Wedding Video vs Wedding Film: what’s the difference?
In this blog, I’ll explore the differences between a wedding video and a wedding film, so you can make an informed decision when choosing someone to capture your special day.
As a professional in the wedding industry, I often hear couples using the terms “wedding video” and “wedding film” interchangeably, leading to confusion about the difference between the two. I refer to myself as a wedding videographer, because that is the industry-recognised term, but I deliver wedding films. Are you still following me?
In this blog, I’ll discuss the differences between a wedding video and a wedding film, so you can make an informed decision when choosing a wedding videographer.
Wedding Video
A wedding video is a traditional and straightforward way of capturing your wedding day. The videographer will document the ceremony, speeches, and first dance, along with other key moments throughout the day. The footage is then edited and usually put together to create a chronological record of your wedding day, with background music. It is designed to give you a record of your day that you can look back on and relive.
Wedding Film
A wedding film, on the other hand, is a more artistic and creative take on documenting your wedding day. The videographer will not only capture the key moments of your wedding day, but they will also tell a story through the use of sound design (speeches, ambient sound, spoken words) slow-motion shots, and other cinematic techniques. Wedding films are designed to evoke emotions and create a nostalgic feeling when you watch them. The videographer will spend more time capturing the small details and intimate moments, which can be edited together to create a beautiful and artistic representation of your wedding day.
The Key Differences
Editing: The biggest difference between a wedding video and a wedding film is the editing process. For a wedding video, this is is typically chronological, with just some background music. A wedding film, on the other hand, uses sound design to bring to life the footage, and creates a narrative that you can follow when watching it back. It is designed to deliver a more emotional viewing experience, and tell the story of the couples.
Style: The other difference between a wedding video and a wedding film is the style in which they are created. A wedding video is typically shot in a straightforward manner, while a wedding film is a more creative and artistic representation of your day.
Length: Wedding videos are usually longer than wedding films, as they capture a more comprehensive record of your day. Wedding films, on the other hand, are usually shorter and more concise, focusing on the key moments and emotions of your day.
In conclusion, the choice between a wedding video and a wedding film comes down to personal preference and budget. If you want a straightforward and comprehensive record of your wedding day, a wedding video might be the best option for you. However, if you want a more creative, emotional, and artistic representation of your day, I believe a wedding film is the best way to go. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a videographer who understands your vision and can bring it to life in a way that you will cherish for years to come.
How to choose a wedding videographer?
Choosing a wedding videographer is a big decision, as the wedding video will be a lasting memory of your special day. Here are 3 key things to consider when selecting a videographer for your wedding.
Style and Aesthetic
Every videographer has a unique style and aesthetic, so it’s important to find someone whose work resonates with you. Wedding videographers offer different films, and it’s a personal decision. You need to consider what’s important to you, and how you want to remember your day:
Portfolio: Look at the videographer’s portfolio and watch their samples to get a sense of their style. This will help you determine if their style is a good match for your taste and the look and feel you’re going for on your wedding day.
Photographer vs videographer: if you’ve already hired a photographer, make sure their style aligns with the videographer you’re thinking about. You can even ask your photographer for recommendations or whether they’ve worked with a particular videographer in the past.
Experience and Reputation
Look for a videographer who has experience filming weddings, as they will have the skills and knowledge necessary to capture all the important moments of your day. There are different ways to can achieve this:
Reviews: Read online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family to find a videographer with a good reputation
Social channels: You can also see their most recent work on their social channels, like Instagram or YouTube. An experienced wedding videographer will keep active on social, and it’s the best way to get a feel for the weddings they’re filming.
Personal Connection
It’s important to have a good relationship with your wedding videographer, as they will be with you on one of the most important day of your life. Look for someone who you feel comfortable with and who you believe will be able to capture the essence of your day. The best ways to do this are:
Read the ‘About’ section of their website: the way they describe themselves and their work will tell a lot about who they are as a person, and the kind of experience you can expect on your wedding day
Schedule a call with them: if you’re unsure, you sure totally reach out and schedule a Zoom or a phone call. This is perfect to also ask any questions you might have about their style, their approach, and build a rapport with them
In conclusion, choosing a wedding videographer is an important decision, as the wedding video will be a lasting memory of your special day. By considering factors such as style, experience and personal connection, you can find the right videographer for your wedding.
If you’re unsure about hiring a wedding videographer, and would like a chat to help with your decisions, then get in touch and I’d love to have a chat with you.
Why book a wedding videographer?
Here are 10 reasons why you should consider a wedding videographer on your big day, by award-winning wedding videographer Lune de Miel Studio.
1. Wedding videography brings it all to life
A wedding videographer will deliver moving pictures. It’s a much more immersive experience than purely looking at your wedding photos. So, where a photographer will deliver a still image, a wedding videographer will bring it to life and deliver something with movement. Instantly, a video becomes more captivating because it’ll bring back memories that simply cannot be caught with photography.
2. It’s ok to be camera shy
Wedding videographers use small camera gear these days. Gone are the days where a videographer would be carrying bulky equipment around! Most wedding videographers have become minimalist with what they carry, so they’re hardly noticeable these days. The last thing a wedding videographer wants is to disrupt the flow of your wedding, so we always aim to be as discrete as possible.
I think we can all admit it: most of us are camera shy. Few are really comfortable being photographed or filmed on their wedding day. That is exactly why you need a professional wedding videographer to capture your big day candidly, and in the moment. You don’t want to have to pose, or be directed.
3. Everyone has an iPhone, right?
Whether it’s the first look, the confetti shot, or even the first dance … guests will have their phone ready. And you’ll likely receive 100+ messages on WhatsApp following your wedding, with everyone sharing their videos.
But, if you want a professional to film your wedding, and deliver an engaging video, then a wedding videographer will also have the exact same shots, and more, but recorded on high-end camera gear.
4. Videographer vs Photographer
When planning your wedding, whether it’s a UK wedding or a destination wedding, you’ll likely start by booking your photographer. That is what most couples do. Wedding videographers and photographers work well together, because they’re all there to capture the best moments. The two truly complement each other.
If you’re looking to hire both a wedding videographer and a photographer, you’ll want to consider two main things:
Do their styles match?
Have they worked together before?
5. Tell your story
The beauty of a wedding video is that it combines everything you know about cinema, and packs it all into your wedding film: Throughout beautiful footage and carefully curated sound design, and background music, a wedding videographer will tell your wedding story as if it was a mini-film. A movie always has key ingredients to structure the narrative: scene setting, characters, location, ambient sound. I apply these principles in all of my wedding films.
6. “I do”, but on camera
When you think about your wedding day, you’ll likely cast your mind back to the wedding ceremony itself: the groom nervously waiting for his bride. Guests excited to see the dress. The bride walking down the aisle. The “I do” and exchange of the rings, followed by your first kiss.
These are things you want to remember and be able to watch back. A wedding videographer will capture the ceremony in its entirety, so you can watch it back alongside your full wedding film, and relive all those precious moments.
7. Remember the speeches
One of the most underrated aspects of hiring a wedding videographer are the speeches. If you’re looking to deliver a speech, chances are you’ll be feeling nervous about speaking in front of a crowd. You have probably prepared your notes on small cards, to make sure that you can remember to thank everyone, including your brides (Trust me, it has happened!).
You’ve put a lot of efforts into it and thought about every word you want to say, so why not have a wedding videographer capture your speech on film, so you can watch it back?
8. Relive the day as if you were there
The day of your wedding can be nerve wracking. It is one of the biggest days you’ll experience as a couple. And it all goes so quick! Wedding videography is perfect to remember everything, from start to finish. With a wedding film, you’ll be taken back to the bridal prep, the hair and makeup, the laughter with your bridesmaids. The groom and his boys fooling around. All the way to your first dance, and the awkward uncle’s moves on the dancefloor.
9. Remember your venue
If you’re looking into wedding videography, you’ve also secured your wedding venue. It could be one of Cheshire’s most luxurious wedding venues, or if you’re planning a destination wedding, you might be getting married in Spain or Italy, some of Europe’s top wedding destinations. A wedding videographer will capture your venue, including from air, through drone wedding videography. You’ll be able to see your wedding venue like you’ve never seen it before, with a stunning aerial perspective.
10. Remember everyone
Do you want to remember how much love surrounds you on your special day? Wedding videographers will aim to tell your story. And so much of this is about who you are as a couple, but also the bonds and love that will surround you on your wedding day: from both friends and family. Those close ones you’ll want to remember forever.
2023 Wedding trend: Couple love letters
2023 Wedding trend: Couple love letters, to read out on the day of the wedding. A perfect idea for couples looking for something personal on their wedding day.
Couple love letters. One of the top trends for 2023 weddings.
If you’re a couple getting married in 2023 or 2024, and looking for ideas to make your wedding day even more special and personal, then this one is for you: couple love letters.
I recently collaborated with one of my couples. And this is something I’ll be recommending to all my couples going forward, as it adds that extra bit of personal touch to your wedding film.
Top Wedding trend for 2023
As a UK and Destination wedding videographer, 2023 is going to be busy, and I always look for ideas and recommendations for my couples to make their wedding day even more special. If you’re currently planning your wedding, and are after ideas to make your wedding memorable, then couple love letters is definitely one of the top trends to consider, particularly if you’re thinking of not doing formal speeches, or if you want something special to remember.
How it works
The idea is really simple. Prior to the wedding day itself, both the groom and the bride will write a letter to each other. The letters are placed in an envelop, sealed, and not opened until the actual day itself.
On the day of the weddings, the groom will open his bride’s love letter, and the bride will read her letter from her husband-to-be. This also works if you wanted to read out the letters yourselves, of course. I then record the whole scene with my camera and a small microphone, and the audio is then used in your wedding film.
The letters can be read at any point throughout the day, and could also be your own personal vows. I love the idea, as it provides raw and genuine emotions when reading the wedding love letter, knowing your other half has written it for you.
Watch one of my recent wedding highlight films below for an example of how the end product looks.
Couple love letters at Colshaw Hall
If you’re looking for a wedding videographer, and would like to hear more about my cinematic wedding videography style, then drop me a message. I’d love to chat!