Should You Add Rehearsal Dinner Coverage to Your Wedding Video Package?
Your wedding day gets all the spotlight—but the night before is often where the most heartfelt moments happen. If you're planning a rehearsal dinner in Chattanooga or Nashville, you might be wondering:
Should I add this to my wedding videography package?
The short answer?
Yes—if you want your full story told.
Here’s why rehearsal dinner coverage is one of the most underrated (and emotional) parts of your wedding film.
1. You’ll Capture Some of the Most Personal Speeches
The rehearsal dinner is where people get real.
Unlike the reception—where speeches are often brief and formal—this is where your parents, siblings, and lifelong friends open up. You’ll hear stories, memories, and heartfelt sentiments that don’t always make it into the main event.
Capturing those toasts on video means:
You can relive those words forever
You’ll have a record of loved ones sharing deep, emotional reflections
It adds emotional depth to your final wedding film
2. It Adds Context to Your Wedding Story
Think of your wedding film as a full-length movie.
The rehearsal dinner serves as the prologue—the backstory, the laughter, the quiet anticipation. Including footage from this night helps your editor build a richer, more complete story.
You might see:
A sibling’s funny speech on Friday
Followed by that sibling wiping tears during the vows on Saturday
It all connects—and creates a more moving, cinematic film.
3. It Captures a Side of You (and Your Guests) You Won’t See on the Wedding Day
The rehearsal dinner is low-pressure and intimate.
No timelines. No strict dress codes. No seating charts.
Just close friends and family, in a relaxed environment, sharing joy and anticipation for what’s to come. It’s a rare chance to see your people completely present—and those little moments are often some of the most cherished.
4. You Don’t Need Full Coverage—Just a Few Key Hours
You don’t have to film the entire night. Most of my Chattanooga and Nashville couples choose 2–3 hours of coverage, just enough to:
Capture guest arrivals
Film key toasts and speeches
Grab behind-the-scenes moments (hugs, laughter, meaningful glances)
That way, you get the highlights—without overwhelming your film or budget.
5. It Can Be Edited as a Standalone Film or Integrated Into Your Main Video
There’s flexibility here.
Want a standalone mini-film of your rehearsal dinner? You got it.
Want the best parts integrated into your full wedding video for emotional impact? We can do that too.
You’re not just booking a camera—you’re building a custom story.
Getting Married in Chattanooga or Nashville?
Both cities are filled with incredible rehearsal dinner venues:
Chattanooga favorites: The Edwin Hotel, Alleia, or private Airbnbs on Signal Mountain
Nashville gems: 5th & Taylor, The Cordelle, or rooftop bars with skyline views
These cozy, ambient spaces create perfect settings for heartfelt video coverage.
Final Thought: Is It Right for You?
Ask yourself:
Are there people speaking at the rehearsal dinner who won’t speak at the wedding?
Do you want a fuller emotional story in your final film?
Are you hosting your rehearsal at a meaningful or scenic location?
If the answer is yes to any of those, rehearsal dinner video coverage is well worth the addition.
🎥 Ready to Add It?
If you’re planning a wedding in Chattanooga or Nashville and want to explore adding rehearsal dinner coverage to your package, I’d love to chat. It’s one of the most overlooked but impactful additions to your wedding film.
📩 Contact me here to learn more or get a custom quote.