How to Communicate Your Wedding Vision to Vendors

When it comes to your wedding footage, clearly communicating your vision is what will leave you feeling confident putting full trust in your vendors to capture those special moments forever. Think of your photographer and videographer as the MVPs of your wedding day. This is where communication and collaboration really matter. By clearly expressing your wedding day vision, you’ll be able to fully trust the direction your vendors take– so you can feel stress-free and fully in the moment on your big day.

So, you found a vendor you love. Now what? The easiest place to start is to think about your style. With that comes a bit of reflection. Ask yourself questions like:

“How would I describe our relationship in a few words?”

“In what ways do I want our personalities to be captured?”

Ultimately, the goal is to authentically portray you and your partner’s relationship on film. That might mean loud and silly, or quiet and romantic. 

Along with defining your style, it’s just as important to consider your non-negotiables or must-have shots. Is it essential that your pet be included in your wedding portraits? Do you have a special surprise planned for your fiancé on the wedding day that you want captured? These details (big or small) are meaningful ways to weave your personality into your overall wedding vision.

Once you’ve nailed down your must-haves and have a general sense of the vibe you’re going for, it’s time for a little inspiration homework. What better way to translate a feeling, energy, or vision than through the things that inspire you most? You’re up, wedding-inspired playlists and Pinterest boards! Whether it’s photography, music, fashion, video examples or color palettes, gather sources that spark joy for you and your fiancé. Bringing these creative layers of art and imagery to your vendors helps express what makes you, you. Wedding professionals are creatives at their core, so this is one of the best ways to get your vision across clearly.

Because your wedding day is so personal, it’s important that your vendors truly get it right. After all, they’re capturing a moment in time that passes quickly – but lives on forever through photos and film. As you begin your initial planning conversations, focus on painting a picture for them. Literally– think about how you’d describe a scene so someone can see it in their mind. Be as descriptive as possible, and reference the inspiration you’ve gathered (cue the Powerpoint). Are you envisioning a modern, high-energy edit, or something timeless and romantic? And remember– stay open to new ideas. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to weddings, and your photographer or videographer is trained to think creatively and outside the box.

At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is be honest and avoid forcing the “right” fit. If you want more of a documentary film (fly on the wall approach), then constant posing won’t be something that aligns with your goal. If a style choice, trend, or even a wedding tradition doesn’t feel authentic to you, it’s more than okay to move in another direction. What matters most is being clear with your vendors about what you love, and what you don’t. Their priority is helping you feel calm and confident on one of the most monumental days in your life. Taking the time to understand the why behind your preferences will only strengthen your communication and help avoid any misunderstanding along the way.

And finally, as cliché as it sounds–  trust the process and trust your vendors. You’ve already done the hard work: finding the right team, gathering inspiration, and communicating your vision. There’s a reason you chose to work with your photographer or videographer, whether it was their style, personality, work, or all of the above. The best vendors know the right questions to ask, are flexible, and are always open to trying new things (I mean, they are the creatives, right?). Most of all, they take pride in their work and want you to feel completely confident trusting them with your most meaningful moments. Your only job left? Eat, drink, laugh and get down on the dance floor. There isn’t a better day to let go and celebrate your love!

Ready to capture your story? Let's chat about how HBZ Media can bring your wedding vision to life.