While you might have all your photos printed, having a wedding video is one of the best ways to preserve all of the sounds, voices and action of the day. Unlike pictures, which can be a bit flat and uninformative without context or sound, videos transport you back to that magical moment in time every time you watch them.

A professional videographer will be able to take the footage from your big day and turn it into a film that encapsulates everything that was special about it. It’s important to meet with your videographer in advance of your wedding and discuss what you’d like for them to capture.

There are many different wedding video styles, and the style you choose will depend on your preferences. Some videographers may opt for a more non-linear approach to the film, with clips from the ceremony and speeches being interspersed throughout the b-roll, while others might use an artistic edit that is more traditional and structured.

Consider what kind of emotion you want your film to convey, and think about any recurring themes that you might want to highlight. For example, you might want to incorporate your wedding theme or the songs that were played throughout the day into your video. You might also wish to include a clip of your parents or grandparents at their own weddings, which can be both sentimental and a great way to honor them.

Another fun option is a music video style, which can be an awesome way to share your day with friends and family that weren’t able to attend the wedding. This is often done by having the bride and groom, or even the entire wedding party, mime to a song that reflects their relationship (Lou Reed’s “A Perfect Day” is a popular choice).

If you’re looking for something more whimsical, consider a stop-motion animation. This is a creative technique that involves stopping the camera, moving the object within the shot and then starting the filming again. It’s a really cool look that can add an element of magic to your video.

While a video of your wedding day will be something that you will cherish forever, keep in mind that most people’s attention spans don’t last very long. It’s a good idea to try and keep your video to around 10 minutes or less. If you have a lot of footage, it’s important to be ruthless about what you choose to include.

While a DVD is still a popular option for delivering your video, most videographers are now offering digital movie files in HD on thumb drives that can be easily shared with those who weren’t able to make it to the wedding. This also makes it easy to play your video on any device, so you can watch it while you’re on your honeymoon or on a plane ride back home.