Your wedding day will not only be remembered because it is such a spectacular day, but you will be able to capture the moments as if you are still there twenty years later through the videos taken on your wedding day. While your photo scrapbook or album will bring you back to that day, nothing beats an actual video of the sounds and laughter, excitement, dancing, etc. of your special day.



However, in order to have the perfect wedding video, it is important to do your homework before you hire a videographer. Do not just hire anyone. You need to make sure the videographer you choose is experienced at taping weddings! There are hundreds of “professional” videographers. You want to be sure the professional you choose has actually videotaped weddings and not just gymnastic or school events!

Start by checking out some sample videos online. However, once you decide on at least three videographers to interview, you need to be sure you actually watch an entire wedding video to get the full effect of the videographer's experience.

There are many different styles your wedding video could be. Discover what style you like. A few styles include: traditional, video journalism, cinematic and short form style. You will know right when you see it what your style is.

Check to see if the videographer you are considering is associated with a national association, such as WEVA (Wedding & Event Videographers Association). This is a good indication you are hiring a qualified and professional videographer. Also, get references from actual clients you can speak to. Did you know that people can actually put “fake” testimonials on their websites? Also, when talking to a reference, ask to see if they are getting a commission. If so, you may want to get a second opinion.

Once you have narrowed your choices down from the above tips, you will want to meet with the videographers personally. Here are some questions to ask:

- How much experience do you have?

- How many actual weddings have you shot? A professional videographer will be happy to share this information with you.

- What styles do you offer?

- What form will the final video take? Will it be an industry standard, with chaptered DVD thumbnail image menus?

- Will I be able to choose images from my movie and have photos made from them?

- Can you deliver the entire wedding online in Streaming DVD format? This way you can share with friends and family for up to a year after your wedding!

- What type of equipment do you use? Be sure it is new and modern. Also, make sure they have a backup plan for if things go wrong with the equipment.

- Will the tape be edited? This question will give you an idea of how advanced the videographer is with technology.

- Will you be the person videotaping my wedding? This is important. Be sure you are actually interviewing the person in charge of your wedding. Every videographer is different. Ask if they will have an assistant.

- Do you have other weddings scheduled for that day or weekend?

- Have you ever filmed at this venue before?

- How much do you charge? Is it hourly or project based?

Once you have asked the basics, you will want to consider the personality of the videographer. Do your personalities seem to mesh or clash? While your videographer is the expert, you are the boss! This is your big day, and the videographer needs to put aside any ego he/she may have and work with you to capture those special moments of your wedding day on camera!