Question to Ask a Videographer

Once you have covered the basic questions -- are you available for my wedding date and do you fit in my budget -- there are eight more questions you should ask a prospective videographer.

1. Will you attend the rehearsal? Are you familiar with my ceremony/reception site?

These are critical questions because the videographer must determine the best angle, lighting options and sound needs for your wedding and reception. It's best to do all of this a day or so before the actual wedding. Many ceremony sites have specific rules about where the videographer can set up. Some sites may also present sound or lighting challenges -- the more familiar the videographer is with the site the better.

2. Who exactly will be shooting my video?

Some companies, especially in busy summer months, may send amateurs to some of their weddings. Meet the actual videographer and see his or her work before booking.

3. Are there any photographers in town that you have had difficulty working with?

The fit between photographer and videographer is critical. If they don't work together as a team, the scene may get ugly. It may be difficult to get a frank answer here, but try.

4. Do you have specific questions about my ceremony?

Explain your general wedding shooting schedule. This way you can find out what they do before the ceremony, whether they do interviews or not, and how they expect the evening to run.

5. Exactly what will the final product look like?

Find out how long the tape will be, what type of editing or graphics will be done and any additional touches that may be added. Often we've seen demo tapes with music synched to the action, fancy cursive graphics and even dissolves or other effects. Then we've been informed that all those options cost extra. Make sure to ask.

6. Do you have back-up equipment? Do you edit your own work? Do you offer a guarantee?

Back-up equipment is a critical issue. The best videographers have back-up equipment with them at the ceremony/reception sites. Even if it takes just a few minutes for the videographer to run out to a car, you can miss important moments.

7. Will you take a little time to educate me about video production?

This is a trick question suggested to us by Bill, a New Jersey videographer. Bill told us you're not looking for a technical lecture but insights into the videographer's philosophy. The videographer should acknowledge that each wedding is different -- and be honest about the shortcomings of his or her work. "Beware of the person who doesn't or can't explain things to you. Or one who thinks he's the greatest on earth."