You've hired a videographer to cover your wedding ceremony and reception and assume you have everything covered and all the days activities will be captured on video. This is a common mistake that most brides make when buying a video package for their wedding. If your package does not contain a "Highlight Reel", among other things, you are missing the best part. In short, a "Highlight Reel" is the one part of your wedding video package that will be watched the most.

What is a "Highlight Reel" and what does it contain?

The "Highlight Reel" is a short, usually three to five minutes in length, artistically edited, power packed, video of the entire day. Think "Movie Trailer" for your wedding. This form of video is the most entertaining and engaging way for your Family and friends to watch your wedding event. It usually contains, but not limited to, behind the scenes preparations such as decorating church or venue locations, bridal attire and bridal party preparations, bridal processional, parts of the vows, ring ceremony, first kiss and recessional, formal reception entrance, first dances, some toasts, cake cutting, tosses and exit.

What can I do with my "Highlight Reel"?

The short and powerful nature of "Highlight Reels" make them perfect for sharing with others by placing them on mobile devices and social media sites. You can expand your wedding audience to include all those family members and friends that could not attend the actual event for one reason or another. These short videos can easily be uploaded or embedded to your favorite sharing site or sinked to any smart phone or video playing device. We like to show off our work as videographers so you can always find your "Highlight Reel" on our blog and leave comments.

Can I decide what's in my video?

Many videographers prefer you choose the music that is used in your "Highlight Reel". We usually like to know what style of music you like and a some of your favorite song artist so we can have a few selections to choose from and decide what fits best for your wedding "Highlight Reel". As for content and editing selections of your video it is best left to an experienced editor who understands flow and content placement. This type of video usually uses time shifting to place clips rather than placing them in chronological order as this always fits the music better and is more engaging to watch.

What do I ask for?

Make sure your videographer includes a "Highlight Reel" and "Bridal Prep" option in your video package. The "Bridal Prep" is not only a vital part of the "Highlight Reel" but can also capture audio and video from special moments that happen before the wedding, like gift exchange or a love letter exchange, as well as the "First Look", if you are seeing each other before the ceremony.

Remember, a wedding day "Highlight Reel", will not replace your full ceremony and reception coverage but is a great way to introduce your wedding film to a friend that may become interested in watching the complete ceremony and reception later on DVD while enjoying a soft drink and some popcorn with you.

Wallace Tiller, Wallace Tiller Productions - Local, Mississippi Videographer who has been videotaping weddings professionally for 4 years. Contact him at www.wallacetillerproduction

For a wedding videographer near you, go to Premier Bride of MS