Inspiration
2 Wedding Videography Styles: Which One Is Right for Youđ?
Great idea thinking about a wedding videographer! But before you just book someone, you really need to check out their style. Do you love dreamy slow-motion shots and dramatic music? Or do you prefer a natural, unscripted feel? It will determine whether youâll love rewatching it later.
Popular wedding videography styles
1. Documentary/journalistic style
This is a more natural approach, and the one I tend to lean towards â for example, see this film I made. The videographer captures everything as it happens, without interfering or directing. No staged moments. Just raw, real emotions.
The Pros
A good understanding of the moments you value is key here. Do you value lots of moments alone with your partner on the wedding day and is a sneak out during golden hour your dream? Or do you lean more towards having many moments together with your partner, friends, family and guests and enjoy the golden hour toasting with them? I'll get to know this
- You donât have to think about the camera at all.
- Perfect if you donât like posing or acting.
- Feels real and timeless.
The Cons
- Less artistic or dramatic shots.
- It might be missing that âHollywood feel.â
The role of the videographer
- In this style, the videographer is almost invisible. They move discreetly among the guests and capture everything naturally.
2. The Cinematic Wedding Film
This is the ultra-polished, cinematic style â like this video from a colleague of mine â where the videographer edits the footage as if it were a real movie. Think slow-motion shots, dreamy transitions, and perfectly timed music.
The Pros
- Looks super professional, like a real movie.
- Beautiful, emotional, and artistic shots.
- Color grading and editing make it extra special.
The Cons
- The videographer is usually more present, giving directions.
- The editing takes longer, so you may need to wait a little for the final video.
The role of the videographer
- In this style, the videographer is quite involved.They may ask you to stand in a certain spot or repeat an action to capture the perfect shot.
A few more tips
Choose a videographer who suits you â Youâll be spending the whole day with them, so make sure you also like them as a person.
Ask about audio quality â If you want vows or speeches in your video, make sure they use professional audio equipment.
Decide on the video length â Do you want a short highlights film or a full wedding video?
Which style is right for you?
It all comes down to what you want. If you dream of an epic, cinematic wedding film, go for that style. If you want a raw, natural memory of the day, a documentary style might be better.
My advice: watch different videos, discuss what you like, and choose a videographer who truly suits you! đ„âš
Here's a film I made that finds a balance between both styles
