10 Tips for Wedding Pros to look your best on TV

by Danielle Andrews

I think anyone who knows me, knows that I love being in the Media.  Being interviewed on the radio, television, in the paper or a magazine, I love it, that’s my jam.

As a wedding professional, speaking to the media is very good business.  You offer valuable insight and knowledge about the wedding industry, the media offers marketing and exposure you could never afford.

People love weddings and in the midst of Wedding Season the media seeks out wedding professionals because it’s what their viewers want.  You could be called at any time to speak with the media and usually you have about two hours to prepare, so the key is to always be prepared.

Here are some tips for when you are appearing in media:

1. Always be camera-ready.  If you are opening yourself up to media opportunities, make sure you can be ready at a moment’s notice.  Have your hair always nicely trimmed, eyebrows waxed, no visible roots if you colour your hair, and a nice outfit that is clean, pressed and ready.
2. Be lively.  Besides being caffeinated, one of my best tips is to talk to your spouse or best friend right before doing an interview.  Not only will it help settle your nerves, but you will be in a talkative mood and will already be warmed up to have an engaging conversation with the interviewer.  It really makes a difference!
3. Learn how to do your own makeup.  Male or female, everyone needs makeup on television.  I’ve been on several television and news programs where they do not have a makeup artist for the guests, or if they do, it is just for touch-ups.  You will need foundation and/or translucent powder to keep yourself from appearing shiny (sweaty) on camera.  If you do not usually wear makeup, you can ask the professional at the makeup counter to help you match your skin-tone and how to properly apply the makeup for the most natural look.  Remember that your summer skin-tone and your winter skin-tone will probably be different.
4. Do your research.  Make sure you know current statistics and trends.  Know what the average wedding costs in your area, how many people have a destination wedding, the average age of couples, the average guest count, how much the average guest spends on a present, what is a typical gift to give, what is the newest wedding trend, etc.  If it has to do with weddings, make sure you know about it.
5. Have interesting anecdotes and stories ready to share.  The most common off-the-cuff questions are about craziest wedding stories, weirdest requests you’ve had, or any disasters you have dealt with.
6. Wear television-friendly clothing. Bright, solid colors look best on camera.  Avoid small prints and thin stripes as they will “dance” on the screen, solid white, black and red are also a no-no’s.
7. The camera adds 10%, not 10 pounds. You’ve heard the saying, “The camera adds 10 pounds,” but the cruel, sad truth is that is ads 10%.  If you weigh 100 pounds, it adds 10 pounds, but if you weigh 200 pounds, it adds the appearance 20!  Structured, fitted clothing will help to make you look your best.
8. Sit or stand up straight.  Slouching or getting too comfortable makes you look disinterested and a lot heavier than you are.  Pretend you are a ballerina and sit like their is an invisible rope attached to the top of your head pulling you straight up.  If you are a woman and sitting, cross your legs at the ankle and slide your feet to one side.
9. Wet your whistle.  You don’t want to have a dry mouth.  Make sure you have had enough water beforehand and if water is there for you don’t be afraid to drink (it’s great if you need to collect your thoughts and you should keep your mouth wet so you can speak properly.)
10. Smile.  It’s a simple thing, but when you are nervous it is easy to forget to smile.  Smiling will convey friendliness, warmth, and confidence.  The exact traits couples are looking for in their wedding professional.

I’ve given tips about on-camera interviews before, have a look and feel free to share and tips or experience you’ve had below!