With camcorders available to just anyone, how do you make sure that the person you hired to videotape is a professional who can be trusted to keep the camera focused, capture all the important moments and not become the center of attention? Start by asking these Top 6 questions.

1. Do you have some demo videos that I can watch? Reference? 

   When watching the demo videos you should find know that the video was shot with a steady hand. You should see sharp, crisp images. 

   The video should have a definate beginning, middle and end. One scene should flow smoothly into another telling a story. 

   Listen to the music on the sample. Does it fit with the scenes? Does it cover up the background noise? 

   Always check on their references. Make sure you ask the bride about the videographer's performance on the wedding day as well as the finished product.
   
   

2. What is your style? 

   The most important answer here is that it is unobtrusive. Does he use natural light, back lighting or will be there a giant light shining in all your guests' eyes? Is the equipment portable or will you be tripping over cords and tripods? 

   An unobtrusive videographer will also work well with your other vendors (i.e. photographer, caterer, etc.), that why your videographer's head won't be in half your wedding photos and he won't capture the waitstaff in your important video clips.
   
   

3. What type of equipment do you use? 

   Make sure your videographer is using state of the art equipment. You also want to make sure that your videographer is totally prepared. The equipment should be wireless allowing the videographer full mobility to capture all the action. The videographer should carry backup equipment.
   
   

4. What coverage is included? 

   With some videographers coverage includes everything from getting ready to leaving for the honeymoon. Others offer packages for the ceremony only or the reception only. Make sure you are getting the coverage you want. 

   Also check to see when coverage begins. Does it begin when he/she starts taping? Or does it include arriving ahead of time to setup and to get familiar with the site.
   
   

5. Is editing included? 

   Although a well taped video should be viewable as a whole, editing will help to highlight the special moments. Editing should provide special openings and ending as well as musical selection. You should ask if you are able to choose the musical selections in the video. 

   Editing is essential to tailoring the length of the video. It should be long enough to cover all important moments while still be short enough to holding the viewer's attention.
   
   

6. What extra services do you provide? What are the costs for these extras?
   
   

   Some videographers will also interview your guests and wedding party to include in your wedding day footage. Another popular option is to included baby pictures or pictures of you and your fiancee growing up to show how it all got started. Others go back further and allow you to include wedding photos of your parents and grandparents. 

   For a good closing on your video, some videographers will include some photos highlighting your honeymoon. Of course, this option will delay the finished product until after the honeymoon. 

   Another option available is includeing audio or video clips of family and guests unable to attend the wedding or photos of deceased family members so that they might also be included in your memories. 

   In addition to adding photos to your video footage, many videographers can make montages set to music of your wedding photos.