Videography? Cinematography? Cinematic? Art House? Documentary?

In an effort to distinguish themselves and style, many wedding videographers are using fancy-sounding names to describe their styles.

I'm not sure couples are getting clearer or more confused as a result.
So- in an effort to simplify the obvious questions...

1. Should I have a video of my wedding?
2. What makes one videographer different from the next?
3. What do these descriptive names mean, or what are the different styles?
4. Why do prices range from under $1K to over $15K?

IF you hire a videographer/film maker/cinematographer who documents your wedding in a way that you'll want to remember it in 25 years, the answer is YES. If you feel that photography will document your wedding in one way, and a wedding film (video) will add something wonderful, and complementary to the documentation, then YES again.

If the idea of wedding videography brings up images of fat, old men with shoulder-mounted cameras; big, glaring lights, rolling tripods on the dance floor; dumb questions asked of guests ("Why don't you say something for the couple?"); and cheesy music; you probably aren't aware of the cutting edge players in the new wedding cinematography industry.

New film makers dress like guests; use very small cameras; light only when absolutely needed - and off camera, not on; and use small, black stable tripods when using tripods at all. Cutting edge film makers may use dramatic images, live sound and dialogue, and image alteration and enhancement in the editing studio to produce original wedding films.
Note: Before you decide on whether to spring for a wedding film, do yourself favor and do a little research on what the hottest wedding videographers in your area are up to. See if their work excites you. Think about whether it would have value to you in ten or twenty years.

Some film makers are solo acts. That can save money, but will cost you the joy of seeing so many things that you probably missed at your wedding. Multiple cameras can allow one camera to be in one place (maybe at the bride's getting ready and another at the groom's with his groom'smen); Or a videographer filming the photo shoot and the cocktail hour. More than one videographer can also mean less distraction, as advance planning of the shoot is possible, with different crew members in designated places without having to run around to grab shots from different angles.

Of course every videographers comes with her own approach as well as her own personality. Make sure both are compatible with your vision and personality. Your film maker's personality can make or break a video -since what's important to her, should match with what's important to you and you should feel supported and happy when this person is around. They will be around constantly during your wedding day, and it's best to feel they would mix well with your wedding party and guests even though you're not marrying your film maker!