If you want to capture your winter wedding on film but are worried shorter daylight hours and the risk of dark, gloomy skies might mean you won't get great footage - fear not! Local expert Matt Hampton of Hampshire-based Hampton Films is here to help.
He says, "A wedding at this time of year can be amazing and give you the wonderful day you've always dreamed of. I should know, I got married at the end of November a few years ago and neither of us regret our choice! Here are some of my top winter tips that I've learnt from personal and professional experience filming weddings over the past 18 years:
COLOURS Take into account the colours of the season and how you can complement them. Even if it's bleak outside you can add pizzazz to your wedding with colourful accessories and fun props such as bright umbrellas or seasonal outdoor lights. There are plenty of amazing shots to be had if you embrace the moment, whatever the weather.
TIMINGS This is a key factor and I always advise getting married around midday, especially if it's a church wedding. The sun is likely to be setting around 4pm so ideally, any group filming or activities need to be finished half an hour before then. Although the sun sets earlier, it can be used to advantage to capture beautiful atmospheric shots using outside lighting.
PREPARATION When filming outdoor portraits it's best to be prepared with a cosy blanket, hand warmers and some tissues, in case of winter sniffles. Keeping warm can make all the difference and how much fun you're having will always shine through in the final film and photos.
ACTIVITIES Keeping your guests entertained with fun activities will give your videographer some lovely shots for your wedding film. The more smiles and laughter you can create the better!
A FESTIVE SHOW You've created lovely warm festive shots with everyone enjoying themselves, now it's time to bring on the wow factor with sparklers and fireworks! This is where you get one over on summer weddings, as it gets dark so much earlier giving you plenty of opportunity to plan a display and get some great footage.
DON'T FORGET Check your videographer's credentials, an experienced professional should be used to filming in the winter and will know that batteries run out much faster in cold conditions! The last thing you want is to miss a key moment because of a flat battery!