Editing wedding videos sounds dreamy, right? You get to relive someone’s special day, work creatively, and, if you’re lucky, even make a decent income from it. I managed to make €2.200, editing wedding videos this month, but along the way, I ran into a few snags that nearly cost me my sanity (and my time). But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! I’ll share the top five mistakes I made and how I fixed them fast. And more importantly, how you can avoid them too.
1. Glitchy Final Versions
Problem:
There’s nothing worse than delivering a wedding video, only to discover it’s full of glitches or awkward transitions. The dreaded email from the client: “Hey, can you fix this?”—ugh.
Solution:
I started using a thorough review process before sending off my videos. Here’s my checklist:
- Check color grading and highlights. Are the whites too bright? Are the skin tones looking natural?
- Balance audio levels. Don’t let the speeches get drowned out by your epic background music.
- Client wishes. Double-check that special requests are met.
- File organization. If you’re sending project files, bundle everything in an organized folder to avoid confusion.
Pro Tip: I use Frame.io for client reviews, which allows them to add timestamped feedback. It’s like having a collaborative editing assistant without the extra cost. (No sponsorship here, just love the tool!)
2. Sending Large Files Was a Nightmare
Problem:
Sending large video files to clients can feel like trying to fit an elephant into a suitcase. You don’t want the quality to suffer, but you also don’t want clients pulling their hair out trying to download files.
Solution:
After testing a few different services, I found my groove. Want to save yourself some headache? Check out my detailed guide on how to send large files for video editing. It’ll save you time, bandwidth, and a lot of frustration.
3. Black Frames Sneaking into the Final Cut
Problem:
You’ve finished the edit, everything looks great, and then—bam—there’s a random black frame hiding in the middle of the wedding vows.
Solution:
Thankfully, DaVinci Resolve has a built-in tool that makes detecting black frames a breeze. While it won’t automatically fix them, it helps you locate and delete them quickly. It’s just one of the many reasons I rely on Resolve for my edits (I mean, who has time to manually search for black frames?). You can find this option under Playback – Next – Gap
4. Background Music Drowning Out the Dialogue
Problem:
The couple’s vows are heartfelt and beautiful, but wait… what’s that? The music is louder than the actual vows. This one used to get me all the time when I first started.
Solution:
DaVinci Resolve’s Dialogue Leveler saved the day. This tool automatically balances dialogue and background music, and the best part? It’s available in both the free and paid versions of Resolve. No more manually adjusting audio levels for hours—hooray!
5. Struggling to Find Social Media-Friendly Music
Bonus: My Fiverr Gig
If you’re looking for someone to handle all these editing headaches for you, feel free to check out my Fiverr gig. I’d love to help make your wedding videos shine, without the hassle of black frames or loud background music!
Choosing the Right Background Music for Wedding Videos
Problem: Finding Music That Won’t Get Flagged
Background music can make or break a wedding video, but finding the right track that works across all platforms without triggering copyright issues is a nightmare for many video editors.
Solution: Artlist to the Rescue
I found my solution in Artlist. Not only does Artlist offer high-quality, royalty-free music, but it’s also cleared for use across all social media platforms. The music is professional, cinematic, and covers a range of moods perfect for weddings. If you’re an editor reading this, here’s the real kicker: with my referral link, you can get two months free! 🎉
Whether you’re working on a romantic wedding video or a more upbeat reception cut, Artlist has tracks that fit every vibe. Trust me. It takes the guesswork out of the equation, and you can focus on what really matters: making the couple’s special day unforgettable.
6. Balancing Music and Dialogue: No More Audio Overload
Problem: Music Drowning Out the Vows
A common mistake (and one I’ve been guilty of) is letting the music overpower the couple’s vows or speeches. While good music enhances the emotion of a video, you don’t want it to take center stage.
Solution: DaVinci Resolve’s Dialogue Leveler
I mentioned using the Dialogue Leveler feature in DaVinci Resolve. This tool automatically adjusts the levels of dialogue and music, ensuring that the voices remain clear and the music doesn’t steal the show. It’s a lifesaver, especially if you’re editing multiple videos and want to speed up the process. Available in both the free and paid versions, this tool has quickly become one of my go-tos for quick and efficient audio balancing.
For a more detailed guide on working with sound, check out my article on gear how-tos for tips and tricks.
7. Streamlining Your Workflow with Automated Transcriptions
Problem: Sorting Through Hours of Vows and Speeches
Wedding videos often come with hours of audio, and sorting through all of it to find the best moments can be a time-consuming process. I used to listen to each clip from start to finish, which took forever.
Solution: Automatic Transcription in DaVinci Resolve
This feature was a game-changer for me. DaVinci Resolve allows you to transcribe the entire audio track into text, making it much easier to pick out key moments in speeches or vows. You can even select parts of the transcription and drop them straight into the timeline. Bonus: it works in multiple languages, including Dutch!
Now, instead of sifting through hours of audio, I can quickly scan through the transcription and insert the best parts into the video with just a click. This tool has saved me countless hours of editing time and ensures I never miss an important moment.
FAQ: Common Wedding Video Editing Questions
1. How do you edit a wedding video?
Editing a wedding video is all about storytelling. Start by organizing your footage and structuring the video in a way that tells the story of the day. You want to capture the emotions, key moments (like vows and the first dance), and candid shots. Use smooth transitions, maintain good pacing, and add music that fits the mood of the event. Remember, less is often more, so avoid overloading the video with effects. Keep the highlight reel under 10 minutes for the best impact.
2. Which software can be used for wedding video editing?
There are several excellent software options for wedding video editing, depending on your needs and budget. Here are a few:
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Ideal for professional editing, offering advanced features and precise control over color grading and effects.
- DaVinci Resolve: Known for its exceptional color grading and audio features. There’s even a free version available with powerful tools for cinematic editing.
- Final Cut Pro: A favorite for Mac users, it’s fast, efficient, and has plenty of tools for creating stunning wedding videos.
- iMovie: A simpler option for beginners, but less powerful for complex edits. These tools help you cut, color correct, and adjust audio to make a memorable wedding film.
3. How long does it take to edit a 5-minute wedding video?
A 5-minute wedding video, especially a cinematic trailer, can take anywhere from 3 to 4 days to edit. This timeframe includes organizing footage, selecting the best clips, syncing audio, adding sound effects, color grading, and ensuring the final cut is seamless and polished. The time can vary depending on how complex the video is and whether you need to make revisions based on client feedback.
