If you’re preparing to get married and have just engaged (Congrats!), you’re probably researching wedding videographers. Capturing the wedding is as artistic as the ceremony. There are numerous ideas and styles to choose from for beautiful wedding videos.
Try to imagine yourself watching the wedding video after many years. Raw emotions of laughter and sadness are depicted rather than artificial poses. That’s what documentary wedding videography is about. To create the plot throughout the movie, a videographer, for instance, combines video clips, audio from interviews and speeches with various cinematography tricks.
However, simply explaining how a wedding video documentary is made is not enough to understand the peculiarities of such movies. But don’t worry. You are fortunate to have a videographer like me who can help you with this!
What is a Documentary Wedding Video?
In a documentary wedding video, the most candid captures of you and your family are focused, saving the beautiful feelings of the wedding. With the help of such wedding videography, arranging any staged photographs is unnecessary.
The day’s circumstances can take their course, and an artificial representation of events is avoided. Instead, the most authentic and naturally moving recollections of the happiest day are recorded. The simple beauty of untouched emotion comes through in the filmmaker’s subtle renderings of laughter, shyness and even tears.
You will never again forget the powerful feelings it brought you when the entire day played as a strong and well-structured film about your wedding day.
Documentary vs. Traditional Wedding Videography
Wedding documentary videography tries to provide the joy of the day as it happens without being influenced by any scripts. Now let’s dive into the core differences in more detail:
Approach and Style
Typically, a traditional wedding video comprises a specific arrangement of depictions of the wedding, from the couple’s first glance to their formal posed pictures with guests. In such settings, the inherent interaction between the couple and their guests is never emphasised, using techniques such as hiding and letting the moment unfold.
On the other hand, documentary wedding videography requires arranging a perfect picture. This means instructing the couple and guests to pose precisely how the videographers want them to. The goal is to document this day in its most realistic form without changing anything.
Final Product and Editing
When editing wedding videos, one may employ effects, slow-motion, or an additional soundtrack to make the final cut look more like a movie.
However, the timeframes of editing a documentary wedding video are cut down as much as possible. The expected outcome is more organic moving footage while the events unfold.
Because authentic voices, ambient sounds, and actual laughter are spontaneously recorded, the result may appear less like a polished movie. But it has a stronger semblance of a good story.
Advantages and Disadvantages of both those styles of footage
There will be no delight in the disappointment of a couple’s expectations, as each genre will be suitable depending on the couple’s priorities.
Traditional shooting may be more appropriate for couples who want more drama and warmer films.
Instead, couples who prefer to preserve the most truthful, spontaneous and modest event coverage will readily find a solution in documentary wedding videography.
Types of Documentary Wedding Videography
traditional documentary style, cinematic documentary style, short-form documentary, full feature wedding documentary, highlight reel documentary, interview-based documentary film, and hybrid documentary style.
If you wish to watch all wedding activities, including the reception, church, and preparation, you must use documentary videography. Besides some weddings, these videos have limited camera effects, voice-overs, and montages. Different types of wedding videography exist. Here, we share seven types of documentary wedding videography.
Traditional Documentary Style
This style relies on facts and history in footage; therefore, a wedding video can be referred to as a ‘raw’ recording of the special day. The tight limitations make the video a true story told using a camera.
An example is a camera being held by the bride and the groom as the footage celebrates their wedding.
If the couple desired their wedding movie to be a clear-shot recording without any alterations, the best choice would be to take a reflective, stylised artistic approach to filming it.
Cinematic Documentary Style
For instance, using a cinematographic style in documentary filmmaking does not mean that reality is not used. However, it is augmented by dramatic angles, lighting, and slow-motion shots, all of which can be termed cinematic.
This mode still captures real-life moments, but pictures are added to increase the impact of pauses. If the couple wants some sparkle without losing the truth of the events, the cinematic version will suit them perfectly.
Short-Form Documentary
A short session with an open-format wedding film typically lasts three to seven minutes.
This list also qualifies as a wedding documentary, as it depicts everything from the stages of preparation to the reception.
Because of their time constraints, these films are ideal for sharing and travelling with families.
Full Feature Wedding Documentaries
Shorts are those films that start in around 20 minutes, whereas full-length videos are shot in an hour. As the name is lengthy, the documentary is longer and covers brief shots of the team, such as detailed modes of the day.
Some intricacies, like reading out the vows, giving out speeches or sharing emotional moments with other crucial members, become more focused in this type of filming.
It is ideal for partners who want to have the complete basket of memories packaged because they want to review it all.
Highlight Reel Documentary
The recap documentary highlights the wedding day’s most exciting and memorable moments.
On this occasion, the vows, first dance, toasts, or any other event of great emotional intensity are added to the wedding highlight video, which lasts between 3 and 5 minutes.
The wedding highlight video has made it easier for couples to reminisce about their special day. It is easy to make and can be set to music that suits the occasion.
Interview-Based Documentary Film
The main approach to filming the documentary is through short interviews with the spouse and sometimes unpretentiously with relatives or friends of the spouse.
These interviews can be recorded before or during the wedding day and incorporated into the video to give context and personal insights.
That’s why they are even more helpful in enriching the audience’s experience by revealing the characters’ strongest thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Hybrid Documentary Style
In creating a hybrid documentary, the filmmakers consider the couple’s preferences and combine different cinematographic and documentary approaches, interviews, and other artistry.
They use innovative concepts in wedding shoots, combining cinematic images, candid footage, voiceovers, and musical backgrounds.
This is the ideal solution for a couple who appreciates variety but wants to be open to more than one style.
Why Documentary Wedding Videography Are a Must-Have?
Documentary-style wedding videography focuses on the marriage and reception without using any scripts. The emphasis is on something other than producing a cinematic piece but on being real and capturing real-life situations. Documentary wedding videography is crucial for the following:
Feelings can be expressed through emotions
Documentary wedding videography captures a broader range of emotions, including all the feelings, from bursting out in laughter to breaking into tears, in more poignant, meaningful images. Self-structured images cannot reach centre stage.
Tells Your Life’s Story Easily
With this wedding videography style, more of your story will stand out alongside these distinct facets of yourself and your relationship. Filming this narrative, as you would tell it, would be quite an accomplishment.
Stress-Free Experience
The film will be more real and entertaining, as you and your guests can have fun without over-posing. You can enjoy the event without concern about what someone might be filming.
Have a Strong Impact
There are far too many cover films, but the narrative has a head start if the aim is to capture emotional and golden moments that survive the test of time. As trends fade away, it is agreeable that true feelings will always be in the spotlight.
Preserves Candid Interactions
It records large and small events, from loud yellings to quiet musings, reminding one of how a particular day feels. You will value the smallest of events because of what those moments mean to you emotionally.
Relives the Entire Day
By going on that there is no set plan, you can view every second of your wedding day, even the ones you may have missed. Each time you view it, you feel you’re living the day again.
Age comes with memory problems. However, wedding videos allow the newlywed to relive the same day with all the associated celebrations. So, contact a videographer if you wish to watch and live your day whenever you like.
Key Elements of Documentary-Style Wedding Videography
Image ALT Text-Key elements of documentary-style wedding videography include candid shots, authentic storytelling, minimal posing or direction, focus on emotions and social cues, sounds of nature and the environment, attention to detail, dynamic, natural lighting, and flexible editing style.
Documentary-style wedding filmmaking is characterised by the requirement to capture the event as it unfolds, including the guests’ reactions. In an ideal scenario, that is equal to scripted moments. Here are eight features of this style:
Candid Shots
This is a soft smile from your spouse or a scene with your best friend’s cheeky look. These are some of these small moments that may go unnoticed.
Every small, unstructured or random moment gets a share of fame. Imagine you and your spouse staring at one another, glancing away, laughing, and even crying.
Those moments of looking real only enhance this film’s authenticity and help you go through the entire process of your wedding day regret-free.
Authentic Storytelling
A documentary wedding video shoot does not solely focus on the highlights of a wedding; it captures every detail of that day.
From waking up and getting ready to attend the last dance, the shoot and edit are done, so you have every detail to the excruciating extent.
Every moment starts adding up, making a basket poised to be unique and touch your heart, like a sad movie that embraces your love for each other.
Minimal Posing or Direction
To make women the centre of attention, documentarians won’t instruct you which way to stand or how to pose. It’s as if they are just there, in the background, watching, without trying to make any noise.
This way, you and your guests feel at ease and can go about your day without constantly being on guard against the camera. You can freely enjoy laughter, hugs, and countless other moments.
Focus on emotions and social cues
Joy, excitement, and happiness are the three kinds of feelings that make a wedding memorable. Documentary filmmakers can capture these occasions splendidly.
The video of your wedding is even more delightful, as it features genuine moments, such as how your partner looked when seeing you for the first time. Or how everyone laughed while the best man delivered his speech.
Sounds of Nature and the Environment
While recalling memories of your wedding, such as – exchanging vows, your guests cheering, or some music coming from the hall, try to imagine the sound effects during the ceremony.
These ambient sounds are provided in documentaries to attract the audience’s interest in the film. Instead of concentrating solely on the music, the film features such sound events, creating a memorable audiovisual collage that can be recalled even years after.
Attention to Detail
The father watches the little things, such as a warm touch, a meaningful laugh, and even his children’s weddings.
It is incredible how the cinematographer, who also films wedding documentaries, can notice and construct these intimate moments to form the film’s storyline.
Although these are small, they are the details that constitute the relations between individuals and the events of that day.
Dynamic, Natural Lighting
Documentary films use natural light provided by the environment in each scene rather than artificial light sources.
Whether it is a window light during the ceremony or the reception lighting, the videographer can adjust with closeness and capture every light.
This approach enhances the video’s authenticity and the feeling of that day.
Flexible Editing Style
After all the moments are filmed, the editing process is basically the magic. Editing the documentary film involves crafting the story around the specific purpose of each selected shot.
An editor procures the necessary shots and puts them in the best sequence so you can experience the ups and downs of the entire day.
The result is a plethora of gentle, touching memories wrapped in what feels like a genuine videotape of your wedding day.
What to Expect from a Documentary Wedding Videographer?
The wedding documentary style works best for couples who want their big day captured candidly and organically, away from the traditional filming style. Here are some benefits of videographers.
Feelings in Sincerity
The closeness and intimacy that one witnesses in a wedding documentary video are incomparable to any other professionally shot wedding video. In fact, this wedding video is more of a wedding documentary than a highlight reel. The film captures all emotions and raw feelings, including laughter, tears, grief, smiles, and more.
Fully Natural and Chilling
Imagine a world where you don’t have to worry about how you should pose or what direction you should face. Imagine having unlimited fun with someone filming you.
This is the technique of shooting a documentary, and it is so effective that it makes the day you are getting married memorable for you and your guests.
It’s an Evergreen
Some fads keep appearing and disappearing, but wedding documentary films will always be present. Grandparents, parents, and children of all ages can enjoy it.
Because the video and every moment captured in it allow memories of that day to be lived all over again.
Focuses on Personal Details and Small Moments
Some elements are intimate and warm, such as a look that says everything or a hug. Such moments develop the character and nature of the act, so they are helpful.
Such details show how much you care for your guests and what type of relationship you both have.
Helps in Taking Off Stress
The day is less thrilling and troublesome because the videographer is not involved.
A less dramatic style could more accurately depict the love and happiness of your wedding, as many would be more comfortable with it.
Investing in wedding videography is investing in a precious family heirloom. The warm stories help you remember that special day when you were truly surrounded by love.
How to Select the Right Documentary Wedding Videographer?
While addressing this question is certainly part of my professional duties, it is difficult. So, I’ll offer a neutral perspective and make my suggestions based on the impressions and experiences of the other couples who have hired me as their videographer.
Research Their Style
The first step in the selection process is to watch the video style that can be termed the applicant’s final submission.
One of the easiest methods is to view their previous works and ensure that they adhere to the style suited for the love story that you have in mind.
Every video filmmaker has a distinct videographer’s style; hence, try to get this aspect in order before hiring one for your task.
Check for Reviews or Testimonials
Don’t just assume anything. Read past customer reviews and client testimonials about their satisfaction level for their work, or get there before you pay.
Such comments on such services allow you to gauge the trustworthiness, professionalism, and quality of the work the specific videographer is likely to deliver.
Usually, companies that have the most positive feedback are the ones that can be counted on to deliver.
Discuss Your Story
The documentary wedding videographer needs to understand your story. They can give you a special voice that gets recorded professionally.
Therefore, they often, even intimately, discuss what is valuable to you and how you want it to be.
Their interest in your narrative is as important as their understanding and ability to handle the camera.
Check their Credentials
Try to confirm the wedding videographer’s experience in documentary-style shooting and if it is reasonable to assume that he specialises in weddings.
If they have practised doing this previously, they will be better prepared to capture spontaneous moments during the day.
There seems to be a formula approach to shooting and editing wedding videos. Still, as one of the key ingredients—their personality—will be booked in advance and ready to be paid for, you must also try to like the works they are starring.
Know how long it will take your videographer to complete your film
The industry standard and base were six months, whereas some brides must wait twelve months until the video is ready.
Some people were charged a late fee or penalty for delaying a job for over 120 days despite getting paid. Likewise, remember to consider their angry customer response rate before spending a single cent on these professionals.
Getting your videographer to seal the deal only to start chasing them several months or years down the line is not a dream worth one of your cliches.
Note: But most importantly, view and appreciate the films to the best of your ability. It is said that every person can appreciate a particular style; go out and find your style. Once you see it, success is assured.
Steps to the Perfect Documentary Wedding Videography
Producing a top-notch wedding video requires creativity, proper organisation, and technical skills. If you know how to make a wedding video, this would be easy. It’s okay if you don’t know. Here are the seven key steps to keep in mind while shooting the wedding documentary videography:
Step 1: Pre-Wedding Planning
This step warrants working with the couple to develop their narrative, preferences, and the key events they wish to have during the shoot.
Starting with picking out the engagement ring and ending with the first kneeling act, we want to be a part of every step of the way. From picking out the bride’s dress and the wedding party to the hotel and caterer for the reception, the rehearsal dinner, and finally the big day.
But we want to plan out the rest as well. Decide the specifics of special requests, such as the specific day, who will attend the proposal, the date of the ring, and when these events will occur.
Step 2: Preparing Your Gear
Shooting equipment, such as all the cameras, lenses, audio equipment, stabilisers, and even backups, must be in good working condition before commencing shooting.
Having reliable wedding videography equipment is critical because such events cannot be recreated when scheduling conflicts arise.
Otherwise, a simple mishap in capturing the moment could result in substantial financial loss.
Step 3: Scouting Locations
If feasible, go to all the places beforehand, including the ceremonial site and the reception hall. Before the big day, you can address the placement of the lights, angles for shooting, and any logistical concerns.
Step 4: Creating Storytelling Structure
Organise the document’s outline so that its first part is exposition (orienting). The next part is the wedding ceremony, and the last is the reception. In this way, an exciting story can be told. If the interview takes place, some questions ought to be asked.
Step 5: Capturing Key Moments
Pay special attention to the range of days encompassing the event and its rehearsals, such as the ceremony, toasts, and dances, to capture the event’s essence. Some couples like to be filmed without too many requirements, standing in well-prepared poses.
Step 6: Camera Angles and Lightening
Focus on lighting, so the tapes are lovely to watch. Use the qualifier as frequently as applicable to on-set and further views with appropriate angles and creative texture.
Step 7: Editing After Production
Edit the raw footage into a cohesive storyline. Incorporate images, text, music, and voice-overs if required. Add a professional touch with colour graphics and sound enhancement.
The final product is more significant when all speeches are of good quality. Hence, when appropriate music is added, the anticipated change in the viewer‘s mood is heightened.
If you follow these steps carefully, you can be sure you have considered all the considerations in the wedding day recording. Your special day will be more than any other touch, full of joy, promise, and self-fulfilment.
Cost Considerations of Documentary Wedding Videography
The cost of shooting a documentary-style wedding is relative to your location, the skills of the videographer, and more. Ireland has a wide range of wedding videographers, with an average price of about €1,500 to about €3,500. However, the overall factor depends on the podiatrist but can differ per region.
Cost and Background
Documentary-style wedding film videographers with a detailed portfolio and good industry experience charge higher rates. They have mastered knowing the best moments and shooting them authentically in front of the camera.
Location and Distance
If the wedding does not fall into the informal category and is set in a far-flung secluded area, this may also increase the costs of hiring a videographer.
When discussing the location with a videographer, mention the location and any possible travel costs to understand the overall budget better.
Options available for other packages
Most wedding videographers specialising in shooting documentaries have different packages.
Including the number of hours covered, the configuration of extra videographers, and any editing needed for the captured footage. Ensure the package you choose meets the requirements for the particular service you need on that day.
If you need more coverage or wish your cameraman to cover certain wedding moments, let him know in advance.
Make Sure It Fits Within Your Budget
Please check how much these concepts vary across different locations. I am fine explaining this, but I understand that variations exist. This is why I aim to be cautious in how I express this.
Always find out why a wedding videographer is charging less than usual. One explanation is that their work quality leaves much to be desired compared to those who charge more.
Every excellent service provider maintains its quality standard by discussing pricing openly with clients. This is why so many wedding videographers can be flexible with payment structures and ensure that every big moment is captured stunningly.
Talk to your videographer to find other options if you have a fixed budget. Focus on getting wedding coverage for only part of the day. However, focus on essential aspects like coverage at significant points.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Documentary Wedding Videography Experience
Creating the documentary style for wedding videos can be complicated. Here are five simple and effective methods.
Ensure that the videographer hired agrees with you
Make sure the videographer’s style suits you. Based on their previous work, it is easy to say you are looking for a wedding photographer specialising in real wedding photography. When you explain what you want, the narrator understands how to approach the story and presents it in a way that meets your expectations.
Be yourself and allow your guests to relax
The fundamental component of documentary filmmaking is capturing raw emotion and unscripted events. Relax, be yourself, and enjoy the day without worrying about the camera. If guests are encouraged to act out in such a manner, the range of a more genuine and emotional film results.
Share Vital Details Ahead of Time
Tell your videographer which moments to focus on, whether the wedding guests’ relationships, key events, or surprises. In doing so, you help them set up for the right time to capture unique moments such as a dance, an unexpected guest, or some precious customs.
Collaborate with Other Vendors Effectively
Try to understand how the videography system operates with the photographer and other service providers. A good turnout on your wedding day is possible because the team gets cohesive coverage without interfering with one another.
Believe in the Professionalism of Your Selected Videographer
Have faith in your videographer and allow him or her to harness your ideas. They can capture every second of the day and even unplanned moments when allowed to be themselves.
If you have confidence in your videographer, you can have a video you like on your wedding day.
Adhering to such rules will help your wedding videographer convey your emotions, happiness, and other details of your wedding film more accurately.
Final Thoughts
The true art of wedding video style boils down to simple but powerful unscripted moments, referred to as documentary wedding videography. Instead of following ordinary techniques, it explores the complete and organic emotions and relations among many. This produces a masterpiece that tells the couple’s story throughout their wedding.
Hopefully, this unique technique will enable newlyweds to enjoy their wedding in all its glory. A skilled videographer captures even the most unguarded moments, whether laughter or tears, without interference.
If you want to experience your special day again, contact DC Media. We have unique wedding films. Let us help you with the videography and photography of your wedding day so that it is as beautiful as your love story.
FAQs
Do Documentary Wedding Videographers Also Take Formal Family Shots?
Most documentary filmmakers prefer the off-hand way of telling the story. They are okay with adhering to more standard camera positions for traditional family portraits when asked to do so. Make sure to discuss this question during your planning meetings. So they can allocate sufficient time to shoot the documentary video and any family portraits you wish to have made.
How Involved Are We in the Editing Process of the Wedding Video?
This is a standard procedure that the one who holds the camera is the same person who edits the footage to create an artefact. Of course, inform us beforehand how you would include it. Clarify how involved the customer is expected to be during the editing phase. Some videographers might allow several rounds of revision or some influence on the soundtrack selection.
How Do You Choose the Right Documentary Wedding Videography Package?
Consider the service provider’s hours, the number of wedding ceremony video posts you have, and other add-ons such as a photomontage or video. Also, consider your goals and how much money you must spend to achieve them. Discuss your goals and expectations with future shooters to create a custom package.
Is Documentary Wedding Videography Suitable for All Types of Weddings?
Yes. Such videography may be suitable for a small chapel wedding and reception or a huge wedding ceremony and church reception. This style is adjustable to many settings and numbers of guests by concentrating on how a couple feels and how their guests interact.
Are Documentary Wedding Videographers More Expensive?
The factors determining the price of documentary wedding coverage include wedding filming experience, geographical location, and coverage length. However, reining costs may prove easier when less sophisticated editing backhouse processes are used. Highly experienced storytellers and realistic time-event documentary directors may charge higher fees.