Your wedding film is more than just a video – it’s a way to relive the emotions, laughter, and heartfelt moments of your big day. Choosing the right style is key to capturing your personality and the essence of your celebration. Here’s a quick breakdown of the three main wedding film styles:
- Movie-Style: Polished and cinematic with dramatic visuals and music. Best for couples who want a high-end, theatrical vibe.
- Documentary-Style: Natural and unscripted, focusing on genuine emotions and candid moments. Perfect for those who value authenticity.
- Retro-Style: Nostalgic and artistic, using vintage cameras for a timeless, grainy look. Ideal for couples who love a classic aesthetic.
Quick Comparison:
| Style | Shooting Approach | Editing Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movie-Style | Directed, cinematic | High production value | Dramatic storytelling |
| Documentary | Candid, unobtrusive | Minimal tweaks | Genuine emotions |
| Retro-Style | Vintage film techniques | Nostalgic and artistic | Timeless, classic charm |
Key Tip: Match your film style to your personality, wedding theme, and budget. Whether you want a dramatic movie feel or a natural documentary vibe, your wedding film should reflect what matters most to you.
Documentary vs Cinematic Wedding Videography: Tips on Choosing Your Style
3 Main Wedding Film Styles
Here’s a closer look at three distinct wedding film styles to help you find the perfect match for your big day.
Movie-Style Films
Movie-style wedding films transform your special day into a cinematic experience. With dramatic camera work and high-end equipment, this style delivers a polished, theatrical vibe.
“Because [the] guest experience is one of the main priorities [of couples], the Hollywood movie style of filmmaking and editing is perfect for showcasing the high production value of the weekend. Featuring swooping, cinematic camera moves and grand, orchestral film scores, these films allow the viewer to feel like they are watching a movie production of a wedding day.” – Camden Johnson, Head Filmmaker and Editor of Sea Jay Films
To achieve this, videographers use tools like gimbals for smooth shots and drones for sweeping aerial views . The final product highlights key moments – emotional vows, heartfelt speeches – enhanced by music that amplifies the story .
If you’re drawn to a more natural feel, the next style might be for you.
Natural Documentary Films
For couples who want their wedding film to feel genuine and unscripted, documentary-style films focus on real emotions and interactions as they happen. This approach avoids staged scenes, letting your personalities and authentic moments take center stage.
The main difference lies in how the videographer works. Instead of directing or setting up shots, they take a hands-off approach, capturing events as they unfold naturally .
| Aspect | Documentary Style | Movie-Style |
|---|---|---|
| Shooting Approach | Candid, unobtrusive | Directed, cinematic |
| Editing Style | Minimal tweaks | High production value |
| Ideal For | Genuine emotions | Dramatic storytelling |
| Focus | Real interactions | Stylized visuals |
Retro-Style Films
Retro-style wedding films bring a nostalgic charm with footage shot on Super 8 or 16mm cameras from the mid-20th century. These films have a warm, grainy look that feels timeless . Since each film canister provides only 2–3 minutes of footage, careful planning is essential .
Many videographers blend retro film with digital footage, combining the nostalgic appeal of vintage visuals with the flexibility of modern technology . The imperfections of film – light leaks, grain, and even the sound of the camera – add a character that digital simply can’t replicate . This style is perfect for couples who want a wedding film that feels both artistic and timeless.
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How to Pick Your Film Style
Cost and Package Options
Your budget plays a major role in deciding the style of your wedding film. Videographers typically set their prices based on their experience and what they include in their packages:
| Experience Level | Price Range | Typical Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | £1,000-£2,000 | Basic coverage of the ceremony and reception |
| Wedding Professionals | £4,000-£6,000 | Full-day coverage with multiple cameras |
| Luxury Videographers | £7,000+ | Premium editing and multiple shooters |
Extras can add to your costs. For example, including drone footage might cost around $450, while a teaser film could add about £500 . If you’re leaning toward a cinematic style, keep in mind that it often involves 30–40 hours of editing, which can also increase the price .
Wedding Location and Theme
Your venue and wedding theme are important factors when picking a film style. Different approaches can bring out the best in your location. For example, a vintage-style film could enhance the charm of a historic venue, while a cinematic approach might highlight the sleek vibe of a modern city setting.
Key things to consider:
- The venue’s natural lighting
- Architectural details worth showcasing
- Whether the ceremony is indoors or outdoors
- The wedding’s overall aesthetic and color scheme
Matching your film style to your venue’s unique features can help create a more cohesive final product.
What Matters Most to You
Your wedding film should reflect your personal style. Spend some time reviewing videographers’ portfolios to find what speaks to you. Pay attention to elements like:
- Music: The soundtrack sets the tone for the entire film.
- Color treatment: Do you prefer bold, vibrant tones or something more subdued, like black-and-white?
- Creative input: Decide how much direction you want to give your videographer.
If your focus is on storytelling, a documentary-style film that captures genuine moments might be your best bet. On the other hand, if visuals are your priority, a cinematic style with dramatic shots and polished editing could be the way to go. Knowing your preferences will make discussions with your videographer much more productive.
Planning with Your Videographer
Explaining What You Want
When meeting with potential videographers, make sure to clearly describe the style of video you’re looking for. Share specific details like your preferences for color tones, music, and how you’d like the filming to unfold. This helps ensure your vision is understood.
“It’s so crucial that your video team can read the room and know how to act to preserve the emotions and moments as they unfold. This is your wedding day, not our opportunity to direct a blockbuster film.” – Megan Pettus, Videographer
What to Ask Before Booking
Here are important topics to cover when discussing plans with a videographer:
| Topic | Key Questions to Address |
|---|---|
| Style Consistency | Do they have experience with your preferred style? Can they share sample videos? |
| Creative Process | How do they approach capturing natural, unscripted moments? |
| Technical Details | What equipment do they use? Do they have backup plans? What’s the timeline for delivery? |
| Collaboration | Are they experienced in working alongside photographers and other vendors? |
Using Local Experts Like Brighton Wedding Videography
Once you’ve clarified your vision and questions, it’s time to explore local options. Brighton Wedding Videography, for example, offers packages tailored to different needs. Their “Bells And Whistles” package includes 8 hours of coverage with an award-winning cinematographer. This package covers:
- Full ceremony filming
- Speech recordings
- A highlight video
- Professional editing with music
- Delivery on Blu-Ray
They specialize in capturing authentic, natural moments and even offer extras like drone footage for stunning aerial shots. Pricing starts at £500 for basic editing and goes up to £1,500 for full-day coverage.
“The better we match the style, the happier videographer and newlyweds will be” – Olga Shramkova from Bride&Groom.video
Making Your Final Choice
Main Points to Remember
When choosing your wedding film style, think about how editing, music, and filming techniques align with your vision. As experienced videographer Megan Pettus puts it, “We spend over 30 percent of our editing time sourcing the perfect music based on our client’s vibe, personality, and the feeling of the overall event. More detail transports you back to that day.”
Here are some style elements to keep in mind:
| Style Element | What to Consider | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Color Grading | Match with the photographer’s style | Keeps photo and video aesthetics cohesive |
| Music Selection | Your favorite genre and tone | Sets the emotional tone for the film |
| Editing Approach | Transition style (subtle or bold) | Shapes the overall viewing experience |
| Filming Style | Videographer’s level of involvement | Affects how natural or directed things feel |
These elements help you refine your decision and guide you toward the best videographer for your wedding film. With these in mind, it’s time to start exploring portfolios.
Getting Started
Dive into videographers’ full portfolios to assess their editing style, color grading, and how they integrate music. If your photographer leans toward a moody aesthetic, look for videographers with a similar approach to keep everything visually consistent.
When evaluating videographers, consider these steps:
- Ask for full-length videos to understand their storytelling style.
- Pay attention to music choices to see if they create a smooth, emotional flow.
- Review their filming approach – decide if you want a hands-off, documentary style or a more directed, cinematic vibe.
“If you choose a photographer that has a darker, more moody style of photography, you’ll want your videographer to also work in that style. This ensures they can work well as a team on your wedding day and that your photos and video will be consistent.” – Megan Pettus
Your wedding film should feel like you. It’s about capturing the emotions and moments that define your big day. A skilled videographer will balance your vision with the natural flow of events to create something truly memorable.
