Traditional Videography vs. Cinematography - Choosing Your Wedding Movie Style

Choosing the right wedding filmmaker is an essential part of planning your big day. Your wedding film should reflect your personality, culture, emotions, and story — especially for Asian weddings, which are rich in colour, rituals, and meaning. With so many styles and terms being used today, it can be confusing to understand what you’re actually getting. This guide will help you understand the different filmmaking options available, the differences between videography and cinematography, and which option best fits your wedding.

Understanding your filmmaking options

When searching for wedding coverage, you will usually come across two main styles of filmmaking:

• Videography

• Cinematography

Both styles capture your wedding beautifully, but they differ in technique, team size, equipment, editing style, and the final look of your film. Knowing the difference will help you decide which fits your taste and your budget.

What is Videography?

Videography is the more traditional approach to wedding filmmaking. This option usually gives you one videographer who captures your full day from start to finish.

Because only one person films everything, the wedding movie focuses on documenting events as they happen in real time. The result is a documentary-style wedding video similar to what you see on TV — chronological, detailed, and honest.

Videography gives you:

• One videographer covering the entire event

• A full documentary record of your day

• Straightforward filming that prioritises clarity and completeness

• A more budget-friendly option

• A perfect choice for smaller weddings or events with tighter timelines

This style is ideal for couples who want a clean, simple film that captures everything without the razzle dazzle of cinematic effects.

If you love tradition, a classic documentary-style wedding video is a beautiful and timeless choice. Many couples love the authenticity of a traditional wedding film. It may not have dramatic effects, but it captures the emotion of your day in a pure, honest way. This style is especially meaningful for families who want to relive every moment as it happened.

What Is Cinematography?

Cinematography takes things to a much higher level, providing a film-like experience that feels expressive, dramatic, and visually stunning. This style typically gives you two cinematographers working together, enabling more dynamic shots, multiple angles, and creative storytelling techniques inspired by big-budget cinema releases.

Cinematic filming uses advanced equipment such as stabilisers, gimbals, sliders, drones, and cinema-grade lenses. The final video is colour graded in cinematic tones, giving the film rich contrast, atmosphere, and emotion.

Cinematography gives you:

• Two professional cinematographers capturing your event

• A carefully crafted love story instead of a simple recording

• High-end production techniques

• Music, speeches, and visual storytelling blended into one narrative

• A wedding film that feels like a movie trailer or theatrical release

This approach is perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel dramatic, romantic, or expressive, and prefer a polished production over a documentary.

Which Option Suits You Best?

Your choice depends on your budget, the size of your event, and the overall style you want for your wedding film.

Videography may be best if:

• You prefer a simpler documentary-style film

• You have a smaller event (up to 300 guests)

• You are on a budget (prices for videography typically range from £500-£1000 per event)

• You only require one videographer

• Your wedding will take place in one location or if the venue is small to mid-sized.

Cinematography is ideal if:

• You have a large event with 300 guests or more

• You want a visually rich, movie-style film

• You prefer multiple cinematographers and advanced equipment

• You want dramatic, emotional storytelling

• You are happy to invest in a higher budget (for the additional team, equipment, and editing time)

• You love the look of big-budget films and polished colour grading

Cinematography is also perfect for any couple who wants a more stylish and expressive look - even if their guest count is smaller.

How To Find The Right Filmmaker For Your Event

Choosing the right filmmaker requires research and trust. Explore portfolios, compare styles, and book consultations with the videographers you are considering. Ask about their experience with Asian weddings, equipment, filming approach, and how they handle large guest counts. A clear conversation will help you understand whether videography or cinematography aligns with your vision.

Are ZS Productions The Right Filmmakers For You?

If you’re looking for high-quality wedding cinematography or videography in Bradford, West Yorkshire, across the UK (or in fact the world), you’re in the best place.

ZS Productions specialise in both documentary-style videography and cinematic filmmaking. Whether you want a simple, elegant record or a dramatic, movie-style wedding film, our team delivers results with award-winning quality.

With over a decade of experience, multiple international awards, and a reputation for capturing weddings beautifully, we help you relive your day with emotion, artistry, and stunning visuals.

We are experts in Asian weddings and events including Mehndi and Jago nights. We understand the culture, traditions, family dynamics, and the importance of capturing every emotional moment with authenticity and respect. With ZS Productions, you’re choosing a team that knows how to film Asian celebrations beautifully - from vibrant pre-events to the main wedding day - ensuring every detail, ritual, and memory is preserved in breathtaking quality.

Contact ZS Productions today and let us bring your wedding story to life.