I’m about to show you a wedding film editing and marketing technique that can genuinely change how couples experience your work, and how often you get booked.
It’s called a same-day edit. But if that phrase already makes your stress level spike, stay with me, because what I’m about to explain is very different from the traditional version you’re probably picturing.
Most wedding filmmakers hear “same-day edit” and immediately imagine filming an entire wedding with a full crew, racing against the clock, and somehow delivering a polished film on a projector during the reception. That version exists, but it’s not what I’m talking about here.
This approach is simpler, lower stress, and something almost any wedding filmmaker can realistically pull off, even if you’re working solo.
Why Same-Day Edits Have a Bad Reputation
When I started filming weddings around 2010, a same-day edit was a massive production. It usually required multiple shooters capturing the day while a dedicated editor worked nonstop to assemble a full wedding film before the reception.
Footage had to be copied quickly. Audio had to be synced. Music had to be chosen and cut perfectly. And everything had to be finished by a hard deadline, because at some point during the reception, the entire room would stop to watch the film.
It was stressful, risky, and honestly not worth it for most filmmakers. That’s why you don’t see many people doing traditional same-day edits anymore.
There is one person doing them though, and if you want to be inspired, check out the work of Jason Magbanua!
Reframing the Same-Day Edit
The key shift is realizing that a same-day edit does not need to be a full wedding film.
Instead of creating something long, emotional, and audio-driven, you’re going to make something short, visual, and intentionally simple. The goal is not perfection. The goal is impact.
This updated approach has been used and talked about by filmmakers like Matthew Reid, 31films, and White In Revery, and it completely changes how achievable a same-day edit becomes.
Step One: Make It a Surprise
The first rule is simple: Do not tell the couple you’re doing this.
When couples know a same-day edit is coming, it becomes an expectation, which adds pressure. By keeping it a surprise, you give yourself freedom. If something goes wrong or time gets tight, you can stop without anyone knowing.
Worst case scenario, the work you’ve done becomes a head start on the final edit.
Step Two: Ignore Audio Completely
This is the biggest time-saver.
No vows. No letters. No speeches. And most importantly, no music while you’re editing at the wedding.
The edit is going to play at a loud reception where music is already blasting. Audio doesn’t matter. Removing it entirely lets you work incredibly fast.
Without music dictating your cuts, you’re free to simply choose great-looking shots and move on.
Step Three: Only Choose the Prettiest Clips
This edit is about visual impact. You’re not telling a story. You’re showing your creative eye.
Scroll through your cards quickly and grab only the clips that make you stop and say, “That looks incredible.” Portraits of the couple, beautiful movement, strong light, and clean compositions should make up most of the edit.
Don’t copy entire cards. Just grab what you need and keep moving.
If assembling this takes more than 15 minutes, you’re overthinking it.
How Long the Edit Should Be
Aim for one minute to one minute and thirty seconds.
Anything longer and people won’t stand around to watch it. Shorter is completely fine too. Even 30 seconds can have a huge impact.
Once the clips are on the timeline, apply a quick color grade, export in 1080p, and move on. Speed matters more than resolution here.
When and Where to Edit
Most filmmakers who use this approach carve out time during cocktail hour or during reception downtime, like after formal dances.
If you’re solo, this might mean stepping away for short bursts with your laptop near the reception. It’s doable, it just requires intention.
The entire process should take around 30 minutes once you get comfortable with it.
How to Show the Edit at the Reception
Forget projectors and TVs.
Take your laptop, place it on a table, turn the brightness up, and call the couple over. Tell them you have a surprise.
This moment never fails. Couples don’t expect to see an edit of their wedding on the same day. The reactions are emotional, genuine, and incredibly rewarding.
After they’ve watched it, set the video to loop, make it full screen, and leave it playing.
Guests will naturally gather. People notice when couples are reacting to something special.
Why This Is Incredible Marketing
Instead of forcing everyone to stop and watch a video once, you let the edit play passively throughout the reception.
Guests can watch it on their own terms. And those guests are a perfect audience. They’re the same age as the couple, many are engaged, and they’ll be at the reception for hours.
This often results in far more real engagement than posting the same video online and hoping an algorithm shows it to future couples.
Three Extra Marketing Wins
First, add your logo and website at the end of the edit. Make it easy for people to find you.
Second, place a few business cards near your laptop. Older guests especially will grab them and follow up later.
Third, don’t let this edit live only at the wedding.
Send it to the couple and post it on social media the very next day. Add music, polish it slightly, and ride the excitement while it’s still fresh.
Why Couples Love This
Even if your full wedding film takes months to deliver, couples already have something beautiful to watch and share.
It builds trust. It buys you time. And it reminds them why they hired you in the first place.
The Big Takeaway
You don’t need a big team, a projector, or a stressful timeline.
You need about 30 minutes, a laptop, and the willingness to keep things simple.
This version of a same-day edit is low stress, incredibly effective, and one of the strongest marketing moves you can make as a wedding filmmaker.
Want to learn more about editing? Check out my free Edit Videos Like A Pro guide!