Your Comprehensive Wedding Videography Guide: Tips & Techniques – Part 2

Comparison of popular wedding videography styles for a complete wedding videography guide: cinematic, documentary, vintage, storytelling, and traditional.

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Capturing a wedding video is not merely an act of shooting, but also the feeling of memories, emotions, and the ambiance of the occasion. When it comes to shooting a wedding, it is a story like any other, capturing multiple special moments throughout the day.

We have given you a brief idea of a wedding videography guide previously, but here comes a more insightful overview, with additional tips. From the style to communicating with your videographer, you need to arrange everything. So, read on, and get the perfect idea for your wedding videography style guide!

Your Comprehensive Wedding Videography Guide

Comparison of popular wedding videography styles: cinematic, documentary, vintage, storytelling, and traditional.

A wedding videographer makes it easy for couples to choose the most appropriate style for their big day because the practice has undergone significant changes over the years. Achieving cinematic awe and documentary detail is all about your preference. Here is a brief idea for you to make a wise decision: 

  • Cinematic Style

Wedding films with a cinematic twist take you to a whole new world, kind of like those big-screen movies. Think epic shots, that cool slow-mo effect, and colours that pop.

It’s like the big day’s highlights turned into art. Lovebirds who dig that dreamy, movie-star feel tend to love this vibe.

The editors pick just the right clips and tunes that hit you right in the feels, filling the whole thing with emotions.

Thus, they might not show every single moment, but they nail the event’s spirit, focusing on the feels, and make a keepsake that’s forever.

  • Documentary Style

Wedding videos that look like documentaries spotlight real moments without a script.

They focus on natural clips and interactions, avoiding edits that are too fancy. Videographers are there to capture all the true feelings and spontaneous faces during the event.

People who love to capture everything love this kind of video. It keeps the day unfolding just like it did. Adding small talk with the party or parts of speeches makes it more profound, giving you a super sincere snapshot of the wedding.

  • Vintage style

These kinds of videos take you back in time. The makers use 16 mm films, camcorders, and vintage presets, which give your video that vintage aura.

This is the kind of style most suited for people who love the old-school, dark academic aesthetic. Find a videographer who has a wide range of vintage cameras and has experience with it. Ready to go back in time? Then this is just the right choice for your wedding!

  • Storytelling Style

Among all the wedding videography guide list, this one is on trend right now. With storytelling video-making, a couple’s unique voyage turns into an engaging tale.

Storytelling wedding videography style adds chats before the wedding, recordings of any sort, and the right sequence of goings-on to create a full image of their romance.

Wedding videographers capture key moments, like emotional vows and funny speeches, making an emotional ride for people watching. If a couple wants their wedding video to be like a special movie, they go with this since it shows their relationship’s strong feelings.

  • Traditional Style

Traditional wedding videos tell a basic, step-by-step story of the wedding day. They require little editing and special effects, which attracts couples who like a timeless and simple way to record their party.

Some soft fades and tunes might accompany it, but the main aim is to nail down a clean video.

This style ensures they grab every key moment while bringing out the essentials for the whole family to look at, no matter their age.

Choosing The Right Style For Your Wedding

Couple reviewing different wedding videography styles to match their wedding theme and budget.

However, there is more to the appeal of a certain videography style than just the visuals, it also involves how your wedding theme, budget, and large aesthetics fit in together as a couple. Here are some vital considerations to take into account:

Theme And Aesthetic

The spot you pick to tie the knot and the general vibe you aim for is huge when deciding the kind of video magic that’ll fit just right.

You’ve got a scenic spot?

Maybe give it the iconic makeover. Or, if you’re going for snug and personal, a docu-style or narrative vibe could hit the spot.

Think about showing off what makes your event space unique. Maybe it’s a fancy ballroom, a cosy barn, or a pretty outdoor scene.

Budget

Let’s be real, the money part is huge! Going for a fancy cinematic or storytelling vibe could mean spending more time in the editing room making things look awesome, which might cost more.

However, choosing a classic or document style could be nicer to your wallet since they’re easier to cut together. Be sure to talk with potential videographers to balance what you can spend with getting a video.

Personality As A Couple

Some couples show off their unique style in their wedding films; they might want everything from fun to serious scenes or to keep things authentic. Or if you love old romance, pick the traditional one.

Those who love a bit of glam might choose the cinematic route, while others prefer a more documentary vibe. A style that matches their personality makes the video feel personal and genuine.

Behind The Scenes

Some couples dig the natural, in-the-moment scenes. This is where documentary-type filming is perfect. For full-blown authenticity, think about a style that captures those live, unplanned moments rather than a glossy cinematic production.

Storytelling mode also nails this. The ideal mix of genuine moments and a touch of story magic. Couples who dig authenticity with a dash of plot will love that combination.

Wedding Videography Start To Finish: The Planning

Couple planning wedding videography start to finish details with a videographer, discussing budget and shot list.

When you know what you want to achieve in your wedding video, the rest is easy. For this, you need to plan everything, from start to finish. Here is an overview of the things to look after:

Learn About Video Types And Offers

Digging into different video types and offers at the start is a pro move. You’ll know how much cash you need and what you’re in for. Look at online examples and chat about the offer specifics with the pros to get the gist of the stuff available.

You can also talk to friends and look at real weddings to figure out the types of formats available. This step is super critical to ensuring the couple chooses something that suits both their style and wallet.

Decide Your Spending Limit

Deciding on a spending budget for your wedding video keeps things from getting too pricey.

Also, you want to ensure your fund covers the basics and the fancy bits, like extra snippets or more footage. A well-planned spending plan keeps you on track and your wallet secure.

You have to be straight with your video person about the cash limits and picking the right deal is key to not going overboard.

Make Quick Reservations

Securing your wedding videographer as early as you can. These people are in serious demand, with all the weddings happening everywhere.

The best move is to book the professional way ahead; think six months to even a year out from your wedding events.

Doing this will help you get the best in the game and sort out all those tricky timing details ahead of time, which is one less headache for you.

Deciding On The Final Shots

Team up with your videographer to decide on those must-have shots. For example, you can be specific about capturing the excitement of the first look, vows that make you cry, and funny toasts at the party.

Make a list of important scenes to discuss with your video expert. This collaboration is the key to preparing a solid strategy and getting ready for action when the filming kicks off.

Getting Along With The Photo Team

Your photo and video teams should work together like a classic sandwich combo, capturing your special day in sync and avoiding any toe-stepping.

This duo effort lets both teams operate without a hitch, capturing those precious moments from various perspectives and eliminating any clumsy clashes or “get out of my frame” situations.

Editing Specifications

Step up and let your videographer know the exact atmosphere you aim for. You might prefer a flick of magic or a more straightforward touch. Just say it!

Discussing cuts, music, and unique visual tricks gives your videographers the ingredients they need to create a result that’s in line with your expectations. This clarity ensures things stay on point during the editing process.

Locking In The Strategy

Building a detailed timeline and listing shots is like handing your videographer a map of your dream wedding. Team up to create a straightforward plan with outlined times for the main events.

Things like the ceremony, toasts, and your first twirl on the dance floor. This helps ensure your camera guru catches every important part of your bash.

Wedding Videography Styles: Must-Have Key Moments To Capture

Collection of key moments in wedding videography, including vows, first look, and cake-cutting.

There are some events that the wedding day cannot go without, for example, exchanging vows and then the glorious moment of the first dance. Communicating with your videographer these shots during planning eliminates the risk of forgetting any essential scene. The following are some of them:

Vows Exchange

Vows are the core of a wedding. The sincere, passionate pledges shared between partners. It’s all about emotions here. So, your video wizard must get close to those crying eyes and bright smiles.

Walk To The Altar

When those lovebirds first lock eyes in their fancy get-ups, it’s a videographer’s dream come true.

When they begin to walk to the altar, the audience feels the intense scenario of the couple. That’s where the magic begins. You get this intimate, powerful scene, think of it as the kick-off for the entire event

Speeches

When your crew steps up to speak, they bring a personal vibe, spilling tales, dropping knowledge, and spitting emotions that capture the essence of your romance.

Snatching these precious snippets means you can experience the giggles and sobs over and over, keeping the love-felt vibes from your closest people alive forever.

First Dance

Your grand entrance into married life often includes the first dance, which is choreographed to a tune with a lot of meaning or some impressive steps.

It gets the grooves going.

So, your videographer must be prepped to snag all the spins, drops, and romantic looks. You can even practise the dance and let your videographer know how to film it.

Cutting The Cake

The cake-cutting process ties up the whole wedding. It’s a traditional part of the wedding and has to shine. Whether you slice it nice and tidy or smash it in for fun, having your videographer on standby to scoop up all the fun bits is essential.

How Long Should A Wedding Video Be?

Comparison of wedding video lengths: short highlight reel vs. full-length documentary.

Wedding clips vary just as much as the ceremonies they record. In general, a highlight reel goes on for around 3 to 5 minutes which is perfect for posting online and taking a fast trip down memory lane.

On the other hand, documentary-style film lasts for between 30 minutes to more than an hour, depending on the wedding. Most important is choosing a video duration that suits your viewing and sharing preferences for your wedding’s rerun.

Standard Lengths For Different Styles

Different people may have different opinions when it comes to the length of a wedding video. Some will prefer just a highlight reel that is short and sweet allowing others to share pieces of the couple’s day. Here are some variations that you might prefer:

  • Highlight Reels: These bite-sized clips, lasting 3 to 5 minutes, pack a real punch. Think of them as your wedding’s movie preview showcasing all the top moments with a touch of Hollywood style. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a little piece of your big day to share.
  • Full-Length Documentaries: Those wanting the whole experience will find it in documentaries stretching 30 to 90 minutes. They dig into every detail, from the first look to the farewell. This choice is spot-on for people aiming to soak up every memory, from the emotional to happier moments.

Factors Influencing Your Wedding Video Length

Factors influencing wedding video length, such as venue size, event count, and additional footage.

The presence of various events and their possible time consumption along with the location of where all the events are taking place goes a long way to ascertain how long or how short the wedding video will be. If you want to have an idea, the following will give you that.

What To Cover?

If you shoot a lot, your video gets longer. A video covering only the ceremony could end up 10-15 minutes long. But if you record the whole day, you’re looking at 60-90 minutes. It’s about nailing that perfect balance of a highlight and a wedding movie.

Size Of The Venue

There will be more people at your party, so there will be more bits to film. You might need a longer video for a huge celebration to capture everyone’s hugs, laughs, and epic dance battles.

But hey, smaller weddings can make a quick video just as epic, zooming in on the good stuff, without filling up the time.

Venue Layout

The right wedding spot can shape your video’s duration. Big, beautiful areas could encourage your video maker to spend extra time on those swoon-worthy panoramic views, which means a longer video.

Smaller places may not need as many scenes, keeping your film brief and charming.

Capturing The Traditional Stuff

Some weddings have specific cultural and traditional elements that can affect the length of the video. These classic and faith-based rituals can elevate your video. If traditions are your thing, expect your video to be longer.

Number Of Events

Does your wedding feel more like a big fest than a single-day bash? Stuff like rehearsal dinners, next-day brunches, or extra celebrations will bulk up your video.

Filming all the pre-wedding and post-wedding fun gives the extra spark to your romance tale. Keep in mind that extra clips mean extra time.

Rhythm And Flair

Your video’s vibe dictates its duration. Aim for a cinematic feel with slow pacing? Expect your video to be lengthy with those prolonged scenes and smooth transitions.

Prefer a snappy, shareable highlights video? You’ll keep it brief and engaging. It’s important to decide on transitions and styles to decide the final length.

Editing And Special Effects

The flair you add in post-production can affect your video’s length. Some couples love to add edits like slow-motion sequences and artistic presets, which tend to extend the video.

Others are all about quick, engaging edits that cut to the chase. Talk with your videographer to get the ideal length that suits your vibe.

What Is Included In Wedding Videography?

Standard wedding videography bundles are pretty much a mixed bag, just like a box of chocolates. They’ve got the must-haves like coverage hours, edited film, and uncut footage.

You might also land some neat highlight clips, whole documentaries, and access to the clips. Talk to different videographers to decide on a package most suited to you.

Hours Of Coverage And Number Of People

Your package’s cornerstone is its hours of coverage. These hours dictate the time your videographer spends recording all those special moments. Most basic packages include 6 to 8 hours, which is just suitable for getting everything from getting ready to the big ending at the reception.

Your package also comes with the liberty to choose how many cameras and photographers you want. The bigger the event, the more cameras there should be.

However, for those pulling off a day-long bash, select packages offer up to 12 hours and enough people to make sure every moment is captured.

Edited Footage

The magic unfolds in the edited video. Your polished wedding film comes to life created from the top footage selections. Music that lifts your spirits, colour grading that brightens your visuals, and transitions as sleek as your opening dance await you.

Depending on the package you choose and what you’re into, editing styles might be basic and charming or as epic as a big-screen movie. So, make the choice wisely.

Raw Footage

Many people will throw in the uncut stuff as part of the package or as a little extra. This has all the footage rolled out, with no slick cuts or anything.

It’s a need if you want to experience every single bump and spontaneous dance battle all over again. Just a heads up, you’re going to need more space to keep it all, but it’s totally worth it for a full-on, unedited look at your special occasion.

Highlight Reel

Imagine a preppy video, about 3 to 5 minutes long, showing off the top moments of your wedding day. That’s the gist of highlight reels. They’re great to share with your friends or throw up on Instagram and other platforms.

They give you a quick recap of your huge celebration, dishing out its heart in a neat little package.

Full-Length Documentary

If you want the entire deal in a video, a full-length documentary is included too. They range from half an hour to a solid hour and a half, perfect for partners wanting to relive every moment.

You’ll get the full scoop from promises to side-splitting toasts. These videos lay out your entire wedding tale, from the first moment to the last. It’s pretty much like reliving the romance you wrote!

Online Download

Wedding packages nowadays often include online access to your wedding films. No need to mess with DVDs, just a simple click, and you’re good to go!

Videographers set you up with a link or protected site so you, along with your friends and family, can watch and spread the joy of the video. It’s as if you’ve got your wedding in your pocket, waiting for the perfect moment to bring you a smile.

Physical Copies

Some videographers also have the option for USB and disc copies. Which gives you a physical version of your video. These make an excellent fail-safe and something real to hold onto.

They’re ideal for those people who want to watch the video without the hassle of the internet and can keep it safe forever.

Drone Footage

Craving that Hollywood vibe? Drones grab awesome sky shots that turn your wedding into an epic film. They’re super cool for weddings out in the open, a beach wedding from the sky, or countryside vows with huge scenic views! They can be pretty pricey though.

Your Visual Love Story

If you want to be extra, film a love story video before the wedding. It’s like a sneak peek into your romance. Shoot it where something special happened, and it’ll show off your path to saying “I do.”

Play it while everyone’s partying, or add it to your final wedding video. It’s so personal that folks will be wiping away tears. It’s perfect for couples who’ve been dating for a long time, or just to show the kids how mom and dad used to love.

Same-Day And Social Media Edits

Like a spell, editors create same-day edits – they create a quick snippet from the earliest things from your wedding. It’s a cool move for letting your night-time guests see what went down earlier. Just know you need some real professionals to get this done.

Do you need something short for the gram or TikTok? Then some packages also include these social media edits. These mini-movies are just for lovebirds keen to scatter hearts and thumbs-up emojis across the net.

Reception Coverage

Eager to record every single dance move? Longer reception recording ensures you keep all the night’s shenanigans.

Slicing the cake to busting moves all for future generations to see. Perfect for couples who want the actual bash to kick off post-dinner!

Getting Ready With The Bride

Bridal prep videos are all about capturing the lead-up to saying “I do” on film. They document the glam before the main event, from styling with hair and makeup to picking the dress and making the last-minute tweaks.

Consider these videos your exclusive access to the behind-the-scenes of your wedding day!

Engagement Shoot

You can also opt for engagement shoots. This is a nice way to show how the proposal for the marriage went down. It also gives you two a shot to get comfortable with the camera ahead of the big day.

Use this video with your wedding film, or let it play on your wedding day. Plus, it’s great for displaying how you went from “Yes!” to “I do!”

Wedding Videography Start To Finish: Essentials To Remember

In terms of capturing and producing a wedding video, ensure you have an organised plan. If there are no gaps in coordination, it should be possible to reflect all the touching moments of the day properly.

Be Open With What You Want

Don’t hesitate to make your wishes clear to your videographer! Let them in on your dream video’s look, the inspirations you adore, and the key scenes you need.

The more info they have, the more awesome the capture of your big day will be. It’s as if you’re handing over the treasure map to your ideal wedding video!

Fix A Budget

Decide on your video fund from the start to dodge any cash surprises down the road. Talk straight about your spending limit.

Your videographer can then point to options that’ll help you save money. The aim is to get that top-notch video without the hefty cost!

Book The Videographer Early

Don’t hesitate to book your videographer early! They get snapped up really quickly way before the wedding season. Secure your spot ahead of time and go over the details. For the best day, you would want just the best for you.

Plan! Plan! Plan!

Build a timeline for the key events of your day. Weddings can be hectic so having a plan is crucial to keep yourself together.

Planning helps your videographer capture every moment without any errors. It’s like sketching out your wedding film!

Allow Your Videographer To Work With Others

Get your videographer to collaborate with other professionals. For example, your photographer or DJ.  When they’re all in tune, your special day will run as smoothly as a slick dance routine.

Review The Final Product

Once all the celebrations calm down, check out your wedding film and let your videographer know what to fix. Your input is super valuable in making the result shine.

Besides, this allows the videographer to discuss special effects to add and understand what you love. And it also helps to save you from any errors in the final video.

Remember, your wedding film isn’t just a bunch of clips strung together; it’s a portal back to your amazing day, any time you wish. So give it the attention it deserves!

Working With Your Wedding Videographer: Things To Remember

The level of effort you put into working with your wedding videographer will be directly proportional to how your wedding events are captured. So, remember to ensure the following things beforehand.

Complete Pre-Wedding Forms For Profiles

When you fill out your videographer’s profile forms, you are providing them with key details that they will need to get right for the filming of your wedding.

If you have a certain theme for your videos or any important moments to capture and any specifics that shape your love story please mention them.

Decide In-Detail Shots For The Wedding Morning

The wedding day morning is filled with joy and expectations. In order to facilitate your videographer’s work, choose a nice and bright room that is not cluttered for the preparations.

Sun rays help in softening the videos, and having a clean and uncluttered frame is aesthetically great. Convey your morning routine to them so that they do not miss any of the action before the wedding itself.

Add Buffer Time To The Schedule For Some Unsanitized Shots

Time is of the essence, and it is more important to over-allocate time rather than vice versa. This additional time allows the videographer to catch uncontrollable moments such as final words of encouragement or sharing a laugh with mates before the big moment.

It also assists in guaranteeing that everyone participating in the wedding ceremony is well-positioned with a mic for maximum audio clarity ensuring that every lovable word and every smile is captured.

Discuss The Must-Have Shots

Another example is if you want to see something like the champagne cork popping up, make sure you inform your videographer about your ideas.

Specify any unusual requests as well, such as love letter readings or stylish entry plots, so that they can be marked and photographed as well.

When everybody understands the plan, it is easier for a couple to achieve their perfect wedding video.

Bottom Line

What needs to be understood is that videography in weddings is not just aimed at shooting moving pictures; it is aimed at capturing the spirit, emotions, and beauty of a very special day in a form that can be viewed over and over again.

There is something for every couple’s imagination, the styles range from cinematic to documentary. From this wedding videography guide, you now have a clear idea to set your expectations and planning right.

If everything is pre-planned, nothing can go wrong with your perfect wedding video!

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