Sending a teaser days after the wedding

A finished wedding film takes time to edit well. A sneak peek video sent within days of the wedding gives the couple something to watch and share in the meantime, and tells them the full film is on its way. This article explains why speed helps, sets out a workflow from camera card to sent, and covers keeping the full film on schedule afterwards. For framing, length and captions, see the wedding teaser reel guide.

Why send a wedding sneak peek video quickly?

For the couple, the days after the wedding are when they’re still talking about it, collecting guests’ phone photos and messaging family who couldn’t be there. A short film of their day fits right into that. It lets them relive the day, gives them something to send to relatives, and reassures them that their film is in good hands.

For your business, a teaser the couple shares reaches their friends and family while they’re still paying attention to that wedding. Some of those people will be engaged, or soon will be. A quick teaser also shows the couple, and everyone they talk to, that you deliver what you promise. If fast teasers are part of how you work, say so in your packages; Adding video to your wedding packages covers how to describe what you offer.

Speed only helps if the teaser is right. A misspelt name, an unflattering shot of the couple or a guest who didn’t want to be filmed will do more harm than a short wait. The workflow below keeps speed and care together.

What’s the workflow from card to sent?

1. Back up the cards first. Before you edit anything or format a card, copy everything to at least two separate drives and check the copies. From camera card to backup sets out a routine.
2. Pick the moments. Note the teaser candidates while they’re fresh in your mind, such as the first look, the vows, the exit, the first dance and the busiest minutes on the dance floor. Keep the list, because it’s also a head start on the highlight film.
3. Choose the length and the music. Decide on 30 or 60 seconds (choosing a teaser length) and pick a track you’re licensed to use where the teaser will be posted. Music for wedding films covers licences in more depth.
4. Cut it vertical. Reframe each shot for 9:16 around the faces that matter (framing wedding video for vertical) and export at 1080×1920.
5. Caption anything spoken. Add captions for any line of vows or speech, and check the spelling of every name (captions for wedding films and teasers).
6. Review it on a phone. Watch it full screen, once with the sound off and once with it on. Check faces, names and the ending. Look for anyone who shouldn’t be in it, such as a guest who asked not to be filmed, or children if you’re not sure their parents would be happy.
7. Send it privately to the couple first. Let them see it before anyone else does, and ask whether they’d like anything changed.
8. Ask before posting publicly. Share it on your own channels only once the couple have said yes.

How do you send the teaser privately?

Send the couple the file itself, or a private download link, so they have the full-quality 1080×1920 version to post from. Messaging apps often compress video, so a link to the original file keeps it sharp when they share it on.

Tell them what they’re looking at and what comes next. It’s a teaser, and the full film follows by a date you name. If you’d like them to credit or tag you when they post, say so plainly, and make it easy by putting your account name in the message.

Should you ask before posting publicly?

Yes, even if your contract lets you use the footage. Some couples want to post first themselves, some want the day kept private, and some are happy for you to share straight away but would rather certain moments stayed out. Asking takes one message and avoids an awkward conversation later.

Your contract should say how you may use footage of the day, and rules on using people’s images and personal data vary by country. If you’re unsure, check your contract wording and the local rules with a lawyer. Keeping couples’ footage private when you use AI covers the privacy side of editing.

How should you credit suppliers?

Crediting the venue, planner, florist and other suppliers is a courtesy. Do it with care.

• Check that each name and account handle is correct before you post.
• Credit only the suppliers who actually worked on the day.
• Ask the couple whether they’re happy for the venue and suppliers to be named, since tagging a venue tells everyone where they married.
• Don’t imply that a supplier endorses you or your film unless they’ve said so.

How do you keep the full film on schedule?

A teaser can use up the days you’d planned for the full edit if you let it. A few habits keep the highlight film moving:

• Name a delivery date for the full film when you send the teaser, and keep to it.
• Treat the teaser as the first step of the edit. The moments you chose and the music you tried feed straight into the highlight film.
• Agree one round of changes for the teaser, and save bigger requests for the full film.
• Keep the backups until the full film is delivered and signed off, and for longer if your contract says so.