What’s the Difference Between a Cinematic vs. Documentary Wedding Video?
When it comes to capturing your big day on video, you're likely to hear terms like "cinematic" and "documentary" tossed around quite a bit. But what exactly is the difference between a cinematic and a documentary wedding video? Let's break it down in an easy, breezy way so you can choose the style that's perfect for your wedding vibe.
Editing Style
Cinematic: Imagine your love story turned into a movie trailer. Cinematic wedding videos are highly stylized, beautifully crafted films that emphasize storytelling. Videographers often use dramatic music, slow-motion shots, aerial footage (hello, drone!), and creative angles. Color grading gives these videos a polished, artistic feel, making them feel straight out of a Hollywood romance.
Documentary: Documentary-style videos, on the other hand, keep things real and natural. They're more like a fly-on-the-wall approach, capturing candid moments as they unfold. The editing is subtle, focusing on preserving authenticity rather than dramatization. You'll get genuine interactions, spontaneous laughter, and those sweet, unscripted moments that tell the true story of your wedding day.
Length
Cinematic: Typically shorter and sweeter, cinematic videos range from 5 to 20 minutes. They're designed to captivate and move viewers, summarizing your wedding highlights in a compelling narrative that's easy (and exciting!) to share with family and friends.
Documentary: Documentary wedding videos tend to be longer, usually between 30 minutes to an hour or more. They aim to comprehensively cover your entire wedding day—from getting ready to the ceremony, reception speeches, and late-night dance moves. Think of it as reliving your wedding day in full, capturing all the details you might have missed.
Vibe
Cinematic: The cinematic approach brings drama, emotion, and romance to the forefront. It’s perfect for couples who want their wedding day to feel epic and enchanting. This style often leaves viewers feeling like they've watched an emotionally charged film.
Documentary: If authenticity and natural charm are your jam, a documentary-style video offers a relaxed and genuine feel. It's like looking through a beautifully filmed home movie—real, intimate, and nostalgic.
Which Style is Right for You?
Choosing between cinematic and documentary ultimately depends on your personal taste and the kind of memory you want to preserve. Ask yourself:
Do you want a film that feels like an artistic highlight reel (cinematic)?
Or would you prefer to capture the true, unscripted essence of your wedding day (documentary)?
Many videographers offer hybrid approaches, blending the best of both worlds, so don't hesitate to chat with your pro about customizing your perfect video.
No matter which style you choose, your wedding video will become a treasured keepsake you'll watch again and again. Happy planning!
