There are two main types of wedding
film styles: cinematic and documentary. It is important for you to express what
you envision for your wedding video when speaking to potential videographers
because each has their own unique style of shooting. We’ve included some of the
main differences below to help you make your decision. Keep these in mind when
viewing videographer samples so you can point out aspects you particularly like
or dislike in wedding video examples you’ve seen. Also bookmark video samples
you like to share with potential videographers to give them a better idea of
what you are looking for.
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| Cinematic: thoughtfully framed, dramatic lighting, staged scenes, produced |
Cinematic Wedding Videos are
highly edited and produced films intended to tell a story, just like most
movies you would watch in a movie theater. They are usually story-boarded with
specific scenes in mind to create a specific narrative and mood. They can be
dramatic, playful, whimsical, suspenseful, etc. The videographer will most
likely be more involved in setting up particular shots as a director would on a
movie set. Details such as framing, lighting, camera movement, transitions, and
sound effects are important in telling the story and setting the desired mood
for your wedding film. Not all details or “scenes” from the day will be
covered, just those that help develop the storyline or mood you’ve settled upon.
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| Documentary: also thoughtfully composed but captures the candid moments and events as they happen |
Documentary Wedding Video can
include some of the elements listed above and definitely some story-telling
elements such as establishing setting. The main difference is that your entire
day is captured as it was experienced that day. It is in chronological order
for the most part and contains many details. Shots can be choreographed (if you
desire or it is the videographer’s style) or just captured as they happen
without the direction of a videographer. Many brides prefer this option as the
videographer is much less obtrusive and more of your guests and the day is
captured (vs. being cut out because it doesn’t fit the story line of a
cinematic production). As Wikipedia explains,” Observational
documentaries attempt to simply and spontaneously observe lived life with a
minimum of intervention.”
What if you like both styles of
wedding videos? Talk to your videographer. You could request an extended
documentary style video of all the events of the day plus a more dramatic
set-to-music highlight reel with scenes edited to tell a story and set the
desired mood. Or you could request a wedding day trailer which is especially
fun to send out to friends & guests who either couldn’t attend or would just
be interested in the very best short interesting clips to post on social media!
Congratulations on your upcoming
wedding and best of luck!
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