documentary wedding videos vs traditional wedding videos: what’s the difference?
When it comes to choosing a wedding videographer, couples often face a dilemma: should they opt for traditional wedding videography or embrace a more modern approach with documentary-style videography? Both have their merits, but if you’re seeking an authentic, personal, and emotional film that truly captures the essence of your big day, documentary-style wedding videography might be the perfect fit.
Let’s dive into the key differences between documentary-style wedding videography and traditional wedding videography, and how the documentary style aligns with a desire for a more meaningful, real, and personal wedding video.
1. Approach: Candid vs. Staged
Documentary-Style Wedding Videography: Documentary-style wedding videography is centered around capturing the day as it naturally unfolds. The goal is to blend into the background and capture candid, unscripted moments that reflect the genuine emotions of your wedding. This approach allows for a more organic experience, where you don’t feel like you’re constantly being directed. From your partner’s emotional reaction when you walk down the aisle to a spontaneous laugh between friends at the reception, a documentary-style video will focus on what’s real and raw.
Traditional Wedding Videography: Traditional wedding videography, on the other hand, is often more structured and involves a greater degree of direction. Videographers may request specific shots or moments, such as posed group photos, formal speeches, or “recreations” of special moments. While this can ensure a well-rounded video, it can also make the process feel less authentic and more like a performance rather than a true reflection of the day’s events.
Why Documentary Style Fits the Authentic Couple: If you value authenticity and prefer your wedding day to be captured as it truly is—without feeling like you're acting for the camera—documentary-style wedding videography will provide a more relaxed, natural experience. It aligns perfectly with couples who want a film that doesn’t feel rehearsed or scripted but rather genuine and heartfelt.
2. Style: Cinematic vs. Traditional
Documentary-Style Wedding Videography: The style of documentary wedding films leans heavily on cinematic techniques, but with a focus on realism. Your videographer will use natural lighting, creative angles, and subtle framing to tell your story. Rather than relying on stylized or heavily edited shots, the video emphasizes the raw beauty of the moments as they unfold—highlighting the emotions, the relationships, and the small details that make your wedding unique. The result is a visually stunning yet deeply personal video.
Traditional Wedding Videography: Traditional wedding videography tends to be more polished and planned, often focusing on capturing standard shots—such as the couple’s first kiss, walking down the aisle, or the grand exit. While these moments are important, traditional videos can sometimes feel more like a documentary of events rather than a truly creative narrative. The editing tends to be straightforward, with little variation from one wedding to the next, which can make it feel less customized and more formulaic.
Why Documentary Style Resonates with Creative Couples: If you’re looking for a wedding film that’s as much a work of art as it is a record of your day, documentary-style wedding videography offers a higher level of artistry. The cinematic quality combined with a focus on real moments results in a film that’s visually captivating, creative, and deeply emotional—something that traditional wedding videography can struggle to match.
3. Outcome: Story-Driven vs. Event-Driven
Documentary-Style Wedding Videography: The outcome of a documentary wedding video is centered around the story of your day. From the quiet, intimate moments to the lively, celebratory times, the video captures a full spectrum of emotions and interactions. It’s not just about recording what happened—it’s about telling a compelling narrative that makes you feel like you’re reliving the experience. A documentary wedding video includes the small moments that often go unnoticed—like a tear in your father’s eye or your friend’s laughter during a toast—that add depth to your story.
Traditional Wedding Videography: Traditional wedding videos tend to be more event-driven. The video follows a timeline of events—getting ready, ceremony, first dance, cake cutting, etc. While this structure is easy to follow and covers all the essential moments, it often misses the emotional undercurrents and deeper connections between you and your loved ones. It’s less about telling a story and more about documenting the day’s events.
Why Documentary Style is Perfect for Personal, Emotional Films: Couples who are looking for more than just a checklist of wedding events will appreciate documentary-style videography’s storytelling approach. The outcome is a film that feels personal and emotional—a video that not only documents the day but also tells the story of your love, the people who matter most, and the unique energy of your wedding.
4. Editing: Seamless and Natural vs. Structured and Controlled
Documentary-Style Wedding Videography: The editing process of documentary-style wedding films is focused on blending footage into a cohesive, emotionally-driven narrative. The pace is often more natural, allowing moments to breathe and flow, with seamless transitions that keep the story moving forward. The audio, such as vows, speeches, and natural sounds, is also integrated to enhance the emotional impact. The result is a video that feels organic, allowing the viewer to experience the day as if they were there.
Traditional Wedding Videography: In contrast, traditional wedding videos are usually more structured and may follow a preset format. The focus is often on specific “highlights,” and editing might prioritize making things look polished or perfect. While traditional wedding films may include music and speeches, they tend to focus less on creating an immersive, cinematic experience and more on presenting the day’s events in a clean, clear format.
Why Documentary Style is Ideal for Couples Seeking Depth and Emotion: Couples looking for a wedding video that feels immersive and emotionally layered will find documentary-style videography to be the perfect fit. The seamless editing that highlights natural moments allows the film to feel more like an experience rather than just a recording of events.
5. Engagement with the Couple: Minimal vs. Direct
Documentary-Style Wedding Videography: Documentary videographers typically work with minimal engagement during the day. Their goal is to observe and document, rather than direct or pose. This creates a comfortable, unobtrusive atmosphere where you can enjoy your day without feeling like you're constantly performing for the camera.
Traditional Wedding Videography: In traditional wedding videography, there’s often more direct interaction with the videographer. Couples are asked to pose, hold specific expressions, or redo moments for the sake of the video. This style can sometimes interrupt the flow of the day and cause couples to feel more self-conscious about being filmed.
Why Documentary Style Provides a More Relaxed Experience: If you want to enjoy your wedding day without the pressure of constant direction or posing, documentary-style wedding videography offers a far more relaxed and enjoyable experience. You’ll feel less aware of the camera, and the resulting film will have an authentic, natural feel.
Final Thoughts: Which Style is Right for You?
If you want a wedding video that captures the essence of who you are as a couple—one that tells your unique love story in an authentic and emotionally engaging way—documentary-style wedding videography is the way to go. It offers a relaxed, artistic approach that focuses on real moments, genuine connections, and the magic of your wedding day, while traditional wedding videography can sometimes feel more like a checklist of events.
Ultimately, your wedding video should reflect the love, laughter, and joy you experienced on your big day. If that means embracing authenticity and capturing the real moments as they unfold, documentary-style wedding videography will give you a lasting, meaningful film you’ll treasure forever.