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Choosing those to make your day memorable

By Roy Bassave

You are spending thousands of dollars on your wedding -- for the dress, food, flowers, rings. But one detail that sometimes gets lost in the mix could be the most important and sometimes most overlooked part of your wedding -- choosing a photographer and videographer.

"When selecting a professional wedding videographer, having a written contract that is clear, complete, and understandable is vital," says Steve Wernick, director of media relations for WEVA International in Sarasota, Fla. "Nearly every misunderstanding between a couple and their service providers can be prevented if a proper contract is in place."

WEVA International suggests that the following information be included in the wedding video contract:
  • date, location(s), and time(s) of wedding and any other events to be taped
  • dollar amount of contract, along with payment terms
  • anticipated delivery time
  • format of finished video (DVD, VHS, or something else), and number of videos provided
  • Available options, such as Love Story Video, or video projection services
  • Below are some things to remember when you interview the people who capture your wedding memories forever.

  • date, location(s), and time(s) of wedding and any other events to be taped
  • dollar amount of contract, along with payment terms
  • anticipated delivery time
  • format of finished video (DVD, VHS, or something else), and number of videos provided
  • Available options, such as Love Story Video, or video projection services
  • Below are some things to remember when you interview the people who capture your wedding memories forever.
Wedding videos
  • Get recommendations from friends and family and look at their wedding albums and video.
  • What format will the videographer be using (video or DVD)?
  • Are there any creative options/digital effects available, like a bride and groom cam?
  • Does the videographer work with an assistant?
  • What will the set-up be like and what equipment will be used?
  • What is the pricing structure, including editing?
  • What events will the videographer record?
  • When will the video be ready, and can you see all the footage both edited and unedited?
  • Will you get a copy of the entire video shoot regardless of what's used?
Wedding photos
  • Will the photographer personally be taking the photographs?
  • Does the photographer have samples of his/her work and references?
  • Does the photographer work with an assistant and does he have a videographer on staff?
  • Does the photographer use a flash during the ceremony?
  • What photo format does the photographer use and which gives the best enlargement quality and why?
  • Is the photographer familiar with your ceremony and reception location?
  • Will the photographer stay through the cake cutting and garter toss?
  • What are the photo package prices, including the hours for the job?
  • When will the preview pictures be ready, and are they included in the package?
  • The sights, sounds, and emotion of the wedding day are best captured with professional videography. A proper contract, after a thorough vendor selection process, will ensure that the couple will receive a video that they will treasure.
-- Roy Bassave is a Miami, Fla.-based freelance writer.

Copyright © 2009, The Virginia Gazette

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