The average wedding video typically ranges between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the couple’s style and preferences. Highlight videos, which condense the day into key moments, are usually around 5 to 15 minutes, while full-length wedding videos can be much longer and capture entire ceremonies, speeches, and special events.
The length can vary depending on the videographer’s approach. Some offer cinematic-style edits, while others provide documentary-style footage that includes more in-depth coverage of the entire event. Ultimately, the duration of a wedding video is tailored to the couple’s wishes and the package they select.
Let’s get straight to the point
The average wedding video typically lasts between 20 and 60 minutes, but the length varies based on the couple’s preferences and the videographer’s style. Common video types include short highlight reels (3-5 minutes), cinematic edits (10-20 minutes), and documentary-style films (1-2 hours).
Factors like budget, chosen videography package, and editing complexity influence the duration. Vows and speeches play a key role in the emotional depth of the video, and couples should communicate their desires with the videographer to ensure the final product reflects their vision. The editing process typically takes several weeks, with music playing an essential part in setting the tone.
Typical Lengths Of Wedding Videos
When it comes to wedding videos, there are no strict rules about the length. Some couples may prefer a short highlights reel, while others opt for a longer, more detailed documentary-style video. Generally, wedding videos fall into the following categories:
- Short Highlight Reel: A video lasting 3 to 5 minutes, capturing the key moments of the day.
- Cinematic Edit: This video may run 10 to 20 minutes, focusing on the most emotional and cinematic moments.
- Documentary Edit: Typically 1 to 2 hours long, this style captures the entire day more chronologically and detailedly.
- Same-Day Edit (SDE): A short, 3 to 5-minute video created and shown at the reception.
- Next-Day Edit (NDE): This is similar to SDE but shown the following day, often 3 to 5 minutes long.
Factors Affecting Video Length
The duration of a wedding video is determined by several factors, including:
- Style: Some styles, like cinematic or feature films, are generally shorter, while documentary-style films are longer.
- Videography Package: The selected package may limit the duration based on filming and editing time.
- Budget: A longer film with more complex editing will typically cost more.
Editing Your Wedding Video
Once the videographer has captured your big day, the editing process begins. The goal is to create a narrative that documents the events and tells the story of your relationship. The videographer will weave footage from the ceremony, reception, and even pre-wedding moments to achieve this.
What Goes Into The Editing Process?
- Storyline Creation: Your videographer will craft a storyline based on the footage, including the most meaningful moments.
- Personal Touches: Providing personal details, such as how you met, your favourite memories together, or significant songs, will make the final product even more special.
- Speeches and Vows: These provide the foundation for the narrative. Your videographer will use the audio from your vows and speeches to enhance the emotional depth of the video.
Communicating With Your Videographer
Discussing your preferences with your videographer before the big day is essential. Some questions to consider include:
- How long do you want the final video to be?
- What special moments or people do you want to highlight?
- Do you have a particular style or mood in mind?
This information upfront will help your videographer tailor the video to your desires.
The Role Of Vows And Speeches
Vows and speeches play a crucial role in the wedding video. They serve as the film’s emotional core, making it deeply personal and meaningful. Whether you write your vows or use traditional ones, these words bring your love story to life on screen.
Writing Personal Vows
If you decide to write your vows, it will make your ceremony unique and provide rich material for your wedding video. Personal vows allow the videographer to capture the essence of your relationship and the promises you make to one another.
Including Speeches In The Video
Speeches, whether by the couple, family members, or the wedding party, offer another layer of emotional depth. Let your videographer know ahead of time if there are any special speeches you’d like included in the final cut.
Common Wedding Video Types And Their Lengths
There are several styles of wedding videos, each with its typical length. Below is a breakdown of the most common styles and their expected runtimes:
1. Same-Day Edit (SDE)
- Length: 3-5 minutes
- Description: The same-day edit is a short video created and shown at the reception, typically before the couple speaks. It includes footage from the preparations, ceremony, and early reception.
2. Next-Day Edit (NDE)
- Length: 3-5 minutes
- Description: Similar to the same-day edit, this video is created overnight and presented the following day. It’s an excellent option for multi-day weddings.
3. Love Story Or Feature Film
- Length: 10-20 minutes
- Description: A love story edit is longer and more in-depth than a highlight reel. It focuses on the couple’s relationship and includes footage from the entire day, with added emphasis on personal moments.
4. Documentary Edit
- Length: 1-2 hours
- Description: This type of video is a comprehensive retelling of the wedding day in chronological order. It includes the ceremony, reception, and other key events, making it the most traditional format.
5. Cinematic Edit
- Length: 1-2 hours
- Description: A cinematic wedding video is more artistic, focusing on storytelling, emotion, and aesthetic appeal. The videographer may use advanced techniques such as slow motion, wide angles, and close-ups to create a more polished, movie-like feel.
How Long Does It Take To Edit A Wedding Video?
The time it takes to edit a wedding video can vary based on the video’s style and the videographer’s workload. Generally, the timeline for editing a wedding video looks something like this:
- Uploading Footage: The videographer will transfer all the raw footage to a computer and back it up. This can take a full day, depending on the amount of footage.
- First Review: The videographer will review the footage and pick the best clips. This process typically takes about one week.
- Rough Cut: A rough cut of the video will be prepared and shared with the couple for feedback. This version will not have full titles, transitions, or filters. Couples should take this opportunity to suggest changes or request that certain clips be added or removed. This process can take up to three weeks.
- Final Cut: After receiving the couple’s feedback, the videographer will finish the video. Adding final touches, such as music, titles, and transitions, can take another week or two.
Music And Soundtrack
The music in a wedding video is critical to setting the mood. Typically, couples choose songs played during the ceremony and reception. Some prefer using more cinematic or instrumental music for certain parts of the video.
Choosing The Right Music
When selecting music for your wedding video, consider the following:
- Use slower, more emotional songs for the ceremony and vows.
- Choose upbeat, fun music for the reception and party scenes.
- Choose music that both you and your partner find significant.
Conclusion
When deciding how long your wedding video should be, consider the type of film that best suits your preferences and budget. Communication with your videographer is key whether you want a short cinematic film or a longer, documentary-style video. Be clear about your expectations and the moments that are most important to you. Ultimately, your wedding video will be a treasured keepsake that captures the love and joy of your special day.
FAQs About Wedding Video
What Do You Call Wedding Videos?
A wedding is captured on film through wedding videography. The completed recording from the videographer is sometimes referred to as a wedding movie or film or just a wedding video.
How Long Should A Wedding Video Be?
However, for a highlights reel or short film, the typical wedding video lasts three to five minutes; a documentary or cinematic style can last up to thirty minutes or more. You can always choose to have both, depending on what you want to use it for and the types of wedding video packages available.
How Much Does A Wedding Video Cost?
The cost of a wedding videographer varies widely depending on the pro’s experience, level of expertise, and the location of your wedding. The average cost is around $1,799; most couples spend between $1,000 and $2,500.
Can I Video My Wedding?
You can film your wedding day using smartphones, tablets, DSLRs, or a regular video camcorder. I’ve also seen people use laptop cameras to video and live-stream their ceremonies to six countries. You don’t need to purchase or rent an expensive professional camera.
Is A Wedding Video Worth It?
Yes, a wedding video is worth it. A great videographer will compile a video of your wedding day, from your vows to the reception and the moments you missed. You can rewatch your big day over and over, share the clips with those who couldn’t attend, and capture movements and sounds that photos can’t.
