Event Type: Wedding

Your wedding day will go by in a blink of an eye. Make sure your memories live on forever with a wedding video keepsake. Trust me, I only have one regret from my wedding day: I wish I had hired a wedding videographer.

I made the same mistake many young couples make by assuming that I only needed to hire a wedding photographer. While I love looking at my wedding album, I now wish I had live footage from the celebration. I think of my father’s toast or our officiant’s story of how I met my husband. These moments now live in my memory—but nowhere else.

If I could share one piece of advice with engaged couples, it would be this: hire a wedding videographer. With that in mind, I reached out to seven wedding videographers to find out everything you need to know about wedding videography. 

Keep reading to learn inside tips on how to choose a videographer, decide on a wedding video style, and more. Plus, you can watch real wedding videos to see which styles and techniques suit your tastes.
Your wedding day will be one of the most important days of your life. Make sure you can revisit it again and again with a beautiful wedding video.

1. Why should I hire a wedding videographer?
2. Popular types of wedding videos
3. Wedding video packages
4. Number of videographers needed on site
5. What footage to include
6. Long versus short wedding videos
7. Raw footage inclusions
8. What to communicate to your videographer
9. Important questions to ask
10. Wedding videography budget

1. Why should I hire a wedding videographer?

If a picture paints a thousand words, a video paints a million. Dave McQueen, Owner of Amari Productions, walks us through why it’s so important to hire a wedding videographer in the above video:

• Tell the full story
• Elicit an emotional response
• Timeless keepsake
• Preserve audio

Plus, hear from real couples on why choosing to hire a wedding videographer was one of the best decisions they ever made.

2. What are popular types of wedding videos?

“There are so many incredible styles of visual storytelling,” Kenny Hopkins, founder and lead cinematographer of Kenneth Cooper Films tells us. Additionally, Naomi Raiselle, co-owner of GENERATIONS cinemastories, explains, “Every videographer has his or her own style.”

Styles range all across the spectrum. Amanda Gosselin and Jeff Brouillet, co-founders of Ready Set Film, tell us, “Some styles, like ours, are very natural and unobtrusive, whereas others may take a more directive approach.” In those cases, “they’ll pose you or have you re-enact scenes for the video.” 

It’s important to choose a type of video that “resonates with your style and preferences,” Raiselle adds. Gosselin and Brouillet agree. “Choose the style that you feel most connected to, and a style you’ll still enjoy watching on your 50th anniversary.”

Check out some common wedding video styles below:

Classic and Timeless Style

Styles come and go. Fashions change. Go with a classic videography style for a look that never ages.

Don’t confuse classic with boring, however. Hopkins describes this style as “a joyful, romantic, and kickass-capture of the day you have put so much love, energy, and hard work into creating.” 

Cinematic Style

“You may see the word, ‘cinematic’ used by various videographers,” Raiselle tells us. “The word simply means ‘like a movie.’ Some videographers use it to refer to drone footage or slow motion shots.” 

Expect angle shots, atmospheric lighting, filters, and seamless transitions.

Documentary Style

Documentary videos continue to evolve. Raiselle tells us, “‘Documentary’ used to mean that the videographer simply filmed the day as it happened, and edited out what was unnecessary, so the wedding film was in chronological order as the day unfolded. A more recent and creative approach was to use time shifting, so that sound — be it from a toast or the ceremony — might appear with shots of the first look or first dance.” 

Experimental Style

Experimental wedding videography prioritizes mood over a linear narrative. This type of videography is highly edited and features layered scenes with a heavy focus on lighting, sound, and varying pacing.

See how alternating between aerial shots and close up, intimate moments can capture the breath and scope of your wedding day.

3. What’s included in a wedding video package?

“This answer will be as unique as each videographer,” Hopkins of Kenneth Cooper Films, tells us. However, according to Hopkins and Dave of Amari Productions, you can generally expect packages that include some variety of the following:

• Time spent on site (usually 6-10 hours)
• Wedding film (creative film anywhere from 5-15 minutes)
• Full length films of the longer parts of your day (ceremony, toasts, formal dances, etc…)
• Editing services

Hopkins also shares some typical add-on features:

• Additional hours on site
• More videographers onsite
• Full weekend coverage
• Longer films
• Shorter films
• Raw footage
• Wedding film albums
• Drone footage

Pro Tip from Ready Set Film: Keep weather and location limitations in mind when considering drone footage.

For couples looking for more flexibility, consider custom videography packages. Hopkins tells us, “We begin with a minimum investment level and then a fully-customizable proposal to perfectly fit the unique wedding film needs. This allows our couples the flexibility to have their rehearsal dinner or Sunday brunch incorporated, expand their coverage hours, or have our fast turnaround social share films that we are known for.” 

See how speeches can be layered over music for increased emotional depth and poignancy. 

4. Do I need more than one videographer onsite?

While the answer is open to interpretation, there is a general consensus that you want the ultimate amount of opportunities to capture footage.

“It’s really about cameras,” Colin Lyons, Owner of Colin Lyons Wedding Photography, shares. “One videographer with one camera is too few cameras. However, one videographer with two cameras is often acceptable. Two videographers with two cameras is an improvement, but not critical. Two videographers with four cameras is ideal.” You get the idea.

Bailey Knippa, Wedding Consultant for ​​Reverent Wedding Films, believes that two onsite videographers is always preferable for the following reasons:

• Different angles can be captured from one scene
• The videographer can be in two places at once, if needed
• There are more backup cameras on hand
• There is more footage for editors to work with

Omar Atilano, Owner of Atilano Productions, also believes two videographers are essential when multiple events are happening at the same time. He tells us, “It’s imperative to have more than one videographer to ensure there are different perspectives from the same event.”

There’s another benefit to having an extra videographer onsite. “It can also lead to more creative shots on your wedding day,” Atilano says, “because one of them will document your entire day, while the other will focus on capturing more cinematic-style shots.

See how the videographer oscillated between the bride and groom’s wedding vows to recreate their love story from start to finish.

5. What kind of footage should a wedding video include?

“Almost every part of the wedding day, from start to finish, is important,” Bailey Knippa, Wedding Consultant for ​​Reverent Wedding Films, shares. “After the major events are established, it’s time to add in shots of all the details that make the day come alive!” 

Atilano of Atilano Productions shares the top wedding day moments to include:

Atilano reminds couples that it’s not just what’s included, but how it’s included. “In our videos, you can see that we do not create a video that is cookie-cutter style. Instead, we tailor each video based on what makes you and your wedding special.”

Knippa also suggests using a voiceover to “incorporate the emotion and cinematic aspect in the film.” She explains, “We take either voiceover from the officiant, personal vows/letters, or toasts. This allows us to create a timeless and emotional film.”

6. What is the difference between long and short video footage?

“There is a big difference between the long videos that use the sound from the event and the shorter videos that use music overlaying the footage,” Lyons of Colin Lyons Wedding Photography tells us. 

“While you see the shorter videos trend on social media, it’s the longer documentary videos that let you relive your wedding day,” Lyons states. He also explains that shorter, highlight videos require a high-skill shooter and moving camera called a gimbal camera.

7. Do wedding videographers provide raw footage?

Some videographers, like Ready Set Film, provide raw footage at no charge. This, however, is becoming increasingly rare. Raiselle of GENERATIONS cinemastories tells us, “Most studios film with multiple cameras and angles, so that a 6 hour day might result in a dozen hours of raw footage.”

She goes on to say, “If your videographers are filming for a creative edit, there will likely be multiple angles of the same event, shot with several cameras. If the studio were to supply the unedited media of the ceremony, for example, there might be 3-4X more media than the length of the ceremony, so that a half hour ceremony might have 2 hours of unedited media.”

See how the personalities of the couple, and their loved ones, shine through at every moment of this beautiful wedding video.

8. What do I need to communicate to my videographer?

First, and foremost, tell your love story. “It is crucial to get to know each couple in advance in order to create a memorable wedding video,” Atilano of Atilano Productions explains. “It’s also important for couples to get to know their vendors, have a conversation with them, and ask them questions.”

In addition to your love story, you’ll want to communicate the look and feel of your celebration. Atilano says, “In order to create a video that is unique, we need to know what kind of vibe you would like at your wedding

The team at ​​Reverent Wedding Films takes the initiative and sends out a form for their couples to complete. “We want to know their story, what is important to them, their style/vibe, and the type of music they like. This will allow our team to have a great understanding of the couple and allows us to create a film catered just for them.”

Atilano suggests telling your videographer the following:

• Why you choose your venue
• Your proposal story
• Fun things about your relationship
• Pre-wedding schedules and locations
• Any unique family arrangements
• Any recent losses in your family

“As you can see, these kinds of topics are also very important to discuss in your consultation call. This way, on the wedding day, everything will just be perfect,” Atilano says.

Pro tip from Colin Lyons Wedding Photography: Let your videographer know if you are writing your own vows and whether you are willing to read part of your private letters aloud into a camera’s microphone. 

See a wedding videographer in action as he shoots real wedding footage — and learn tips on how to get the perfect wedding video.

9. Top Questions to Ask Your Videographer

Just as it’s important for your videographer to get to know you, it’s important for you to get to know your videographer. Gosselin and Brouillet of Ready Set Film tell us, “It is important to ask who your videographer will be, because many companies use sub-contractors whose work may not match what you’ve seen in their demos. Ideally you’ll want to work directly with the company owner or an employee with many years of experience.” 

They also tell us that it’s important to ask how many years they’ve been filming weddings and how many weddings they’ve filmed.” Lastly, Make sure to view a selection of their films so you know what to expect for your end product. “For example, if they are editing together the full ceremony for you, then ask for some samples so you can see if the image and sound quality matches up to your expectations.” 

Hopkins of Kenneth Cooper Films agrees. “By asking someone to share some of their favorite works, it will tell you two things. One, how much they love what they do; and two, if their style is a good fit for your wedding. At the same time, if the overall style and vibe of their shared work is how you want your own day to be captured, you know you have found the perfect match.”

Pro Tip from Amari Productions: Ask your videographer if they have any example films from your chosen venue.

GENERATIONS cinemastories and Amari Productions share some additional questions to ask:

• What is your videography style?
• How many weddings do you film a year?
• How many people are on your team?
• What does a typical wedding day look like for you?
• Are you stationary or do you move around to follow the action? 
• How do you dress for the wedding? 
• How do you capture audio of our vows and/or toasts?
• How do you decide what music to use in the wedding video?  
• What equipment do you use?
• What is your editing process?
• When should we expect to receive the final product? 
• How and when will it be delivered? 
• What is the basic cost? 
• What if we want to add hours or products to the original package? 
• How much of a retainer do you require?  
• Do you carry liability insurance?

Lastly, Hopkins of Kenneth Cooper Films reminds couples to ask whether a videographer is willing to travel. “If you love someone’s work and they are not in your immediate venue location, ask if they travel,” he says. “We frequently travel all over to tell the love stories of our couples, and know that it’s totally worth it to bring them along once you’ve fallen in love with a style and film company.

10. How much should you spend on wedding videography?

According to The Wedding Report, Inc, couples allocate an average of 6.3% of their wedding budget to wedding videography.

“Every studio has its own packages,” Raiselle of GENERATIONS cinemastories says. “Generally, the hours spent filming the day and the length of the finished product will determine the final cost.” 

“The more cameras, the longer the editing, and that is reflected in the cost,” Lyons of Colin Lyons Wedding Photography adds.

Add-ons such as drone footage, full-weekend wedding coverage, and other additional bells and whistles will also increase your overall wedding video costs.

People Also Ask…

Where can I find a wedding videographer?

Head to PartySlate’s curated vendor directory to find the best wedding videographers near you. Use the filters to narrow your search by location, event type, services, and more. If you see a videographer you like, make sure to click into their PartySlate profile to see real examples of their work and learn more about their business.

You can also scroll down to the “Meet the Experts Section” to reach out directly to some of our favorite videographers. 

Where can I find additional wedding vendors? 

You can also use PartySlate’s curated vendor directory to find your entire team of wedding vendors. Search for planners, photographers, caterers, entertainment, and more. Again, make sure to use the filters to narrow your search and find your best match.

Meet the Panel

Dave McQueen
Owner
Amari Productions

Contact Vendor

Gosselin and Brouillet
Co-Founders
Ready Set Film

Contact Vendor

Bailey Knippa
Wedding Consultant
Reverent Wedding Films

Contact Vendor

Omar Atilano
Owner
Atilano Productions

Contact Vendor

Naomi Raiselle
Co-Owner
GENERATIONS cinemastories

Contact Vendor

Colin Lyons, Owner
Colin Lyons Wedding Photography

Contact Vendor

Kenny Hopkins
Founder
Kenneth Cooper Films 

Contact Vendor

featured entertainment

Yazz Jazz Music & Productions

We love how this Chicago-based entertainment team offers customized options for your wedding or corporate event. With musical ensembles that combine live musicians and expert DJs, Yazz Jazz Music & Productions excels at a wide range of musical genres — ensuring everyone at the party is destined to hear a favorite song or two. photo courtesy: Yazz Jazz Music & Productions

See More Photos

Summertime brings sunshine, endless blue skies, and most importantly — the height of wedding season. There are plenty of reasons why summer weddings are eternally popular: reliably-sunny weather, inspiring summer color palettes, and lush summer wedding centerpieces.

With no shortage of blooms or foliage, summertime wows with fresh, seasonal décor. Summer centerpieces range from bright floral blooms to lavish organic greenery. We’ve searched through thousands of real wedding photos on PartySlate to find our favorite summer wedding centerpiece ideas. 

Whether you’re looking to brighten your tablescape with pops of gold or cool off with tranquil blue hues, you’ll find the best summer wedding inspiration — along with the vendors who know how to pull off the look.

1. Make it Colorful and Eclectic

Summer is the time for bright colors and varied designs. From multi-hued florals to bright beach cabanas, summer décor is meant to pop against bright blue skies and lush green backdrops.

Bring a playful summer vibe to your wedding centerpieces with a colorful and eclectic style. In addition to bright summer blooms, use colorful candles and pottery to accent your tablescape. We also love how floral linen extends a fresh floral theme to every corner of your wedding reception table.

Bright Table Décor

Colorful Summer Blooms

Fresh Floral Patterns

2. Cool Off With Tranquil Blue Hues

Keep the hotter temperatures at bay with a tranquil blue wedding color palette. Blue florals are a rarity in nature, making them all the more stunning on your tablescape. Some of our favorite blue blooms include hydrangea, blue delphinium, sea holly, and cornflower.

We also appreciate how blue glassware contrasts with warmer floral hues, evoking a summer scene in all its glory. For a more classic look, consider muted blue table linen with neutral florals and tableware. 

Blue-Hued Blooms

Beautiful Blue Décor Elements

3. Brighten Your Tablescape With Golds and Yellows

There’s so much to love about summer. After months of dreary winter skies, and just-as-dreary spring rains, the sun finally comes out to stay. Best of all, the daylight hours increase, so sun-drenched celebrations stretch on long after evening.

Keep the sunshine at the forefront of your wedding reception with yellow summer wedding centerpieces . We love how a few golden blooms brighten any tablescape — while also complementing a variety of color palettes. For a wedding aesthetic that completely embraces a sunshine vibe, use fresh lemon décor as well as blooms.

Fresh Lemon Décor

Sunny Floral Touches

4. Opt for an Organic Vibe

Sunny days lead to lavish growth and vegetation. Wildflowers wander into tended gardens. Sprigs of grass find their way into sidewalk gaps.   

Utilize berries, moss, or wildflowers to lend an organic vibe to your celebration. We love how you can maintain classic appeal with select floral accents. For a more whimsical look, lean toward everything from mushroom accents to felled wood.

Berry Accents

A Bed of Moss

A Dash of Wildflowers

5. Go With Lush Greenery

Envision a summer day, and you’re likely to imagine bright green lawns and treetops covered in emerald green leaves. Foliage is a summer staple — and a unique summer décor element. 

No longer relegated as a filler, foliage wows on its own. Bring a fresh twist to your wedding reception tables with greenery table runners, real tree centerpieces, and sleek topiary designs. Believe us, weddings without flowers are trending — and it’s easy to see why.

A Forest Canopy

A Twist With Topiary

Greenery Table Runners

7. Soften the Scene With Dreamy Details

Is there anything more romantic than twilight? Evoke a dreamy summer evening with softer details. 

Go beyond traditional wedding centerpieces with wedding ceiling décor. Wedding drapery, as well as billowy seating, lends an ethereal touch to any tablescape. We also appreciate how textured table linen and clusters of white florals add additional romance. 

Billowy Drapery

Dreamy White Blooms

8. Take it Tropical

Who needs the four seasons when you can experience the tropics all year round? Tropical centerpieces for weddings have us dreaming of summer months that never fade.

Cue the tropical wedding vibes with wicker details surrounded by bright tropical blooms. Some of our favorite tropical florals include orchids, birds-of-paradise, and protea blooms. Of course, greenery can happily steal the spotlight. Create a dramatic effect with towering palm leaves and lavish fronds.

Wicker Details

Palms and Fronds

9. Use Your Tablescape as a Floral Vessel

Have you checked out the latest wedding trends for 2022?  We predicted couples would forgo the vase and choose to cover their entire table with florals. But truth be told, we hope this trend continues for many summers to come.

We love how an abundance of florals captures the lush bounty of summer. This unique trend is perfect for king’s tables as well as traditional reception tables in the round. Best of all, you can include many variety of blooms when you cover your table from end to end.

Elegant Kings Table

Traditional Tables in the Round

People Also Ask…

Where can I find a wedding florist for my summer wedding centerpieces?

Choosing your summer wedding centerpieces (and wedding florals in general) is one of the most enjoyable tasks on a wedding to-do list. Use PartySlate’s curated venue directory to find a wedding florist that can bring your unique vision to life. 

Make sure to share your favorite summer wedding centerpiece ideas from this article with your design team. Moreover, check out our Best Wedding Centerpieces [Guide] for even more centerpiece inspiration.

Where can I find a wedding venue for my summer wedding?

Wedding venues book up fast. Head to PartySlate’s curated venue directory to find the perfect venue for your summer soirée. Use the filters to narrow your search by location, guest count, amenities, and more. You can even search for summer-specific venue types like rooftops, outdoor venues, vineyards, and yachts.

Make sure to click into a venue’s PartySlate profile page to see real wedding albums from celebrations held at the event space. You can also use the directory to reach out directly to a preferred venue. 

Lastly, check out PartySlate’s top recommendations for some of our outdoor wedding venues across the country:

Where can I find more inspiration for my summer wedding?

The editorial team searches through hundreds of real wedding albums each week to find our favorite ideas. We look for upcoming trends as well as timeless inspiration that never goes out of style. Click on the following to start planning your dream wedding. Whether you’re a bohemian at heart or classic and refined, you’ll find everything you need to bring your wedding vision to life.

Give your friends and family an unforgettable experience with a wedding in paradise. Tropical weddings range from destination celebration to tropical wedding themes closer to home. 

We asked renowned wedding planner Amy Katz, of Amy Katz Events, for insider tips on how to host a tropical wedding — with or without the beach. Katz tells us, “I think that you can create any type of environment within a venue, it just takes some creativity and vision! The vibe has to start from the guests first introduction to the wedding.”

We’ve also searched through thousands of real weddings on PartySlate to find the best tropical wedding ideas. From beachside ceremonies to Midwest ballrooms filled with monstera leaves, here’s how to set the scene for a wedding in paradise.

1. Keep the Palm Trees in View

Nothing says paradise like palm trees swaying in the breeze. Whether you exchange vows with your toes dipped in the sand, or head indoors for a ballroom celebration, keep the palm trees in sight. 

Host your celebration at one of our favorite beach wedding venues for a setting that organically incorporates palm trees into the backdrop of your celebration. You can also work with a talented wedding planner and florist to create your own paradise — with or without the beach.

2. Set the Tone With Tropical Wedding Invitations

Create anticipation for your celebration before it even begins with tropical wedding invitations. Laser-cut invitations bring a modern vibe while custom artwork offers the opportunity to incorporate your wedding colors (and even your wedding venue) into the design. You can find your invitations and print company with PartySlate’s curated vendor directory. Make sure to use the filters to narrow your search.

3. Offer Shade with Canopied Ceremonies

It might be hard to imagine such a thing as too much sun, especially if you live in the Midwest like many of us at PartySlate. However, guests at your tropical ceremony will appreciate the comfort of a shaded canopy. Work with a talented rental company to create protective shading that doubles as stunning décor. Trust us, your guests will thank you.

4. Fill Your Bouquet With Tropical Blooms

Paradise is in the details. Perfect your tropical wedding bouquet, boutonnière, or leis with bright blooms. Some of our favorite tropical flowers include protea, anthurium, birds of paradise, and ginger lily. We also love how more traditional blooms like calla lilies can create a beautiful contrast with brighter florals.

Pro tip: Make sure to ask your wedding florist which blooms are in season for your wedding date.

5. Bring Palm Fronds and Monstera Leaves Front and Center

Don’t underestimate the beauty of natural greenery. We love how palm fronds and monstera leaves can transform any event space into a tropical paradise. Lush foliage beautifies everything from your wedding arch to centerpieces. For heightened elegance, consider adding orchids or softer floral details to the surrounding greenery.

6. Set Your Tablescape With Woven Place Settings

There’s a good chance that guests will spend at least half of the wedding reception at their table. Make sure to create a beautiful and curated space where they can wine, dine, and converse. Wicker place settings bring a tropical vibe to your wedding reception table. We especially love how the neutral fibers allow brighter napkins and florals to pop.

7. Seat Guests in Tropical Rattan Seating

Show guests a look they haven’t seen before with custom seating. We love how rattan seating brings an instant tropical vibe to your wedding ceremony or reception. Consider rattan thrones for you and your beloved and rattan dining chairs for your guests. We also love how rattan chairs can be combined with other seating styles for an innovative look. Make sure to use PartySlate’s curated vendor directory to find an available rental company near you.

8. Accent With Citrus and Fruits

Think beyond floral and foliage with bright and colorful tropical décor. Use citrus and other tropical fruits to embellish everything from your wedding tablescape to wedding cake. We especially love how fruit can elevate any wedding style — be it rustic, modern, or boho.

9. Keep Guests Refreshed With Tropical Cocktails

Is it really a tropical setting without a tropical cocktail? Keep palettes refreshed with colorful cocktails and mocktails. Capture a tropical vibe with the addition of fruity garnishes and bright hues. Make sure to hire a professional bar service to keep the drinks flowing seamlessly — and with Instagram-worthy results.

10. Illuminate the Night With Vibrant Lighting in Citrus Hues

Make wedding lighting a top priority. We love how lighting can transform any event space into a tropical destination. Go with bright, citrus-color hues to illuminate everything from tablescapes to the dance floor. Moreover, you can find an experienced lighting company with the help of PartySlate’s curated directory.

People Also Ask…

How do you create a tropical wedding vibe in a non-tropical locale?

Amy Katz of  Amy Katz Events tells us, “The vibe has to start from the guests’ first introduction to the wedding. The invitation should have a tropical theme to allude to the wedding day theme. From there, the escort display should be tropical, whether there are seashells holding the escort cards or palm trees lining the entry hall. The options are endless.”

We also recommend transforming your venue into a tropical paradise with lush monstera leaves, palm fronds, and bright tropical wedding flowers. Elevate your reception tables with tropical wedding centerpieces that feature everything from hot pink orchids to wicker details. Conclude the evening with a tropical wedding cake accented with coconut, pineapple, or grapefruit. 

What do couples need to consider when hosting a tropical beach wedding?

Katz shares, “If you are planning to host a wedding out of the country, I suggest finding an experienced planner and venue contact to assist with every aspect of planning. Destination weddings can be full of hoops that are tricky to jump through.” 

She continues, “Most islands have preferred vendors who are the experts when it comes to the food, flowers, lighting, tents, weather, etc. Utilizing these vendors will give your wedding a natural feel and help to set the tone you are trying to achieve.”

Lastly, she tells us, “We find that weather at the beach is always unpredictable, so it is nice to have vendors who understand the climate. You should also always consider what you are asking of your guests. If you are asking them to travel, it is nice to provide additional events and activities for them along with welcome gifts and beach necessities like sunblock, hats, bug spray and beach towels!”

Where can I find more inspiration for my tropical wedding?

PartySlate is here to guide you from the moment you get engaged — through your showers, bachelorette party, welcome dinner, and all the way to the end of your wedding weekend (and every milestone life event thereafter). Click on the following to find timeless ideas, the latest wedding trends, and the best venues for a tropical wedding.