Your wedding day. A day of love and laughter. You will spend many months planning and thousands of dollars to make this day a day to remember.
What better way to remember this magical day than to relive the moments through a movie. A wedding video captures the sights and sounds, the magic, the laughter, the music, the tears in a way that still photographs can’t. You have wisely chosen a professional to produce your wedding portraits and formals. It would also be wise to choose a professional to film and edit your wedding video production.
So how do you choose a video journalist or videographer? Here’s a few tips to help you hire the right company:

• Does the company use 3 chip cameras?
  Most consumer camcorders are “single chip” cameras. A professional camera uses three chips. This means the images will be clearer, brighter, and the colors more vivid.
• Does the company use multiple cameras?
  A professional videographer will normally utilize two or even three cameras at your wedding. This allows for a more professional looking video. Have you ever watched a wedding video from a single camera? It is very boring to watch because it is normally filmed from one location, usually from behind! A professional will use techniques such as capturing the bride walking down the aisle with one camera while another captures the groom watching her with that “look” in his eye.
• Does the company use wireless microphones?
  A professional video journalist will use wireless microphones to capture the vows and the music at your ceremony. Consumer camera microphones will be too far away to be able to capture the audio of your ceremony and should be avoided. After all, if you want to remember this day, your vows, the music and the laughter are just as important as your gown and your cake.
• Does the company use a professional editing system (NLE)?
  Most people do not have editing suites for producing films. They may have consumer level programs that allow them to edit but few people know how to use them and the consumer systems have limited features and usefulness. A professional will utilize the latest editing techniques and equipment to produce a polished film you will be proud to display for your family and friends.
• Does the company offer a free in-home consultation?
  You should meet personally with your video journalist and ask to see samples of their work. Some companies now have example movie clips on their website. This allows you to narrow down your selection before scheduling a consultation. At your consultation, ASK QUESTIONS. Video Journalism is relatively new and most brides are not aware of the myriad of possibilities the professional videographer has to offer.
• What does the average wedding video cost?
  A professionally produced video will range anywhere from $800 - 10,000 with the average being around $2000. This includes the wedding ceremony and the reception. Some brides balk at the cost but the average wedding video includes approximately 4 - 6 hours of filming using two camera persons. The video then is edited which on average can take around 30 – 40 hours. The film is then delivered on VHS and/or DVD. Normally there is a copy for the couple, one for the bride’s parents and one for the groom’s parents. So you can see the value is quite amazing.

Just do it!
You’ve planned every detail of this special day. What better way to remember than video! Imagine sharing not only your photos but the sights and sounds of your wedding day with your children or grandchildren! So choose your video production company carefully. It is a wise investment.