A. Video is the ONLY way to capture sights, sounds and motion. Your wedding day is the most important day in your life. You WILL want to relive it. You WILL want to see important friends and family members as they were on that day. You WILL want to see your new husband and yourself as you were on that day. And your WILL have future friends-and maybe children-who would love to see the wedding day of two people who are so special to them. You are special to a lot of people. Your wedding video will be as important to them as you.

Q. How important is it to hire a professional instead of using a friend to videotape my wedding?
A. VITALLY IMPORTANT. An amateur-produced wedding video won't be watched very often because it is boring. The problem starts with the equipment. The typical camcorder used by an amateur produces poor image in low light. Most churches and reception halls have low light. Problems get worse when you listen to the sound you get from a typical video camera: it's muddy, very difficult to hear. . . especially in large open areas like a church or reception hall where sound reverberates off the walls and the ceilings. Next, the typical amateur doesn't have the means to edit the video into a tightly-knit production that tells your love story with emotion and impact. Finally, the typical amateur can't create special effects in your finished product. Special effects can make your finished wedding video spectacular.

Q. Is it expensive to hire a professional wedding videographer?
A. NO. On average, less than four to five percent of your total wedding budget. Less than your flowers. Less than your photography. Less than a band. Less than your gown. A fraction of the cost of your reception. And yet with the exception of your photography, your video is all you've got left after your wedding is over.

Q. How do I find a good wedding videographer?
A. Set up an appointment with him/her to view their demonstration video. This is their showpiece. They have worked hard to put together a demo that shows off their abilities. If you like it, proceed to the discussions of your budget and what you'd like to see included in your video. If you don't like it, move on. . . no matter how low the price. No price is a good price if you don't like your finished wedding video.

Q. How do I know if a wedding videographer is up to speed on the latest trends. . . equipment. . . and effects in the industry?
A. Ask them if they belong to an industry trade association such as WEVA, and if they attend national industry conventions. It is in these forums where the hottest new ideas emerge.

Q. How many special effects do I need in my finished wedding video?
A. The use of special effects is a matter of personal taste. As a rule you don't want them overdone because they can begin to overwhelm your story. But when properly woven into a video, they add excitement. here are some of the most popular special effects available: