A wedding video is more than just a pretty picture – it’s an heirloom, a way to keep the memories of your special day alive and well into the future. And like any good heirloom, it’s important to choose the right one. A videographer may have a style or genre they specialize in, but there are also many ways you can customize your wedding film to make it uniquely yours.

Whether you’re a sucker for rom-coms, can’t get enough of twisty docudramas or love Old Hollywood classics, there is a way to bring your favorite movie elements into your wedding video. A great videographer will understand your tastes and be able to capture the emotions and energy of your big day with their craft.

There are a few different styles of wedding videos, but the most common ones include a highlight reel, a ceremony edit and a full documentary. A highlight reel is a short clip compilation of your best moments from the day, often set to music and designed to represent your special bond with your partner. A ceremony edit is a more formal version of the highlight reel that includes your full ceremony, speeches and vows. These are often accompanied by music and edited into a beautiful mini-film that you can watch and share with your loved ones.

Full wedding films are more like movies than photojournalism. These are chronologically edited to tell the story of your wedding day, from beginning to end. This style of wedding film typically includes full-body shots and candid moments as well as more posed portraits of you and your new spouse. A full documentary can be an excellent option for couples who want to be able to look back on every detail of their special day, from the moment they said “I Do” to all of the funny little bits and pieces that made it so unique.

Cinematic wedding video is filmed and edited with more of a filmic style, with a focus on drama and emotion. This type of wedding video often uses slow-motion and focuses on using movement (like a Steadicam) and colour and contrast to create a more dramatic feel.

Another way to add a cinematic flair is to do a interview-style wedding video. This can include a fun and creative interview with the bride or groom, capturing their personality, excitement, jittery nerves and their anticipation for the big day. This style of wedding video can be very romantic and touching and can be a wonderful keepsake to remember your big day forever.

A final way to make your wedding video more personalized is to ask friends and family to submit video messages of their best wishes and words of wisdom for the couple. This is a fun way to get all of your closest friends and family involved and can also be a really special and unique touch for your big day.