How to Avoid Wedding Day Disasters – Tips from a Wedding Videographer Melbourne Couples Trust

After filming wedding videos in Melbourne for over 15 years, we’ve captured it all — the romantic, the unexpected, and yes, the occasional wedding day disaster. Our experience as wedding videographers couples rely on has given us a front-row seat to the moments that make a day magical… and the ones that can throw things off course.

At Film My Wedding, our mission is to create candid, timeless wedding films in Melbourne, but we also know how important it is for your day to run smoothly. That’s why we’re sharing our top tips to avoid common wedding day mishaps — so you can focus on enjoying every moment, knowing your wedding videography will capture the best of it.

1. Don’t Let the Bridal Table Steal the Show (Literally)

Once, we watched an entire bridal table collapse onto the dance floor — not from wild dancing, but because the structure couldn’t handle the weight of decor, florals, and plates.

Tip:

Always check that your bridal table isn’t a lightweight, foldable setup. Confirm with your venue or stylist that it can handle the load (and a little bump here and there).

2. Candles + Flowers + Long Dresses = A Recipe for Fire

Romantic candle-lit aisles are gorgeous — until your long train dress or veil brushes too close. We’ve witnessed near-misses with flames catching on fabric or flowers.

Tip:

Keep candles elevated or safely distanced from florals and pathways. If they’re near walking areas, opt for LED candles — trust us, they look just as good in the footage.

3. Don’t Overdo the Post-Ceremony Photo Session

We get it — you want those picture-perfect moments. But after more than an hour of posing, most couples start to feel drained (unless you’re secretly a supermodel who thrives on direction).

Tip:

A great photographer should capture everything needed in under an hour. Any longer, and you’ll be missing out on mingling, canapés, and simply soaking in your day. Prioritise quality over quantity (unless, of course, you love being in front of the camera).

4. Upgrade Your Getting-Ready Space

Cramped hotel rooms = clutter, chaos, and bad lighting. We’ve filmed in tiny spaces where everyone’s tripping over bags, shoes, and each other.

Tip:

Book a large suite with natural light or consider an Airbnb. You’ll need space for makeup artists, photographers, videographers, bridesmaids, and family. Plus, natural light makes all the difference for stunning prep shots.

5. Know Where the Sun Will Be at Your Ceremony

We’ve filmed beautiful ceremonies where couples were squinting the whole time, caught in the glare of direct sunlight.

Tip:

Check the sun’s position for your ceremony time (your planner or photographer can help). If you can’t avoid the sun, consider adjusting your standing position or adding structures or florals in the distance to diffuse the light.

6. Keep the Flies at Bay

Some outdoor locations are breathtaking… but the flies? Not so much. We’ve seen couples battling swarms mid-ceremony.

Tip:

Coordinate with your venue to spray repellant and set up fly-repellant structures around the ceremony space — especially along the sides where they tend to gather.

7. Care for Your Guests Under the Sun

On hot days, guests can wilt before the ceremony even starts.

Tip:

Provide umbrellas or parasols for shade at outdoor ceremonies. Not only does this keep guests comfortable, but it also adds a stylish touch to your event (and looks great on camera).

8. Beware of Dance-Floor Lighting Overkill

We’ve filmed stunning first dances… only to have the footage bathed in intense red, purple, or green lighting that made everything look more like a nightclub than a wedding.

Tip:

Chat with your DJ or venue coordinator about the lighting during key formalities — like your first dance, parent dances, or speeches.

Ask for neutral, soft lighting during these moments (think whites or warm tones).

Want to go wild with the purples, reds, and strobes? Save that for after 9:30pm when the dance-floor kicks off and everyone’s letting loose. Your wedding videographer (ahem, us) will thank you, and so will your footage.

Final Thoughts from a Melbourne Videographer Who’s Seen It All

With over 15 years of experience in wedding videography, we know how to spot the little details that can turn into big problems. Whether it’s ensuring your bridal table holds steady or making sure you’re not squinting into the sun during your vows, these tips will help you enjoy a stress-free day.

If you’re looking for a wedding videographer in Melbourne who not only captures your day beautifully but also helps you sidestep these common pitfalls, Film My Wedding is here for you. Our wedding films in Melbourne are crafted with care, capturing every candid moment, every heartfelt laugh, and every happy tear.

Contact us today as we'd love to hear how

we can help create magic on your special day!