As a videographer, you already understand the importance of good, high-quality videos. You take time to get the right shots and edit them carefully into a beautiful montage for your clients. However, you may need to spend more time on one key aspect: the music. For example, if you are a wedding videographer you’ll understand that choosing the right wedding video songs can turn your plain, uninspired video into a real work of art. The songs you choose set the right mood, and they help shape your video into a cherished memory. Once you understand the significance of music supervision and some basic aspects of commercial use, you will have everything you need to make your next video a spectacular one. You will see that the extra effort you put into your music choices really pays off.
Tell a Story with the Perfect Soundtrack
Your clients have entrusted you with documenting one of the most important days of their lives. You have a responsibility to tell their love story in the most beautiful, creative way possible, and the music you choose should help support the overall story you are trying to tell.
For example, if your clients met in college, you could start the video with some fun, upbeat music from that era to set the tone and establish the time period. As the video progresses and the story unfolds, you can use specific songs that hold meaning for the couple to help tell their story. For example, if they danced to a particular song on their first date, you could use that song in the video as well.
The most vital thing to remember is that the music you choose should support the story you are trying to tell and not take away from it. The song lyrics should be used as another element to help paint the picture of the couple’s love story and add another layer of emotion to the video.
Using Song Lyrics Can Add Emotion to Your Video
Sometimes it isn’t enough to just have the right music. Listen carefully to the lyrics! This is an opportunity to add humor, sentimentality, and even a little bit of drama to your video. Let’s go back to the wedding videographer example. Try using song lyrics in your wedding video as another visual element in your product. Make the words an integral part that flows seamlessly with your images. Your clients will be amazed at how you were able to perfectly capture the emotions of their wedding day with just the right words. This is one way to really stand out from other videographers and make your work memorable.
It is crucial to talk to your clients about their musical tastes and what songs they love together. Ask your clients what songs mean the most to them and why. Try to keep at least a few songs in mind that will help celebrate the day in a fun, exciting way but can also show a sweeter, sentimental side. If they’re going for a more classic, vintage vibe, look for some relevant Elvis Presley lyrics, Beatles lyrics, or some Frank Sinatra. If you’re shooting for a more modern feel, you could consider using Taylor Swift lyrics, Calvin Harris lyrics, or even Dua Lipa. For a fun 80s aesthetic, try using Peter Gabriel lyrics (like “In Your Eyes”), Phil Collins, or any number of songs by Whitney Houston. But remember, all these song choices depend on the type of music your clients love and relate to together.
Use a Song to Set the Right Mood
If your clients are getting married and have probably been dreaming about their wedding day for years. They have likely planned every detail to perfection, including the music. It’s important to set the tone for the wedding video with a love song that perfectly encapsulates their relationship. This is usually a very personal decision for each couple, so it’s important to get input from both of them.
While at times you want fun, upbeat music to portray the excitement of the day, you will want a few love songs on hand that will help reflect the emotion and tenderness of the occasion as well. Slow, sentimental songs can really add an overall romantic feel to the wedding video and make it more memorable.
Some examples of perfect love songs for a wedding video include “At Last” by Etta James, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King, “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, or “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. While these are some popular go-to songs, you may also want to think of some other less obvious ones, like “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper or “With or Without You” by U2.
Understand How Commercial Use Works in Your Videos
If you’re planning on using popular songs in your videos, it’s important to understand the rules of commercial use. In order to avoid any legal issues, be sure to get the appropriate rights and licenses for any music you use. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common is to purchase a license from a music licensing company. This will give you the legal right to use the song in your video.
Another option is to use royalty-free music. This type of music is available online and can be used in your videos without any legal issues. However, it’s important to note that royalty-free music can be a bit generic and may not always fit the tone and style of your video.
Lastly, you can also use songs that are in the public domain. This means that the song is no longer protected by copyright and you can use it without obtaining any licenses or permissions. However, it’s important to do your research to make sure the song you choose is actually in the public domain. You don’t want to incur any litigation down the road.
In Conclusion
The music you choose for your videos is an important decision that can make or break the overall feel of the video. Be sure to take your time in choosing the perfect songs and get input from both of your clients. And remember to make sure you understand the rules of commercial use before using any copyrighted material. Keep these tips in mind and you’re sure to create a wedding video that your clients will cherish for years to come.