, real moments."
Don’t impose a long ban on social posts
Mel explains: “A lot of couples ask guests to not post anything about their wedding on social media until they have done. But the danger here is that if you leave it too long, guests are less likely to post.
"Many of us choose to share things on our social media when we’re in the moment. If it’s important to you that your guests share your wedding content and potentially help it go viral, consider avoiding a ban or one that’s no longer than 24 hours.”
Don’t fall victim to TikTok trends
Mel explains: “I’ve been asked by couples to create TikTok videos that feature a trending sound or song. I’m happy to do it but something I always ask them to consider is how quickly this will age. If you want to try and go viral, that’s one thing. But alongside the trending sounds, make time for more personal videos that will feel timeless.”
Practise your poses ahead of time
Mel explains: “If you’re going for a bended kiss at the ceremony or want a certain pose when you walk back down the aisle, try and practise ahead of time. People often feel stiff when they try to pose so experiment in the mirror with your partner. You could even place your phone on a stand and video yourself, seeing what angles you like.
"Communicate this with whoever is in charge of the phone footage and maybe even practise with them too. No one has to know that your authentic moment actually took hours of rehearsal!”
