What’s the Difference Between a Highlight Reel and Docu Style Wedding Video?

As a wedding videographer and photographer, I can say with absolute certainty that having both photo and video is a precious thing. You may not realize it at the time, but those candid moments that you love so much? They often come to life much better in video than in photos.

When it comes to wedding videography, it seems there are two types of couples: those who know they want both photography and videography from the beginning and those who wait until the last minute to see if their budget allows for a wedding video. Neither choice is wrong, but let me share a personal story that might help you decide.

The Wedding Video I Wish I Had (and Why I Now Offer Both Styles)

We got married on a budget, and I was thrilled with our wedding choices. Everything was beautiful. But about a month before the big day, I started to panic. The family friend who was supposed to record some video snippets for us started becoming unreliable, and I was getting a bad feeling. So, I asked a photographer friend, who was dabbling in videography at the time, to step in and create something simple for us—a short and sweet wedding video to capture the day.

Fast forward to the wedding day, and the family friend showed up late, appeared to be intoxicated, knocked things over during our ceremony, and unfortunately, filmed a lot of people’s feet. I was heartbroken. But thankfully, my photographer friend came through. She captured an amazing, 2-minute wedding video that we still watch every anniversary. That video meant so much to us, and it inspired me to start offering videography to my clients.

 

Highlight Reel vs Docu Style Video: Which One Is Right for You?

As a wedding videographer, I offer two main types of wedding videos: the Highlight Reel and the Docu Style Video.

1. Highlight Reel Wedding Video
The Highlight Reel is my specialty. It’s shorter, typically around 2-5 minutes, and often features your vows (if you wish). It’s edited to match the flow of the music, creating a cinematic feel that highlights the most important moments of your day. This style is popular for couples who want a quick, emotional recap of their wedding day. Here’s an example of a Highlight Reel that I absolutely love. Keep in mind, the video length may vary based on your wedding package and the duration of the day—longer days tend to result in slightly longer highlight reels.

2. Docu Style Wedding Video
The Docu Style Video is much longer and includes more footage. You’ll get snippets from speeches, more scenes of getting ready, and a longer segment of your ceremony, for example. It provides a more comprehensive look at your wedding day. However, while more can be great, it’s not always better. The Docu Style video doesn’t always follow the rhythm of the music and can sometimes feel too long—especially on shorter days when there just aren’t as many moments to fill the time. Here’s an example of a Docu Style video that I think really brings out the beauty and emotion of the day. You can also click here to compare this to the Highlight Reel.

Which Wedding Video Style Should You Choose?

If you’re wondering whether the Docu Style video is worth the extra cost, it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you love the idea of having a full, in-depth wedding video, the Docu Style is a great choice. However, if you prefer a shorter, more cinematic recap, then the Highlight Reel might be a better fit for you.

Remember, both options capture the essence of your special day, but in different ways. You don’t have to choose just one—many couples opt for both the Highlight Reel and Docu Style video to preserve both the quick emotional moments and the full story of their wedding.

Choosing the right wedding video style is all about what fits your vision for your wedding day. Whether you’re leaning toward a Highlight Reel or the Docu Style video, I’m here to help guide you in making the best choice for your needs. Let me know if you’re ready to discuss which option is the best fit for your wedding day!

You can check out more of my wedding videos by clicking here