When a client tells me they don't want a wedding video I have to stop myself

from screaming "Are you crazy?" But, I know they're not crazy. As a matter of

fact, I can be pretty sure that they just don't want a bad wedding video.

After years of 'blooper' shows depicting wedding horrors filmed by Uncle

Harry, it's difficult not to cringe when you hear the words 'wedding video'.

After all, we live in the 'age of media' where all life's little occurrences and

major events can be documented by anyone with general knowledge of how to

operate a camera. There is no shortage of bad video footage; video which is

often taken for free and given as a gift to the newly married couple. These

homespun videos feature bad sound, terrible lighting, blurred images and enough

unsteady and quick moving motion effects to make just about anyone dizzy! In

comparison to a professionally produced tape, the amateur counterpart is really

only successful at capturing embarrassing moments and unfortunate mishaps.

Professional videographers, on the other hand, specialize in recording and

documenting this most special day in a way that will be cherished by all.

Many professional videographers are members of professional associations;

recognized associations include the Professional Videographers of America (PVA.com)

and the Wedding & Event Videographers Association (WEVA.com). Professional

associations require members to be established in their field and adhere to a

code of conduct. However, it is most important that a videographer have an

occupational license (issued by the county and/or city in which their business

is located) and adequate insurance coverage.

Seventeen years ago, I was interviewing vendors for my own wedding. Back in

the day when wedding videos were relatively new to the market, they were

proportionately expensive. I recall my own choice to spend over $1,000. for the

best quality video I could afford as opposed to paying half that price for what

I considered 'inferior and unwatchable'. I know some people thought it was

frivolous, but I have never regretted the decision. During the first year of

marriage, we watched that tape about two dozen times: we shared it with people

who couldn't be at the wedding and we reveled in the segments that made us

laugh. As time passed, so did many of our older relatives; their memory lives on

in our wedding video. Now, we share the video with our daughter who is eight. By

today's standards, the video is a bit cheesy -- I must admit -- but it is

irreplaceable.

I always suggest to clients that they interview a few professional

videographers and view some sample tapes. Where most amateur videos may be

boring to watch -- especially when you don't know the participants -- an

artistically produced high quality video (or CD) is always enjoyable,

heartwarming and meaningful.

Susie Weiss, a professional bridal consultant and member of the Association

of Bridal Consultants (ABC) believes that "video helps to keep the memories

alive". She prefers to see her clients who may be on a tight budget to opt for

an inexpensive video package instead of deleting the video altogether. This can

often be accomplished by requesting an unedited tape, or foregoing some of the

more time intensive "montage" sequences.

The WEVA website (www.weva.com) offers a

Brides Guide which describes the value of professional video and video styles,

among other features. The WEVA site stresses that "talent, technology and time

are three key factors which will affect the pricing of your video".

So remember this rule of thumb: You get what you pay for (which also explains

why Uncle Harry's videos are free).

Written by Elisa Delgardio (Member: ABC, ISES, and AfWPI)

Event Manager/Wedding Planner and Coordinator

A Flair for Affairs, Orlando, FL

USA