1. Technology craze
With video technology constantly expanding, the final product can be off the charts.

“Videos are more epic now and not as cheesy,” says Dustin Topham from Motion Media. “Videographers make a miniature movie instead of just a video.”

2. Check it off
Assign a member of the wedding party to help the videographer know who and what to get video of.

“I provide a checklist of people, décor and moments I want captured,” says Jonathan Roberts, executive director of ILoveToSing.com.

3. Shake it up
Choose a diverse mix of songs for the final video so all the emotions felt that day are portrayed.

“It’s nice when brides give us the music before the wedding because then we know the style of video they want,” says Doug Larson, a videographer at Pointe Digital.

4. Communication
Communicate the focus of the video. Do you want hours of you and your hubby greeting guests, or clips of all your friends wishing you luck?

5. Meetings and Greetings
Introduce the photographer to the videographer so they know each other and can coordinate shots.

“It’s helpful when the bride tells the photographer there is a videographer also,” Doug says. “We can know who each other is and work out the shots together.”

6. All Grown Up
Decide if you want pictures from your life played during the reception. Finding photos will take a while and the videographer will need time to create the movie masterpiece.

7. A Weeklong Event
Invite the videographer to dress fittings, bridal showers and bachelorette parties. If they can’t make it, have one of your bridesmaids video the events and give the tape to the video editor. Your husband can laugh at the funny things you did to get ready for the big day.

8. Research that’s fun!
Grab some popcorn and sit down with your bridesmaids to watch a videographer’s past work. You will know their style and can choose one that fits your needs.

“It’s helpful when a bride can say, ‘I like it when you do this,’ or, ‘Don’t get that shot,’” Doug says.

9. Deal or No Deal
Review the contract before you sign it. Make sure questions are answered before you commit.

“I specify how many minutes of footage each videographer is required to take for me,” Jonathan says. “Negotiating this ahead of time makes sure I don’t end up with regrets.”

10. Hungry Man!
Remember — videographers are human, too! Add them to your food estimates and allow them to eat before or after the festivities.

11. Daily Comfort
Find a videographer you feel comfortable around because they will be in your face all day. Do enough research to know who will be the best fit.

“Brides need to check things out — regardless of what their friends say — and see what has become of the industry,” Dustin says. “They really need to look around because there are so many styles.”

12. Lights, Camera, Action
Lighting is critical for a videographer.

“One couple had their first dance outside on a dark tennis court,” Doug says. “I was lucky I had a bright light on my camera, otherwise the shot would have been completely dark.”
Most videographers can come prepared with the needed lighting, they just need to know before the actual event.

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Your videographer wants to know …

1. What you don’t want
“This is so important,” says Dustin Topham, owner of Motion Media in Lehi. “Knowing what brides don’t want makes the process so much easier.”

2. Who the main players are
“It’s helpful to know how much time we should spend on your family. Obviously, this is important to every couple, but some couples want a lot of time spent with family and some want only the basics,” says Doug Larson, owner of Pointe Digital. “In some weddings I’ve done, the bride appointed a family member to walk around the reception pointing out who I should get on video. It definitely helps to have an ‘assistant.’”

3. What you want to remember
“It seems obvious, but many times this isn’t communicated,” Dustin says. “We want to know what’s most important to you. Is it the décor? The guests? The way people talked? Let us know and we’ll capture those moments.”

4. What music you want
“The music defines your video,” Doug says. “Choose songs that enable the videographer to create the type of video you want. If you want a slow romantic video, slow romantic songs are the way to go. If you want it to be upbeat and fun, choose upbeat and fun music. Personally, I think a good mixture is the best.”

5. If there are any sensitive situations
“It’s always good to know if there are cases of divorce or other potentially sensitive relationships within the family,” Dustin says. “Having a feel for the family dynamics is key.”

6. If you want your video played at your reception
“Obviously, everyone wants their video played at their reception,” Doug says. “However, not everyone gives their videographer enough time to put it together. Most professional videographers need about 4 hours to edit the video, so keep that in mind.”

7. What makes you feel most confident
“I want to know what makes her feel self confident and, by contrast, self conscious,” Dustin says. “I want to be armed with all the tools to make her feel great.”

8. Who your photographer is
“We like to know ahead of time who we’re working with and if they’re professional,” Doug says. “There are many photographers here we have good relationships with, which is essential. The key is respect. Working together makes for an enjoyable experience for you and your spouse.”

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