Let's be honest here. Watching hour after hour of other people getting married isn't that interesting. But then neither is letting your brother tape your wedding as a present, only to be presented with a video of the backs of your heads and some mumbled gibberish for vows. There is a happy medium between these two scenarios.
First, if you know somebody who loved the tape of an anniversary, 50th birthday or other special occasion, by all means call them up and get the company's name. Don't forget the name of the actual person who did the work, not just the company. Then ask for some references and samples from other customers. Try to get as broad a range of events as possible to see what this person can do. Ask people who specialize in weddings, such as caterers, dress stores and florists for leads on great videographers.
Here are a few more quick tips:
- Listen to as well as watch sample videos. With technology today, a good videographer should be able to deliver crystal clear vows as well as the tender expressions on your faces.
- Be clear on what you want in your video. If the reception is taking place under the stars on Whidbey Island and you want to see the lights reflecting off the ocean, make sure it's stated in the contract. Do you want video of everyone panicking before the ceremony when you can't find the mother of the groom? Make sure the videographer knows you want tape of the entire day. Most experienced videographers have both packages and à la carte options so you can capture what is important to you both.
- Do not assume a good photographer makes a good videographer. These are two entirely different mediums which require different skill sets. However, if you love your photographer, ask them for a reference. It is a good idea to know these two professionals can work together. You don't need the videographer in your formal family wedding shots and you don't want to see footage of the photographer blocking the moment your great-aunt catches the bouquet.
- Be very clear about editing. You can arrange everything from raw video (meaning the videographer pulls the tape out of the camera and hands it to you) to dubbed-in music and a slide show of the couple's baby pictures. Be very clear which special effects you want and how you want the final product to look. Get references and look at actual videos to make sure you are working with the right person. Be certain everything is agreed upon in writing.
- Spend some time with the person or people who will be taping your wedding. This person is going to be hanging out with you, with a camera, for a large part of the day. While you can't predict how you are going to be feeling 10 minutes before the wedding, if the videographer makes you uncomfortable, doesn't listen to what you saying, or seems just off somehow, that feeling in not going to get better with an added heavy dose of wedding stress.