Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Editing Service for DIY wedding video magic with retro camcorder camera hire

We know booking something a little different for your wedding can bring up a few questions, so we’ve put together this FAQ to help.


Our ethos is simple we provide the cameras, your guests capture the magic, and we craft it all into a nostalgic film full of personality and perfectly imperfect moments. This page covers the most common things couples ask us, but if you don’t see your question here, feel free to get in touch.

FAQ

How do we book RetroVow?

Once you have dropped us your enquiry we’ve confirmed your date is available, we’ll send you a booking email with payment links for your chosen package. You can book securely through Stripe — just select the option you'd like and complete full payment online.

 

When is our booking confirmed?

As soon as payment is completed through Stripe, your booking is confirmed and your date is locked in. You’ll get a confirmation email from us (this is sent manually by us, so if there’s a slight delay don’t panic. It's probably the kids bath time  or we’re stuck in the Tesco checkout queue!) and we’ll take care of the rest from there.


Do we need to sign anything?

Nope, no signatures needed. Before checkout, you’ll be asked to tick a box confirming you’ve read and agreed to our Terms & Conditions. They’re linked right there on the booking page so you can have a read through and check you are happy before booking.

Does RetroVow replace the need for a professional wedding videographer?

Not at all. This shouldn't take the place of a professional Videographer. RetroVow isn’t designed to replace professional videography — it’s a fun and nostalgic add-on that gives you an extra, totally unique perspective on your wedding day. Think of it as the candid, behind-the-scenes footage captured by your favourite people, not a polished cinematic film.


It’s DIY at its best, packed with personality, charm, and a bit of old-school chaos. If you’ve already booked a videographer, RetroVow complements what they do beautifully. If you haven’t, it’s a great way to have your memories captured without the formality.

What if something goes wrong with the camera?

Firstly, don’t panic!

All of our camcorders are fully checked, tested and packed by us before they leave. Batteries are tested, settings are locked in, memory cards are formatted, everything is ready to go. That said, they are retro style cameras, so occasionally tech can have a moment. In the unlikely event a camera stops working entirely, don’t worry. Your guests and your other camera(s) will still be capturing memories. RetroVow is all about multiple hands filming throughout the day, so you’re never relying on just one device. If you’re unsure about anything before the wedding, just message us. We’re always here to help.

 

can we take the cameras to our destination wedding?

Yes, absolutely! We love the idea of our vintage cameras travelling somewhere special with you. Whether you’re tying the knot on a beach in Ibiza or in a Tuscan villa, we can ship the cameras to your UK address before you fly, so you can pop them in your luggage. The cameras are lightweight and easy to carry, and we’ll include all the instructions you need. Once you’re back home, just pop everything in the prepaid return box and send it back to us — then we’ll get to work on editing your retro wedding film.


Select our DESTINATION WEDDING and we'll check we have cameras for your dates.

 

How far in advance should we book?

 

As early as you can, especially for summer dates. We’ve currently only got a limited number of cameras, and once they’re booked, that’s it.

 

Can we book from outside the UK?

At the moment, RetroVow is only available for UK weddings. We’re working on ways to expand, so watch this space.

 

How long does it take to receive our highlight film and raw footage?

Our usual turnaround time is 4 to 6 weeks from the point the cameras arrive back with us.


If you’ve booked the highlight edit, we carefully go through all the footage, select the best moments and craft your nostalgic film from there. This takes time, as we’re working through real guest captured memories and shaping them into something that flows beautifully.


Your raw footage is delivered alongside your finished highlight film, so everything arrives together in one private online gallery.

We don’t rush edits, but if it’s ready sooner, you’ll absolutely hear from us early.

 

How is our footage and highlight film delivered?

Once everything is ready, your footage and highlight film are delivered through a private online gallery.


You’ll receive a link where you can stream your highlight film instantly and download both the edited film and your full raw footage in high quality. It’s simple, secure and easy to share with family and friends if you’d like to.


There are no USB sticks or physical copies, everything is delivered digitally so you can save it to your own devices and back it up however you choose.


Easy access, no fuss, all your memories in one place.

 

How does it all work?

Once you book your RetroVow package, we’ll post your camcorders to you a few days prior to your wedding, already set up and ready to use. We aim to get the cameras to you at least 2 days before your wedding. On your wedding day, hand them over to your trusted guests, let the fun unfold, then pop them back in the prepaid box and send them back to us. If you have booked us to edit will get cracking and send you a nostalgic highlights video, plus all the raw footage too.

 

what comes in the box?

Each kit includes a preloaded vintage camcorder, memory cards, extra batteries, a charger, a light and return packaging. You’ll also get a filming guide to make it easy and fun for whoever is behind the lens.

 

How many cameras can we have?

 

You can choose from 2 or 3 camcorders depending on the package that suits your day. Two is perfect for smaller weddings, while three gives you loads of coverage and angles — ideal for larger guest lists or when you’ve got lots happening.

 

are they easy to use?


Very! These camcorders are super simple to operate. We’ve pre-set everything, so guests just need to switch them on and press record. The charm lies in the slightly chaotic, zoom-happy, unfiltered footage.

 

What if a guest misses something important?

Honestly, they might miss a few moments, and that’s part of the charm. You’re not getting a polished production, or hiring a professional wedding videographer. You’re getting memories as they happened, from your friends and family’s perspective.

 

What if something breaks or gets lost?

We totally understand that things can go wrong. If any equipment is damaged or lost, we’ll assess the situation and chat with you about replacing it. That’s what the deposit helps cover — but we’re always fair and friendly about it.

 

what's RAW footage?

 

You’ll get all the raw clips alongside your edited film, so you can relive every moment or even make your own edits down the line. Think of it as your personal video time capsule. Raw clips is everything that was recorded un-edited on the cameras.


 

Do you offer edits for other events — like parties or anniversaries?

We do! While weddings are our main jam, RetroVow cameras work a treat for all sorts of celebrations — just drop us a message and we’ll sort you out.


 

How does postage work?

We use the InPost locker service to keep everything simple and flexible.


We aim to get your cameras to you at least two days before the big day, usually sooner, so you’ve got plenty of time to have them in your hands, get excited and make sure everyone knows what’s what.


Nearer to your wedding date, we’ll get in touch to check which locker location is most convenient for you. That might be near home, work, or somewhere close to your venue. We want it to feel easy, not stressful.


After the wedding, you’ve got two days to return them. You can use any InPost locker, so whether that’s near the venue, near your house, on your commute, or even on the way to your honeymoon, it’s completely up to you.


All you need to do is scan the QR code we send you, pop the box into the locker, and you’re done. No printing labels, no post office queues, nice and simple.

 

Who should we give the cameras to on the day?

Give the cameras to some of your trusted guest - we recommend one stays with the women on the day and one stays with men. This way you’ll capture bridal prepartions and grooms prepartions. You can give and additional cameras to a hype squad or parents.

 

What kind of footage will we get back?

 

The beauty of RetroVow is in the charm of the unexpected. You’ll receive a mix of fun, raw, real moments all filmed by your guests, think blurry close-ups, chaotic zooms, heartfelt messages, dance floor madness and everything in between. If you have booked us to edit a highlights film, we’ll carefully piece together the best bits into a music-driven highlights film with a nostalgic vibe, and you’ll also receive all of the unedited footage to keep. It’s imperfect in the best possible way, and always full of heart.

 

Can we choose the music?


We use royalty-free music, so we can’t use commercial tracks, but we’ll find something that fits the mood of your day beautifully.


 

Can we have a say in how the video is edited?

Our edits are kept simple and non chronological, as the footage we receive from guests is often varied and unpredictable. We don’t offer a planning service for how clips are pieced together, as the ethos of RetroVow is to create a nostalgic, uncomplicated film that feels like a home video. We aim to highlight the fun, candid and perfectly imperfect moments, bringing them together into a warm keepsake. If you’re looking for a tailored edit with a strong focus on sound or structure, we’d recommend booking a traditional videographer alongside us.

 

How many hours of footage can we record?


Our cameras come with a 64GB card in each of them, on average you’ll get 6 hours of record time with each card/camera. You will also have a back up card for each camera in the RetroVow box giving you a total of 24 hours of record time for two cameras and 36 hours for three cameras.


In reality, most couples never fill the card that's in the cameras anyway as people tend to film in short bursts rather than continuously.

Do you provide tripods?

We don’t include tripods as part of your RetroVow package.

Part of the charm of RetroVow is that slightly wobbly, handheld feel. It’s what gives the footage that nostalgic, home video energy that feels real and full of life.


That said, our camcorders do have a standard 1/4 inch screw thread on the bottom, which means they’ll fit most standard tripods. So if you’d like to source one for the ceremony or speeches, you absolutely can.


Some couples love having one camera fixed at the front during the ceremony, then passing the others around for guests to capture everything else. It’s completely up to you and how you’d like your day to feel.

 

How long do the batteries last?

Each camera battery typically lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on how much it’s being used.


We include a spare battery for every camera in the box, along with a charger. That means you can have one battery charging whilst the other is in use, so you’re never stuck without power during the important bits.


Our biggest tip is to switch the camera off when it’s not actively being used, especially between moments like ceremony, drinks reception and speeches. That way you’ll get the most out of each battery throughout the day.


Simple, practical, and designed so the memories keep rolling.

 

Can I use the cameras to record the ceremony and speeches?

Yes, you absolutely can use the cameras to record your ceremony and speeches. A lot of couples choose to set one up at the front on a tripod and let the others float around guests for reactions and extra angles.


It’s worth knowing though that sound quality can be a little unpredictable. These are retro style camcorders, so audio will depend on where the camera is positioned, how close it is to the speaker, and what background noise is happening at the time. Laughter, clinking glasses, wind, traffic, all of that adds to the charm, but it can affect clarity.


RetroVow is designed to capture atmosphere, personality and real guest perspective. It should not be booked as a replacement for a professional videographer. If having crystal clear ceremony audio and full speech coverage is a priority, we’d always recommend booking a dedicated videographer alongside us.


Think of RetroVow as the nostalgic layer to your day, not the formal documentary coverage.