Videographers: Professional or Friend?

I received a request for information recently and the sender stated, "One of our guests has offered to shoot it for us and their offer is attractive considering your asking price". Although I can understand budgets, it is unfortunate that clients compare professional services with their friends who happen to own cameras.

My respsonse was to ask these questions of anyone, especially friends and family, who you are considering captuing one of the most important days of your life:

Do they have a really 'good' camera?  (preferably 3CCD)

Can it handle low light conditions so common with weddings?

Does it have an external mic that will pick up sound from a distance?

Do they have a wireless mic for the ceremony?

Are they willing to shoot the wedding or will they want to enjoy the wedding? You cannot do both.

Are they willing to spend the hours and hours of time required to edit your video of all the shakes and missed shots to make a truly enjoyable story?

How many weddings have they filmed before? There are no rehearsals or second takes here!

I have video footage that was shot by 'a friend' that I often show clients who are considering that route. It is grainy, and shaky, the sound is almost inaudable and the reception was almost black.

Today, video is every bit as important as your photos. Make sure you budget for it with the same importance. You will be glad you did.