While a picture is worth a thousand words, sometimes wedding photography is not enough to capture all the magic of your wedding day. For this reason, many couples also consider hiring a wedding videographer for their wedding. Here is a look at what you need to know when choosing a videographer.
Count the Experience
Above all, you want someone that has experience in the field of wedding videos. A videographer needs to be an expert in the field. Some videographers will see wedding videos as a cheap and easy way to get into the field of videography, so you want to watch out for these people. Hiring a professional is critical in producing great results.
Review the Demos
A good way to tell how professional your videographer is at his or her work is to ask for demos. Take the time to sit through a few and watch how the videographer works. Since it is a live production, it is normal to see a few minor errors, but you should see that on the whole the wedding and receptions are covered professionally. You can also ask for references from previous customers, which will help you further understand how the videographer works.
Ease of Communication
Your videographer needs to be a people person. This is important not only in getting the specific shots that you want included in your wedding video, but also in making sure that everything runs smoothly. Your videographer will need to work with both the guests and the other professionals you have hired for your special day.
Personalization of Style
Like photographers, videographers will have varying styles. It is often helpful to have a photographer and a videographer that have a similar style so that they can work together. Some videographers prefer a reality-TV style approach, others more of a documentary, and some will prove more of an artsy feel to their work. You want to find a videographer that has a style that you like, which will fully reflect your personality for your wedding day.
Budgeting the Price
As with anything else in your wedding, a professional videographer is going to come with a fee. Since this is a professional service, you should keep in mind that you will often get what you pay for. Expect to pay at least as much for your wedding video as you do for your still photography. Since the pictures and the video are the main remembrances of the big day, the two are often at the top of the pricing scale to insure good quality.
Evaluating the Cameras/Equipment
For most couples, unless they are into photography or videography themselves, the type of equipment that is used is not important. However, you may want to ask how many cameras the videographer and staff will be using. In most cases, you will want a minimum of two cameras going throughout the ceremony in order to make sure that every moment is captured.
Incorporating the Editing
While the videography of the big day is important, just as important is the editing. You will want to know the length of the final version, if captions or titles will be included, if there will be a menu, what sort of music there will be, and any other concerns. For those couples who are working with a budget, an unedited video can give you a realistic picture of the day, if your videographer is willing to give you one.
Buying Extra Copies
If you want extra copies of your wedding video, you will want to find ahead of time if there are any copyright fees that will be involved. If you want still shots made from the video, you might also inquire about the charges for these at the same time.
Overall, your videographer is responsible for capturing your big day. Choose wisely, and you will find a professional that will do quality work within your budget in order to have the best memento possible.
Photo by: Mike Larson Inc. on Panacea Event Floral Design 
Photo LisaMae Cakes & Unknown Via Loverly
