Brunch/Shoot Etiquette 101

I have heard from our Brunch/Second Wedding videographer, Ian Cruz, that ever since our Brunch video hit the web, that he's gotten numerous inquiries if his clients can execute a similar treatment. In fact, he even got an inquiry as far as Hong Kong to do the same video we did. On the other hand, Cafe 1771 has also received a lot of inquiries if couples can do a similar prenup session and they give the restaurant our video as reference. 

While this flatters me, Ian, and the restaurant, here are some basic things you should know about that shoot, and in turn, some basic prenup etiquette to consider if you want to do your prenups in a restaurant:

Cy and Kai | The Brunch from Ian Cruz Films on Vimeo.

All Photos by J Lucas Reyes

1. Our brunch video was a REAL BRUNCH. Some couples who have inquired from Ian, thought that they could casually squeeze in a few minutes from their own wedding to have fun with their friends and have a similar treatment before their wedding. Our video was done 5 hours before the wedding and we really prepared for it. It wasn't a "casual" thing that we just decided to start shooting. I prepared invites for my closest of friends, reserved for a real brunch, conceptualized the whole thing, brought props, and met with our videographer and photog prior to the shoot. It is an entire shoot in itself. If you want a similar treatment, note that you would have to have your make-up done during your actual wedding, super early in the morning like at 5AM, then you need to require your guests to be in the venue around 8AM, and then you give ample time for the shoot, again like 5 hours before the wedding, then you are off to your real wedding. Note also, that proper etiquette with your videographer is that if you also plan to have this as a separate video from your wedding video, then you have to pay extra because it is an entirely different service. Ours fell under like a prenup session for the lack of a better category since we only invented it :)

2. As mentioned, our brunch was a REAL BRUNCH. Some couples who do engagement sessions in restaurants do it guerrilla style. They go in, take photos, even put SHOES on tables (believe you me I saw this actually happen in another restaurant) and they don't even order as much as an Iced Tea. This is super duper not cool. When we had our brunch, we reserved for our own function room, ordered food and drinks, and that is why we were able to execute our shoot. Because we PAID. It is common courtesy to do this in restaurants because each restaurant has their own respective daily targets in terms of guest counts and sales transactions. If you just suddenly enter with your group and start shooting w/o even ordering, not only have you disrupted their operations, the restaurant would have had lower sales and guest counts for that day. Lest you think it doesn't contribute because you are just a small group, there are overhead costs that also have to be considered on their end. Also, if you want to do this kind of shoot, note that that the easiest way for it to get approved by a restaurant is to do it during their off-peak hours. Lunch and dinners are off limits. So be there either super early, or after lunch. You can't also shoot while the restaurant is closed because lest you think this is convenient for the restaurant, it actually means they need to pay someone to go in early, and pay extra for their electricity. At the end of the day, if you want to shoot in a restaurant and do what you want to do, then pay for it. It's the most decent way to do it. 

3. Lastly. while I am flattered that a lot of couples were inspired by our video, I hope that you also try to incorporate your own flavor to it. This video worked because it is really US. As a couple, we really are the type who would host our own little get-togethers with our friends. As a bride, the term Rebellious Bride was conceived during this brunch because it was my way of defying the church wedding/reception that was being forced down my throat--that's why I hosted my own little reception and celebration 5 hours before the wedding. As a group, my friends are really also this game to do silly things with us. And as a video, this was all naturally done. Ian did very minor instructions but most of the silly things and the props and the entire concept came from us. 


I hope this helps and should you decide to have a brunch in your weddings, please do share it with us! We'd love to feature it :)


XOXO,
Kai :)

follow us on twitter! @RebelliousBride

***Related Article: AN INTRO TO THE BRUNCH

PS. Incidentally, we received this flyer which we'd like to share w/ you all as well :)

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