Checklist before playing your pre-ceremony film at the venue (format, USB, rehearsal)

It would be a shame if a film you put so much into didn't play on the day. Here is what to check before the venue screening, in order.

2–3 weeks before: ask the venue

• File format: most venues play MP4 (H.264) best; ask whether they need anything else.
• Aspect ratio and resolution: screens today are mostly landscape 16:9 at 1920×1080 (Full HD).
• Delivery: USB, email or a cloud link, and the deadline.
• Playback: looped or played once, and at what volume.
• Length limits: some venues set a time for the pre-ceremony film.

1–2 weeks before: prepare the file

• Copy the MP4 to a USB stick. A format most devices read (FAT32 or exFAT) is safest.
• Keep a copy on your phone and in the cloud too, so you can resend it if the stick goes missing.
• Give the file a clear name, such as groom_bride_opening-film.mp4.
• Play it start to finish on a computer or TV to check sound and picture.

On the day: rehearsal

• During the venue rehearsal, play it once on the real screen and speakers to set volume and brightness.
• Confirm with the coordinator when it starts (when guests begin to arrive).
• Tell a family member or friend helping out where the file is.

If you made it with Opening Film

Opening Film delivers a 1920×1080, 16:9 MP4 made for venue screens. Download it from My films and put it on a USB stick. You can edit the text and photos for free for 30 days after delivery, so check it once more with family before the rehearsal.

Starting from scratch? Begin with What is a pre-ceremony wedding film?