Types of Wedding Videography
You may not be enough of a film buff to explain what makes a movie an award-winning blockbuster or a forgettable flop, but you certainly know what you like. Whether you’re a sucker for a great rom-com, can’t get enough of twisty docu-dramas, or prefer the Old Hollywood classics, you should be just as excited about your wedding video as you are about your favorite big-screen flicks.
Finding a videographer whose style is a match for your wedding-day vision and innate personality might take some research—and more than a few meetings—but having an idea of what you want can make the process go more smoothly. Here, vthe different wedding videography styles you’ll come across and the key elements you should look for when reviewing films. One key:
Work with a videographer who understands that the joy of your event should take center stage. “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.”
The 5 Most Common Wedding Videography Styles
Ready to start considering your videography options? These are five common wedding videography styles to consider: documentary, cinematic, traditional, storytelling, and vintage. Here, what to know about each and pros and cons to keep in mind.
Documentary
A documentary-style videographer will have an “utterly hands-off style of filmmaking” . Expect your filmmakers to stay in the background, capturing moments as they happen naturally and without direction—no pulling together groups of friends on the dance floor to wave at the camera or asking the couple to twirl during their portraits. “Sometimes, a documentary style of videography will mean less polished, more ‘off-the-cuff” . “Think of how The Office was filmed: The camera work may be handheld and a little shaky.” The result: A behind-the-scenes look at the way your day unfolded, often with moments even you and your partner missed. If you prefer something extremely curated and polished, this style might not be right for you.
The final version of a documentary-style film “may be less story-driven and more sequential,” Videographers offer a documentary edit as one of their company’s options. “The video should be every moment in sequential order from the wedding weekend with natural audio, no added music, and minimal editing,” she says. “It's been lovingly referred to as the ‘FOMO edit’ because it shows every moment, like a home video of the weekend—albeit an elevated one."
Cinematic
While “cinematic video” may sound like an oxymoron, it’s really more of an industry shorthand. “A cinematic videographer creates a beautiful, curated, and purposeful film for you that makes you feel like you're watching a movie.” You can expect a cinematic edit to include carefully chosen music, audio of toasts and speeches from your reception (if included), and “the overarching story of the couple’s wedding and relationship” . “Cinematic Video are styled to match the vibe of the clients' weddings.”
Traditional
Traditional wedding videos have fewer frills: No flashy transitions, minimal music, basic editing. Still, there’s an old-school vibe that many couples find appealing. “A traditional wedding videographer will be more like what your parents had”. “They aren't there to get creative. They film everything as-is and deliver it as-is, and they tend to edit in the order of events happening, not telling a story or putting a lot of effort into their editing.”
Storytelling
For a comprehensive video that tells the story of your relationship—not just your wedding day—look for a videographer who works in a storytelling style. They often include elements beyond those captured during the ceremony and reception to create an heirloom-quality record of your life together so far. “Storytelling videographers are pros at piecing together a video from a wedding weekend that flows like a story” . “They usually use speeches, letter readings, vows, and other audio elements from your day to help tell this story. Some videographers may even do pre-event interviews to help them tell the story.”
Vintage
If you want your video to have the same vibe as your favorite Instagram filter or your grandparents’ childhood home videos, opt for a videographer who specializes in vintage cameras and film. “Vintage videography may include vintage methods of capturing your wedding day, such as Super8mm film, 16mm film, Camcorders, or other vintage cameras” . “This style is nostalgic and is a callback to the videos of your grandparents and great-grandparents.” Even videographers who use creative, storytelling, traditional, or documentary styles, though, can include footage taken on a vintage camera, allowing the older and new formats to complement each other. “Couples love incorporate "Vintage" in their video—it's such a beautiful tool for showcasing emotion,” .
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