Wedding video is a beautiful way to share your special day with friends and family who couldn’t make it. Whether they’re far away or living in another country, wedding videos let them witness the magical day and feel like they were there.

Editing a wedding highlights video can be challenging. But you can simplify the process with free video editing tools.

1. Capture the details

Wedding video is a way to capture all of those small details that add up to your day. Whether it’s an unscripted reaction to a speech, an impromptu dance with friends, or an unexpected burst of laughter, these moments are the threads that weave your story together.

A skilled videographer can be invisible to their subjects, capturing all of the spontaneous strokes that add authenticity to your narrative. They are always on the lookout for these moments, and know how to capture them without interrupting your guests’ experience or causing discomfort.

Using b-roll is one way to ensure that you’re capturing all the important moments and creating a cinematic final product. However, it’s also important to be selective with your b-roll to avoid overcrowding your wedding film.

2. Keep it unplugged

Many couples want their guests to enjoy their ceremony without the distraction of phones and cameras. It is one of the top regrets for most couples when they see their friends and family holding up their phones for a picture or video during their wedding.

If your photographer is mic-ed up for audio, even a brief phone ring can disrupt your real moments and ruin the recording. It also prevents your videographer from getting the best possible shots of you and your partner.

To set your expectations, clearly state on your invites what you would like from your guests regarding their technology use on your wedding day. Some examples of this include asking your guests to keep their cameras tucked away during the ceremony, only post photos after the wedding or to refrain from social media altogether.

3. Capture the emotions

Using the power of film and editing techniques, a wedding video can convey emotions like jittery nerves, overall excitement or genuine happiness that simply can’t be captured through photographs. These emotions can be heightened even further with the use of sound, whether through the words of your vows or the cheers of your guests.

During the post-production process, skilled editors take the footage from your day and arrange it into a cinematic story. This includes enhancing colours, adding music and voice overs, evoking an emotional journey through your special moments.

It also means that the after party can be fully captured – from the carefree spins of friends to the lively group dances, every movement becomes a brushstroke in your vibrant tapestry of celebration.

4. Document the ceremony

When the florist suggests five different kinds of roses and the caterer asks you to choose between endless macaroon flavors, it can feel like wedding planning is a full-time job. That's why it's important to make wise decisions.

Be ready with your camera as soon as the bride begins her walk down the aisle. Start with a wide shot, then move to medium and finally close-up shots of the bride.

The best wedding videos tell a complete story. A good way to do that is by using a combination of candid shots and more posed, directed shots. This gives the video a cinematic style that draws people in and evokes emotions like joy, anticipation and excitement. It also looks more genuine than a simple montage of baby pictures and honeymoon snapshots.

5. Make it timeless

A wedding video can truly make your ceremony timeless. By focusing on the moments that genuinely reflect you as a couple, you’ll create something that will never go out of style.

For example, a video of you and your new spouse exploring the places where you first met or fell in love can be a touching and one-of-a-kind way to remember your special day. You could also include a pre-wedding video to capture all your nerves and jitters before the big day.

A highlight reel is a short-form film that collates your best moments of the day into a video clip accompanied by your chosen song. It’s a great option to keep your guests engaged and is perfect for sharing on social media. These videos are often the only clips your friends and family will see of your wedding day, so they need to pack a big punch in a short amount of time.