Ask the founders: What makes a “good” interview?
Enter the matrix with us: we interviewed our founders about what makes a good interview. Being the founders, with careers and hobbies dedicated to hearing people’s stories, they know a thing or two. We’ve tweaked our standard wedding interview over the years, but some themes remain.
As you are thinking about what to ask the guests at your wedding, keep these tips in mind:
You need an Ice Breaker
Hesitancy. Curiosity. Nervousness. All normal things to experience when you are trying something new, and when you are seeing yourself on camera. So naturally, there needs to be something that helps get your people a little more comfortable. Ben says, “Just think about when you go have a cup of coffee with a friend… you gotta build up some momentum.” Max likes to throw people off guard with something unexpected “could be just a random ‘What was your favorite toy growing up?’” he says. One of our favorites, from a real Voast couple was “What’s your favorite way to eat a potato"".
Even if going silly isn’t your thing, there’s a way to ease people in by asking low-stakes questions. Our go-to, beloved by our editors, is “Describe the couple in three words”. This usually gets good responses, can be done by anyone regardless of how close you are to the couple, and primes people to think a little deeper as the questions get more story-based. Instead of a yes or no question, try something like this.
2. There’s power in story.
It’s one thing to feel put on the spot, but it’s another feeling entirely when you’re reminiscing with a friend. This is where the video guest book has the unique ability to pierce our hearts with the feeling of connection. Seeing faces light up, laugh, shed a tear — this is what people mean when they say their wedding day was the best day of their life. It’s not that everything went perfectly, it’s that they felt a deep sense of love and connection to their partner and to their community. It’s pure magic.
Max advises, right after the ice breaker, “dive right in to a story based question”; where people reflect on a shared memory or experience. The more specific they can be, the better, usually. You know your people the best, but beware, “that might prompt something a little ridiculous and outrageous, maybe even inappropriate”, he jokes. Ben takes a gentle approach ”You can slowly get to the deeper stuff”, where “the gold” is found.
3. Don’t be afraid to give people permission to love on you.
Then, Max says, “Bring it back to something really heartfelt.” It’s important to leave space for the good stuff; this moment might be once in a lifetime. Ben adds, “Those pieces can really start opening the door for people to leave those stories that matter [to the couple]”.
We’ve had countless people share things to the camera that they never would have otherwise. And it adds a whole new dimension being able to see their faces while they say these words. “‘Tell us what you remember most about our friendship’, or ‘something that’s meant a lot to you’”, Ben offers as a suggestion. When couples, choose a deeper question, their guests get “the opportunity, the excuse, the permission, to actually love on them.”
For help crafting your interview, our team is always available at hello@raiseavoast.com. We’ve compiled some of our best suggestions here: Pick Your Prompts.
Happy Voasting!
