When you're scouring wedding vendors' websites, it's easy to get confused by the various styles of videos offered. Many videographers use shorthand terms to describe their approach, and it's important to know what each one means before you book.

Highlight reel

A three- to five-minute video clip of the day's best moments set to music. This is the most popular option, and it's perfect for showcasing on social media or sending to guests. It will make you smile every time you watch it and is a great way to share your story with those who can't attend.

Cinematic style

A more artistic and creative approach to filming. This style is less structured and will give you the flexibility to experiment with different camera work techniques, such as drone shots or slow motion. A cinematic wedding video will center around a specific aspect of your love story and may even be set to an emotional song.

Documentary / Journalistic

Similar to documentary photography, a journalistic approach is meant to capture the day as it happens. This can include footage of you getting ready, guest interacting before your ceremony, and dancing at the reception. A documentary wedding video will typically be edited in a linear fashion and will tell the full story of your day (highs and lows).

Videography equipment

There are a few pieces of essential wedding videography equipment that are worth investing in. A high-quality camera and lighting are the basics, but don't forget to consider a tripod, microphone, and extra memory cards. It's also important to have an assistant for the day of your wedding, especially if you have multiple shooters. An assistant can help ensure that all of the shots you want are captured and can also assist in setting up lighting or other equipment if needed.

If you aren't sure how to use all of the tools that come with your video editing software, consider hiring a professional. They can show you how to get the most out of your footage and create a unified story out of all of your snippets. They can also help you with color balancing and ensuring that your audio sounds crisp and clean.

Adding pop-ups of words

This is a fun and easy way to add an extra layer of romance to your wedding video. You can choose any romantic word that has a special meaning to you and your partner and have it appear as text while your video plays. This is a perfect way to personalize your video and give it a unique touch that sets it apart from the crowd.