How to Choose Your Wedding Videography Style

Choosing Your Wedding Videography Style: A Guide to Capturing Memories Your Way

Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotion, excitement, and celebration. It’s one of those rare moments where the people you love most gather to witness and celebrate a major milestone in your life. Yet, for all its magic, the day often goes by in a blur. This is where a wedding videographer steps in, turning fleeting moments into lasting memories. But with so many styles of wedding videography out there, how do you decide which one suits you best? Let’s explore the different styles so you can choose the one that will let you relive your wedding day exactly as you want to remember it.

Why Invest in Wedding Videography?

Before we dive into the styles, it’s worth considering why a wedding video is such a valuable addition to your day. Photos are, of course, essential. They capture still moments, the posed shots, and the candid ones alike. But video adds another dimension—it captures motion, sound, and the atmosphere of the day in a way that photos alone cannot.

Imagine watching your first dance, hearing the speeches, and seeing the joy on your guests’ faces as they celebrate with you. A well-crafted wedding video does more than document events; it tells the story of your day, preserving the emotions, laughter, and even those tiny, intimate moments you might have missed.

Many couples regret not hiring a videographer, often citing it as one of their biggest wedding day regrets. Photos are wonderful, but they don’t capture the tremble in your partner’s voice during their vows or the way your grandmother’s eyes lit up during your first dance. A video lets you relive these moments with all the richness they deserve.

Roo Stain of RooFilms aims for films “all about real people, real stories and the true emotions of the day.” He was voted Wedding Videographer of the Year in the UK. You can see why below:

Olivia & Theo // Kilworth House from RooFilms on Vimeo.

The Perfect Pair: Do You Need Both a Photographer and Videographer?

You might be wondering if you really need both a photographer and a videographer. While it’s entirely possible to have one without the other, having both allows you to capture your day from different perspectives. A photographer freezes time in a single image, while a videographer captures the flow of time, the sounds, and the movements that give your memories depth.

If your budget allows, consider having both. The two mediums complement each other beautifully. A photo of your wedding ceremony will show you the solemnity and the love in your faces, but a video will let you hear your vows again, see the way you looked at each other, and remember the emotions of that moment.

Finding Your Wedding Videography Style

Choosing the right style of videography is all about finding what resonates with you as a couple. Each style brings something unique to the table, so it’s important to explore your options and decide what feels like the best fit for your wedding.

Montreal wedding videographer Rob Malo Films says he tries “to project the documentary style as much as possible. 100% fly on the wall, candid filming.” Take a look below:

Kelsey & Alessandro – Highlights from Montreal Wedding Videographer on Vimeo.

1. Cinematic Wedding Videography

If you’ve ever watched a beautifully shot movie and thought, “I want my wedding to look like that,” then cinematic videography might be for you. This style is all about creating a film-like experience, with high-quality equipment, creative angles, and meticulous editing. Think of it as your wedding day being turned into a feature film.

Key characteristics of cinematic wedding videography include the use of aerial views, slow motion, and close-ups to add drama and interest. The storytelling approach is usually more stylized, with a focus on creating an emotional impact. The final product feels polished and artistic, often with a sweeping musical score and carefully chosen shots that highlight your day’s most emotional and visually stunning moments.

VillaView Cinema describe their style as “Discretely chasing candid emotions. Poetic stories with a touch of fashion.” Check out their video below:

Andria & Juliano // A VillaView Cinema Moment from VillaView Cinema on Vimeo.

Is Cinematic Wedding Videography Right for You?

If you love the idea of your wedding day being transformed into a visually stunning film with all the drama and romance of a Hollywood movie, then this style is likely to resonate with you. It’s perfect for couples who want their wedding video to be more than just a recording—it’s about capturing the grandeur and the emotion of the day in a way that feels epic and timeless.

Looking for a “cinematic, heartfelt, and personalized” style for your wedding videography? Have a look at the work of Montreal’s Fabula Films below:

2. Documentary Wedding Videography

For those who prefer a more natural and unobtrusive approach, documentary wedding videography might be the way to go. This style is about capturing your wedding day as it happens, without too much interference from the videographer. It’s more about telling the real story of your day, focusing on the little details and the genuine interactions between you and your guests.

A documentary wedding video will typically follow the order of the day, from getting ready in the morning to the last dance at night. The editing is minimal, with an emphasis on maintaining the authenticity of the day. You won’t see as many cinematic effects or stylized shots here—it’s all about honesty and intimacy.

Is Documentary Wedding Videography Right for You?

If you’re looking for a wedding video that feels real and unposed, capturing the day as it naturally unfolds, then documentary style is a great choice. It’s ideal for couples who want their video to be a true reflection of their wedding day, with all its imperfections and candid moments intact.

We love this video from Ray McShane who says he aims for “natural and authentic” films for his clients. Check our his Instagram for more.

Imogen & Vishal Highlights from Ray McShane on Vimeo.

3. Storytelling Wedding Videography

Storytelling wedding videography is a blend of cinematic and documentary styles, designed to create a cohesive and compelling narrative of your day. This style often involves more creative editing, with a focus on weaving together the most emotional and impactful moments into a beautiful story.

A storytelling video might include more voice-overs from speeches and vows, with carefully chosen clips that highlight the key moments of the day. The aim is to create a narrative that feels personal and emotional, allowing you to relive the day in a meaningful and resonant way.

Is Storytelling Wedding Videography Right for You?

If you want your wedding video to tell a story—your story—then this style is a great option. It’s perfect for couples who want their video to have a clear narrative arc, with a focus on the emotions and the journey of the day. If you love the idea of your wedding video being more than just a series of events, but rather a story that captures the essence of your relationship, then storytelling videography is likely to be the right fit.

Ioan Films are highly sought-after videographers here in Montreal. They create “timeless and meaningful wedding films with a hint of documentary cinema refinement.” You can see why they’re so popular below:

4. Vintage Wedding Videography

For those who love a bit of nostalgia, vintage wedding videography offers a unique and charming way to capture your day. This style aims to evoke the feel of old home movies or classic films, with a focus on creating a sense of timelessness.

Vintage videography might involve the use of actual vintage film cameras, or it could be achieved through editing techniques that add film grain, light leaks, and other effects to give the video a retro look. Titles and graphics in retro fonts are also common, adding to the overall vintage feel.

Is Vintage Wedding Videography Right for You?

If you’re drawn to the charm and nostalgia of old films and home movies, then vintage wedding videography might be the perfect choice. It’s a great option for couples who want their wedding video to feel timeless and unique, with a style that sets it apart from more modern approaches.

Here’s a beautiful example courtesy of Kelly Miller Studios.

Tips for Choosing the Right Videographer

Once you’ve decided on a style, the next step is finding the right videographer to bring your vision to life. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

Watch Full Films, Not Just Clips

Social media is full of beautiful snippets from wedding videos, but it’s important to watch full films to get a true sense of a videographer’s work. Look for consistency in quality, storytelling, and style throughout the entire video.

Meet with Potential Videographers

Chemistry matters. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your videographer on your wedding day, so it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with. Schedule a call or meeting to discuss your vision and see if you connect.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Hearing from other couples who have worked with the videographer can provide valuable insights. Look for feedback on both the final product and the experience of working with the videographer.

Discuss Your Vision

Be clear about what you want from your wedding video. Whether you have a specific style in mind or are open to suggestions, make sure your videographer understands your vision.

Consider the Technical Aspects

Ask about the equipment your videographer will be using, especially if you have specific requests like aerial shots or vintage effects. Ensure they have the skills and tools needed to achieve the look you want.

Another Montreal wedding videographer, Lindsay Muciy creates films that are “a great mix of documentary and cinematic with a distinct eye for details.” You’ll see that in the video below:

Balancing Videography and Photography

As you plan your wedding, consider how your photography and videography styles will complement each other. While it’s not essential for them to match perfectly, having a cohesive vibe can enhance the overall feel of your wedding memories.

For example, if you’re opting for a vintage videography style, you might want to choose a photographer who has experience with film photography or who can edit your photos to match the retro feel of your video. On the other hand, if you’re going for a cinematic video style, you might prefer a photographer who excels at capturing dramatic, high-impact shots.

CocoFilms say they create “creative or poetic documentaries” for their couples. Check out Dominique and Charles’ video below to see what they mean.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right wedding videography style is about finding what speaks to you as a couple. Whether you’re drawn to the drama of cinematic videography, the authenticity of documentary style, the narrative focus of storytelling, or the nostalgia of vintage films, there’s a style out there that perfectly captures the essence of your day.

Remember, your wedding video is an investment in your memories. It’s something you’ll look back on for years to come, and it’s worth taking the time to find a style and a videographer that you love. So take a deep breath, watch some videos, and get ready to find the perfect way to relive one of the most meaningful days of your life.

Check out this film from another popular Montreal wedding videographer, Cat Around Films, who describe themselves as “cinematic storytellers.”