Everything you need to know about
wedding films
The ultimate guide to finding the perfect wedding videographer for your big day.
Everything you need to know to plan your wedding film, including tips to help you find a wedding videographer that suits your vision for the day.
1. Why you need a wedding film
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life as a couple. It's a day that you want to remember forever. While photos are a great way to capture the memories of the day, they can't quite capture the same emotion as a wedding film.
Wedding videography has become an essential part of weddings over the years. Couples love to capture every moment of their special day on film, from the ceremony to the reception. Wedding cinematography has come a long way, and there are now many options available for couples to choose from. A wedding videographer will document the ceremony, reception, and any other important events throughout the day. They will create a cinematic, emotional, and beautiful video that captures the essence of the wedding day.
1: Emotion and memory
A wedding is a day filled with emotion, and a film captures these feelings in a way that photos simply cannot. Wedding films can capture the way the couple looked at each other, the tears of joy, and the laughter. When a couple watches their wedding film years down the road, they'll be transported back to the emotions they felt on their wedding day. This is why a wedding film is so important – it captures the sights and sounds of the day in a way that nothing else can.
2: Cinematic quality
Wedding films are not just a recording of the day; they are a cinematic experience. Wedding filmmakers are trained to capture the day in a way that tells a story. They use creative angles, lighting, and editing techniques to create a film that looks like a movie. When a couple watches their wedding film, they're not just watching a video of their wedding; they're watching a work of art.
3: Your story, told
A wedding film is not just for the couple getting married; it's for their families as well. When the couple's children and grandchildren watch the wedding film years down the road, they'll be able to see their family history come to life. A wedding film is a way to preserve family memories and history for generations to come.
4: Unique perspective
As bride and groom, you'll be surrounded by family and friends, but you won't be able to see everything that's going on. A wedding film captures moments that you might have missed, such as your guests' reactions, your partner getting ready, or your loved ones' speeches. When you watch your wedding film, you'll see your day from a unique perspective.
Is a wedding videographer worth it?
Should you book a wedding videographer to capture your day on film?
Highlight Film - usually 3-5m
A highlight film selects the best moments of the wedding day. It typically lasts between three to five minutes and is set to a single track. This is a great option for couples who want a succinct and powerful way to capture the essence of the day. If you’re looking for an artistic representation of your wedding day, this is for you.
2. The different types of wedding films
Feature film - usually 15-20mn
A feature film is a longer video, and includes more footage than a highlight film. A feature film is a great option for couples who want a more in-depth look at their wedding day. Wedding videographers typically offer both a Highlight and Feature film as part of their package, so you get the best of both worlds.
Documentary Style - usually 45mn
A documentary-style video is a more traditional style of wedding videography. It typically includes a lot of footage from the ceremony, reception, and other events throughout the day. It is less stylised than a feature film and focuses more on capturing the events of the day as they happen.
Same-day edit - 5-10mn
This is edited and shown at the reception, on the day! It will include footage from the ceremony and pre-wedding events. A same-day edit is a great way to share the day with guests and allows them to relive the moments they just witnessed. It will not be as stylised as a Highlight or Feature Film, so doesn’t suit all couples.
Engagement Films - 3-5mn
Couple engagement videography suits newly-engaged couples, or those looking to pop the question soon. An engagement film tells the story of your relationship, and is popular amongst couples looking to get in early on the celebrations.
“The tears won’t stop streaming, it’s evoked so many emotions inside. I don’t know how to put it into words”
— Catherine, bride. Married at Delamere Manor, 2023.
Cinematic wedding films
A cinematic wedding film is inspired from a real movie. It aims to convey emotions and tell a story, in a creative and artistic way.
As opposed to just a wedding video, a cinematic wedding film uses sound, high quality footage, and a well-defined narrative to tell the story of your day.
“The film is so beautifully done; the editing, colouring, audio and story is stunning! It captured us as a couple as well as the joy of our friends and family”
— Jess, bride. Married in the Lake District, 2023
3. Remembering your day
Wedding videography is something you should consider if you want to be able to remember your day. The 3 mains reasons are:
Relive your day: First and foremost, it allows couples to relive their wedding day for years to come. The day goes by so quickly, and it's hard to remember everything that happened. With a wedding film, couples can watch their special day over and over again.
Sights and Sounds: Wedding cinematography also captures moments that photography cannot. For example, a videographer can capture the vows and speeches that are given during the ceremony and reception. It also captures the emotions and atmosphere of the day in a way that photography cannot.
A memory to treasure: Finally, a wedding film is a gift to yourself and those closest to you: you can share the day with friends and family who were unable to attend. Couples can share their wedding video on social media or send it to loved ones who were unable to make it to the wedding.
A wedding film is an investment in your memories, your family's history, and a unique perspective on your wedding day. It's not just a recording of the day; it's a cinematic experience that will transport you back to the emotions you felt on your wedding day. When you hire a professional wedding filmmaker, you're investing in a product that you'll cherish for the rest of your life. Don't let your memories fade; invest in a wedding film today.
A wedding film is not something that should be left to an amateur. Professional wedding filmmakers are trained to capture weddings in a way that amateur videographers simply cannot. They know how to work with lighting, sound, and movement to create a cinematic experience that will last a lifetime. When you hire a professional wedding filmmaker, you're investing in a quality product that you'll be proud to show off for years to come.
“Joce has got an amazing eye for the right camera angle and a fantastic gift for telling the story of a couple. We’ve had so many complements of our wedding videos.”
— Josh, groom. Married in Cheshire, 2023.
4. Do you need both a photographer and videographer?
Having both a wedding photographer and wedding videographer on your special day can provide a more complete and immersive documentation of your wedding memories.
A wedding photographer is essential for capturing beautiful still images of your big day, from the bridal preparations to the ceremony, reception, and everything in between. They can capture the snapshots of the drama and joy of the day, as well as the little details that make your wedding unique.
On the other hand, a wedding videographer can capture all of the above, as well as the movement, sound, and atmosphere of the wedding, creating a cinematic experience that allows you to relive the day in motion. They can capture the vows, speeches, and first dance, as well as the candid moments between guests. Together, a wedding photographer and videographer can create a beautiful and comprehensive record of your wedding day that you can cherish and revisit for years to come.
If you want to relive the day in motion, capture the sounds and emotions, and share the highlights with friends and family who couldn't make it, a videographer may be a better choice. Ultimately, it's important to consider your priorities and budget, and find a professional who can deliver the quality and style you desire.
5. How much does a wedding videographer cost?
It's important to understand that wedding videography is a professional service that requires a significant amount of time, equipment, and expertise. An experienced wedding videographer will not only capture the events of the day but will also use their creativity and technical skills to produce a final piece that is both beautiful and meaningful.
The cost of wedding videography can start as low as £500 and can go up to £5,000 or more, depending on a variety of factors such as location, experience, packages, and editing style. Below are some of the main factors that can affect the cost of hiring a wedding videographer.
Location: The cost of hiring a wedding videographer can vary greatly depending on where you live. For example, wedding videographers in major cities such as London may charge more than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
Experience: The more experienced a wedding videographer is, the more they may charge. Experienced videographers have likely invested a lot of time and money into their craft, and their services reflect that.
Package inclusions: Many wedding videographers offer different packages that include various services such as pre-wedding consultations, additional videographers, full ceremony coverage. The more comprehensive the package, the more it may cost.
Editing style: Different wedding videographers have different editing styles, and some styles may be more labour-intensive than others. For example, a videographer who creates cinematic-style wedding films may spend many hours editing footage to create a polished final product.
Time of year: Wedding videographers may charge more during peak wedding season, which is typically from May to October. This is because they may be in higher demand during this time and may have to turn down other work to accommodate your wedding.
Ultimately, the cost of hiring a wedding videographer is a personal decision that should be based on your budget and priorities. While it may be tempting to try to cut costs by hiring a less expensive videographer or skipping cinematography altogether, it's important to remember that your wedding film will be one of the few tangible memories you have of your special day. Investing in a quality wedding videographer can ensure that you have a beautiful and meaningful keepsake that you can treasure for years to come.
My Highlight Films start from £1,450. For more on costs and packages I offer, head over to my pricing page.
From the wedding videography blog
10 reasons why you should consider a wedding videographer
6. What is drone wedding videography?
This type of filmmaking approach provides a unique perspective that is impossible to achieve with traditional cameras, allowing for breathtaking aerial shots of your ceremony, reception, and surrounding landscape. The footage captured by a drone can add a new dimension to your wedding video, creating a cinematic and dramatic feel that is sure to impress:
Unique perspective: Aerial footage provides a completely unique perspective of your wedding day that cannot be achieved with traditional cameras. It allows you to capture the full scope of your wedding venue, highlighting its beauty and grandeur.
Cinematic quality: Drone footage can add a cinematic quality to your wedding video, making it feel more like a movie than a traditional wedding video. The aerial shots can create a sense of gravity and drama that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Variety of shots: Drone footage provides a wide variety of shots, from sweeping panoramic views to intimate close-ups. This variety of shots can add depth and dimension to your wedding film.
7. How to choose a wedding videographer
Choosing a wedding videographer is an important decision. You want to choose someone who will capture your wedding day in a way that reflects your personality and style. Here are some things to consider when choosing a wedding videographer.
Experience: When choosing a videographer, look for someone who has experience shooting weddings and has a portfolio of work you can review. You want to choose someone who is familiar with the flow of a wedding day and knows how to capture the important moments.
Style: Every wedding videographer has a unique style. Look for someone whose style matches your own, or the theme of your day. If you want a more traditional wedding video, look for someone with documentary-style portfolio. If you want a more stylised video, look for someone more artistic, who specialises in delivering powerful, dramatic and emotional films.
Reviews: Read through the reviews and testimonials, whether that’s on the videographer’s own website, or on directories such as Hitched, Bridebook or Rock My Wedding. This is really important for you to understand what previous couples thought of their wedding film.
“Our wedding video is absolutely stunning! What Joce produced was nothing less than a piece of art.”
— Niamh, bride. Married at White Dove Barns, 2022.
