Northern Ireland wedding videography: how long should the final video be?
Your wedding is one of the most memorable and cherished events in your life, and with changing styles in wedding videos I'm often asked: how long should wedding films be?
As we watch the years go by, being able to look back at the magical moments and emotions experienced on that special day is a priceless treasure.
Having a professional videographer capture your wedding can be incredibly important, as it allows you to capture and preserve the memories of one of the most important days of your life.
While photographs are a great way to capture specific moments and details of your wedding, a wedding film can provide a more complete and immersive record of the day.
One of the key benefits of filming your wedding day is that it allows you to relive the experience in a way that photos cannot.
A wedding film can capture the emotions, sounds, and movements of the day, allowing you to see and hear the moments that made your wedding special.
This can be especially meaningful years down the line, as you revisit the date of your wedding and reflect on your relationship.
Another important benefit of filming your wedding day is that it allows you to share the experience with loved ones who were unable to attend.
Whether you have family and friends who live far away or who were unable to travel for health or financial reasons, a wedding film can provide them with a window into your special day and allow them to feel like they were there with you.
Your wedding video can be a beautiful and lasting tribute to your love and your relationship. As you watch your film over the years, you'll be able to see how your love has grown and evolved, and how your wedding day marked a significant chapter of your journey together.
While videoing your wedding day is not a requirement, it can be an incredibly valuable way to capture and preserve the memories of your special day.
One question often asked by couples planning their wedding is: how long should the final wedding video be?
In this blog post, we will delve into the factors that determine the ideal length of your wedding film, ensuring that your once-in-a-lifetime event is presented in a format that will bring joy and nostalgia for years to come.
As a professional wedding videographer, I can safely say that what couple's think that they want from an edit, and what they actually want in reality can be very different.
The two types of wedding couples that choose a wedding videographer
Wedding couples tend to fit into one of two camps: they think they know what they want out of a wedding video and want to choose and experienced wedding videographer that will deliver certain results, or they trust the other camera expert and just want someone who's style of videographer stands out to them as a couple.
No approach is the 'right' approach, nor is it detrimental to your outcome.
Some couples are happy when I tell them that their wedding highlight film will be around 4 to 5 minutes long, and others expect a much longer video.
When we look at trends of wedding videography, and in fact videography in general, we can see that shorter videos now have the ability to really tell your story in a succinct and punchy manner - delivering all of that emotion from your wedding day absolutely perfectly, just as it unfolded on the day.
Final edit
The ideal length of a wedding video is a subjective matter that depends on various factors, including personal preferences, the number of special moments to be included, and the storytelling style.
Striking the right balance between capturing the essence of your wedding day and maintaining viewer engagement is essential.
Here are some guidelines to help you determine the optimal length for filming your final wedding film:
Short and Sweet (3-5 minutes): A highlight reel or trailer-style video captures the most memorable moments of your wedding day in a brief, fast-paced format.
This style is perfect for sharing on social media platforms or with friends and family who may not have the time or patience for a longer film.
Medium-Length Magic (15-30 minutes): A popular choice for many couples, a medium-length video covers all the essential moments while still providing enough depth and detail to tell a compelling story.
This format allows for more creative storytelling and the inclusion of additional elements, such as speeches, interviews, and voiceovers, to make the film more personal and engaging.
The Full Feature (30-60 minutes): For those who want a comprehensive and immersive account of their wedding day, a full-length feature film is an ideal choice. This format allows for the inclusion of every significant moment, as well as extended coverage of the beautiful day and reception.
While this option provides the most complete record of your wedding, it may be less suitable for sharing on social media or with a wider audience due to its length.
It's absolutely fine to want a full feature length video of your wedding day. I encourage my couples to go for my top package which includes this.
Ultimately, the ideal length for your wedding video is a matter of personal preference and should be based on what you and your partner feel will best capture the essence of your big day.
Discuss your expectations and preferences with your wedding videographer, who will be able to guide you in choosing the right format and length for your unique love story.
With the right approach, you can create a wedding film that brings joy and nostalgia for years to come.
Watch the latest Wedding Video
Take a look at my wedding videos for more inspiration.
All the special moments captured in your wedding films by professional wedding videographers
A wedding video serves as a time capsule, preserving the most important and memorable moments of your special day.
Striking the right balance between length and content is crucial to creating a wedding film that captivates your audience and evokes fond memories. The best wedding videographers will know exactly how to capture each moment as it unfolds.
Here are some special moments that should be included in your wedding video to create a comprehensive and emotional narrative for each couples wedding day:
Preparations:
Capture the anticipation and excitement as both the bride and groom get ready for the big day.
These candid moments of laughter, nerves, and tender interactions with family and friends create an intimate film of the hours leading up to the big day.
Some of the things that are included in bridal preparation are:
Hair and makeup: The bride and her bridesmaids typically have their hair and makeup done by a professional stylist.
The stylist will work with the bride to create a look that complements her dress, style, and overall vision for the day.
Getting dressed: The bride will typically get dressed in a separate room or area from the other members of the bridal party.
This is often a special moment where the bride can reflect on the significance of the day and share a special moment with her closest friends and family.
Pre-wedding photos: During the bridal preparation, the photographer will often take candid shots of the bride and her bridal party getting ready.
These photos and video shots can capture the anticipation and excitement of the day and can be a beautiful addition to the wedding album.
Gifts and letters: The bridal preparation is often a time for the bride and groom to exchange gifts or letters with each other.
This can be a special moment where the couple can express their love and appreciation for each other before your vows and ring exchange.
Relaxation and preparation: In addition to the above activities, the bridal preparation is also a time for the bride and her bridal party to relax and prepare for the big event.
This can involve drinking champagne, chatting, and taking a moment to reflect on the significance of the day.
Wedding day 'first look'
A "first look" is a photography and videography trend at weddings where the couple sees each other for the first time in a private, intimate setting before the ceremony. It can provide a great part of wedding films.
It is typically a pre-arranged meeting between the bride and groom, often with only the photographer and/or videographer present to capture the moment.
Traditionally, the bride and groom would see each other for the first time during the ceremony, as the bride walked down the aisle.
However, a first look allows the couple to have a private moment together before this, which can be a very special and emotional experience.
During a first look, the groom is typically positioned facing away from the bride, and the bride approaches him from behind.
The groom then turns around to see the bride for the first time in her wedding dress. The couple can take a minute to embrace, exchange words of love and support, and enjoy this special moment together.
One of the main advantages of a first look is that it can help to alleviate some of the nerves and anxiety that the couple may be feeling before the ceremony.
It can also provide more time for photos and videos to be taken before the ceremony, allowing the couple to spend more time with their guests during the reception.
Ultimately, whether or not to have a first look is a personal decision, and each couple should do what feels right for them.
Some couples may prefer to stick with tradition and see each other for the first time during the ceremony, while others may choose to have a first look to create a special, intimate moment together before the ceremony.
The Ceremony:
The heart of your wedding video, the ceremony is a momentous occasion that should be documented in its entirety.
From the procession to the exchange of promises and rings, make sure your videographer captures every significant moment.
What goes on at your wedding ceremony?
Processional: The wedding ceremony typically begins with a processional, where the wedding party enters the ceremony venue and takes their places.
This can include the parents, grandparents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and finally, the bride - and is often decided in advance.
Welcome and opening remarks: Once the wedding party is in place, the officiant will typically welcome the guests and offer some opening remarks about the significance of the day.
Exchange of vows and rings:
These vows and rings can be personalized to reflect the couple's individual relationship and values.
Unity ceremony: Some couples choose to include a unity ceremony as part of their wedding ceremony.
This can involve lighting a unity candle, pouring sand into a vase, or any number of other symbolic gestures.
Reading or musical performance: Some couples choose to include a reading or musical performance during their wedding ceremony.
This can be a special moment to share a favorite poem, song, or passage that reflects the couple's love and values.
Pronouncement and kiss: Once the rings have been exchanged, the officiant will typically pronounce the couple married and invite them to share their first kiss as a married couple.
Recessional: The wedding ceremony concludes with a recessional, where the wedding party exits the ceremony venue, often to music.
Reception Highlights:
The reception is the perfect opportunity to showcase the joy and celebration that follows the ceremony. Include special events that wedding videographers love to capture; like the grand entrance, first dance, speeches, cake cutting, and any special performances or traditions that make your wedding unique.
Traditionally, there are several individuals who may make a speech at a wedding reception. These can include:The father of the bride: The father of the bride often gives a speech welcoming the guests, thanking them for attending, and expressing his love and support for his daughter and new son-in-law.
The best man: The best man typically gives a speech that includes anecdotes and humorous stories about the groom, as well as congratulating the couple and wishing them a happy future together.
The maid of honor: The maid of honor may also give a speech, which can include stories and memories of the bride, as well as offering congratulations and well wishes to the couple.
The bride and groom: The bride and groom may also choose to give a speech, either individually or together, to thank their guests, express their love for each other, and reflect on their journey to marriage.
Other family members or close friends: Other family members or close friends may also be invited to give a speech, particularly if they played a significant role in the couple's lives or relationship.
Ultimately, the decision of who gives a speech at a wedding reception is up to the couple, and they may choose to include or exclude certain individuals based on their personal preferences and relationships.
The speeches are an opportunity for loved ones to share their joy and support for the couple on their special day.
Emotional Reactions:
Don't forget to include the genuine reactions of the couple, family members, and guests throughout the day.
These heartfelt emotions will add depth and authenticity to your wedding video.
Scenic Shots:
Beautiful shots of the venue and its surroundings provide context for your wedding story and can serve as visual transitions between different parts of the day.
Here's a small breakdown of some of my favourite wedding venues in Northern Ireland that offer scenic shots:
The Culloden Estate and Spa: Located in Belfast, the Culloden Estate and Spa is a grand, 5-star hotel set amidst 12 acres of manicured gardens and overlooking Belfast Lough.
The venue offers a choice of elegant rooms for ceremonies and receptions, including a stunning ballroom with crystal chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Galgorm Resort and Spa: Set on the banks of the River Maine in Ballymena, the Galgorm Resort and Spa is a luxurious venue surrounded by lush gardens and picturesque woodlands.
The resort offers a range of indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options, including a riverside gazebo and a charming walled garden.
Castle Leslie Estate: Located in County Monaghan, just over the border from Northern Ireland, Castle Leslie Estate is a magnificent 17th-century castle set on 1,000 acres of rolling hills and woodlands.
The estate offers a variety of indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, including a grand ballroom, a boathouse on the estate's lake, and a charming Victorian glasshouse.
The Carriage Rooms at Montalto: The Carriage Rooms at Montalto is a stunning, purpose-built wedding venue set on the grounds of the Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch.
The venue offers a choice of indoor and outdoor spaces, including a courtyard and a glass-fronted ceremony room with panoramic views of the estate's gardens and rolling hills.
Larchfield Estate: Located just outside Lisburn, Larchfield Estate is a charming, 18th-century estate set on 600 acres of gardens, woodlands, and farmland.
The venue offers a variety of indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, including a rustic barn, a courtyard with a fountain, and a walled garden.
Post-Wedding Scenes:
If your videographer is present for your send-off or any after-party festivities, these events can be a fun and lighthearted addition to your wedding video, providing a glimpse into the celebration that continued after the formal events.
By incorporating all the key elements, you can create a wedding film that showcases the full spectrum of emotions and events from your big day, while still keeping the length manageable, fun and engaging.
What your Wedding Videographer needs
A professional wedding videographer will work closely with you to create a captivating and personalized film that showcases your special day, and show off all the key events in a cinematic manner for the best balance of emotion and fun.
To ensure the final product or video meets your expectations and includes all the key moments you desire, it's essential to communicate your needs and preferences to your videographer.
Here are some factors to consider when discussing your wedding video with your chosen professional:
Style and Vision:
Determine the style you'd like for your wedding video, whether it's cinematic, documentary, or a mix of both.
Share your vision with your videographer, including any specific shots or moments you want to be included, as well as the overall tone and feel you'd like the video to convey.
Timeline and Schedule:
Provide your videographer with a detailed timeline and schedule of the day's events.
This ensures they are aware of the timings for each segment of the wedding and can be prepared to capture every key moment.
Must-Have Shots:
Discuss any must-have shots or moments that hold special significance for you and your partner.
This can include specific family members, traditions, or unique aspects of your wedding that you want to make sure are documented.
Length Preferences:
Communicate your desired length for the final video.
While most wedding films range from 15-45 minutes, the actual length will depend on your personal preferences, the number of key moments you want to be included, and the style of the video, and the direction that your wedding videographer gives you on the day.
Make sure your wedding videographer understands your expectations to deliver a product that matches your vision.
Audio Considerations:
Discuss whether you would like to incorporate any voiceovers, speeches, or interviews into your wedding video.
This can add extra depth and emotion to the wedding videography as a whole, making it even more personal and memorable.
Collaboration and Input:
Ensure you have a good rapport with your wedding videographer and that they are open to your ideas and suggestions.
A strong working relationship will facilitate better communication and result in a final product that truly reflects your unique love story.
By addressing these factors with your wedding videographer, you can ensure they have a clear understanding of your expectations and vision for the final video.
This collaboration will help create a wedding film with an incredible cinematic style that stands the test of time and remains a cherished keepsake for years to come.
Uniqueness as standard
The best wedding videographers will each give you a unique perspective on your day. I always say that no wedding film should ever look like the next (or last) one.
Whether it's a carefully choreographed first dance, or extra drone footage of a particular venue, each shot should capture your day perfectly by incorporating words spoken by those people who you truly love and cherish in a cinematic style that helps you to overcome your post wedding blues and allow you to relive your best memories, shared by your favourite people - especially your other half!
You've spent months, if not years, organising and dreaming about your perfect ceremony, and wondering what the finished product will look like as your love story unfolds.
Filming such a love story with all of the elements that make up your day perfectly not only takes hard work at the time, but also combines a large amount of experience filming a couples wedding so that it can be looked upon with fondness at a later date.
Looking for a last minute Wedding Videographer or has yours cancelled?
Just contact me on my website for more information and I'll be glad to help craft the perfect wedding footage to remember your date by using the most stylistic and relaxed wedding videography using modern camera technology that suits you as a unique couple, for you to watch for many years to come.
Whether you're one of the many future brides looking for a fun, heartfelt and relaxed approach to films, or just want someone to work alongside for the perfect addition to your important day, I'll be glad to chat to you about how I can incorporate speeches, music and camera techniques to craft the perfect films for you to enjoy for many years to come - and what has worked for previous couples in the past.
Just take a look at some of my previous films and let me know what types of footage you'd like for your big film.
