Since its original release in 1982, the sci-fi classic Blade Runner has been re-released in multiple different versions (edits). There are in fact seven different versions of the film. Your wedding video can be similar in that you should receive different edits of the final product. But what's the benefit of this, and what should your wedding film include? 

Edited Highlights

Long gone are the days when wedding films were delivered to the happy couple on VHS or DVD, with the entire presentation being watched from start to finish. A contemporary wedding film may only exist as a digital file, allowing you to send it to interested family and friends, or to share it on social media. This shared version may be the edited highlights of the ceremony and reception, featuring the key moments of the day. There should also be a full-length version of the film.

The Full-Length Version

Your full-length wedding film will go beyond the highlights and should include multiple pre-ceremony sequences as both you and your soon-to-be spouse (and your bridesmaids or groomsmen) get ready for the ceremony, and arrive at the venue—with lots of shots (closeups) of the guests before and during the ceremony too. Companies offering a wedding film service may have more than one camera on the day, to capture as much footage as possible. A full-length wedding film should also capture the reception (the speeches, the meal, the music, your first dance as a married couple). 

Different Edits

You (and anyone else who wants to) can look back on your special day by watching the full-length version of your wedding film. Others may prefer to watch the edited highlights of the day. Ideally, the company making your wedding film should provide you with different edits of the film. Of course, multiple director's cuts aren't necessary (there probably won't be seven different versions of your wedding film), but there should be a full-length version, and a highlights version, all professionally edited together. 

Planning the Film

Prior to your day, you should ask the company producing your wedding film about their intended shot list (the list of places, moments, and people they intend to film). More is more since anything that doesn't quite serve a purpose in the finished film can be edited out. You should add anything else to the intended shot list that you feel is essential. You can also provide a secondary list of highlights that you wish to be included in the shorter highlights version of your wedding film. 

Provided enough footage is captured on the day, it will be possible to produce multiple edits of your wedding film; even though only shorter and full-length versions will be needed, making it simpler and easier for everyone to relive your special day.

Reach out to a company like Lona Weddings to learn more.

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