It's certainly not hard finding a wedding videographer. A simple search in google returns more videographers than you'd think existed and finding a cheap videographer is just as easy with hundreds of sites quoting ridiculously low prices. But what about finding the wedding videographer that fits your needs? I'm betting you'll spend months labouring over the venue, the dress and every subtle nuance that all add up to a perfect wedding day. The choice of wedding videographer shouldn't be any different, and it's certainly worth spending just as much time finding the perfect event videographer for your day.

Not all wedding videographers are equal, but how do you separate the good from the bad? More to the point, how do you know what to expect? Put simply, you should expect a high standard of filming, editing and presentation that wouldn't look out of place if broadcast. Standards within the wedding video market have been raised significantly over recent years with much of the inspiration for high quality coming from the US market. That said, the market still attracts hobbyist editors looking to make a few quid on the weekend. There's certainly nothing wrong with this, but the creme de la creme of wedding videographers treat their wedding videography business as full time employment and able to dedicate the resources required for a stunning wedding day edit.

You do however have a unique opportunity when choosing the videographer compared to any other 'supplier' at the wedding; there;s a strong chance that they're an active member of an online community or have at least posted a few comments on a forum. This gives an invaluable insight into their level of experience and their attitude towards their clients and I strongly recommend you visit the wedding videography sections of the popular video editing forums such as DVDoctor.net, SimplyDV.co.uk amd DVinfo.net/conf. The latter site, www.dvinfo.net/conf, will also give you an idea of the quality at the higher end of the market. Once you see the work of the likes of Glen Elliot, I'm sure you'll appreciate how valuable choosing the right videographer will be.

In addition to searching the internet yourself, there's also a few specialist wedding videographer directories which allow you to browse works from leading videographers. www.visualbride.co.uk is a new wedding videographer directory with online video samples of each service supplier. This provides a unique opportunity to view the standard of filming and editing you can expect from videographers in your area. The Association of Professional Videomakers (www.apv.org.uk) also offers a directory of videographers with online video samples. This directory has the added advantage of only including videographers belonging to the professional association. It's worth noting however that choosing a member belonging to one of the leading trade associations such as the Institute of Videography (IOV) or the APV doesn't necessarily guarantee an end product that matches your expectations. A minimum standard is required to become a member of these associations, and it also shows a commitment to the profession by members, but it's no guarantee that the videographer will be able to edit in the style you'd like. There's an increasing trend towards a more 'top gear' or 'MTV' style, but many videographers offer a specific style of editing only and will not deviate from a set pattern.

Once you've drawn up a shortlist of videographers based on an online sample, pick up the phone and request sample DVDs. This is also a unique opportunity to get to know each of the potential suppliers: if you find anyone rude or unhelpful there's a strong chance this will be repeated on the wedding day! You certainly don't want an obnoxious wedding videographer filming your day, especially as he'll be expected to grow a close rapport with the photographer, vicar, registrar et al during the day. Also bear in mind that the wedding videographer will be a constant presence throughout the whole day (perhaps the only one of those you've paid that will be there from the start to the very end of the day), so you'll want someone that you find easy to get along with. It's also an opportunity to discuss what they can provide on the day. Many videographers offer a set video 'package', but every wedding is unique and you shouldn't expect to have to pick a package to suit. You should be looking for a bespoke service tailored to your needs.

Clearly what you get is dependant on your budget, but there's a few things to look out for. And talking to the videographer gives you the opportunity to find out more about what they can offer. Many of the 'package' style videographers dictate their prices based on the amount of time they spend filming on the day. I find this a wholly inappropriate way of choosing prices as the majority of work is done after the day has ended. What you should be looking for is the type of equipment they use on the day, the number of operators, the turn around time, etc. Here's a list of useful questions to ask:

- How many cameras do you use, and are they all monitored by separate operators?

- I have a High Definition TV and would like video filmed on HDV cameras, do you offer both Standard Definition and High Definition copies? If you offer HD copies, what format do you deliver in?

- I like the shots used in documentaries as if the camera is looking from the sky. Do you use cranes?

- My friends video was so shaky. I've heard there's a way of making cameras glide. Do you use camera stabilisation?

- What sound equipment do you use? I want to be able to hear the vows and speeches unlike my friends video!

- How long after filming do I get to see the video?

- Will you host clips of my video online for my friends and family to see and how long will this stay online?

- If I don't like how you've edited, can I request changes at no extra cost? Will you provide a sample for my approval?

- How long is your average wedding video?

- Do you offer a same day edit to show at the end of the wedding day?

It's the use of specialist equipment that can create stunning shots. If the videographer is passionate about filming, he'll waffle on for an age if you mention cranes, camera stabilisation and colour grading. If you chose the right videographer with access to a range of equipment, your wedding will look stunning with the right editing. This is also a chance to uncover any hidden costs such as the price of separate DVDs and music licencing. The last question above is a recent trend in wedding videography and a spectacular way to end the day!

You shouldn't expect to have to pay for a sample DVD, but some videographers do ask that your return the DVD. I obviously can't tell you what you want from the DVD, and you'll know instantly from the presentation whether the style if for you. However, it's always good to see a variety of editing styles on a sample DVD as this demonstrates the videographers flexibility. You may for example want something specific filmed or edited, and a more flexible videographer will certainly be able to accommodate your request.

The final step in choosing the videographer is meeting them in person. This is where you can discuss the options available and ensure you have a rapport. As mentioned previously, you'll be spending almost the entire day with the videographer from getting ready right through to the end of the day. If you don't get on, he or she could spoil the day! Above all, you need to chose someone you can trust. Happy hunting and I hope your wedding day goes smoothly and you have a wedding video to preserve those memories.