Over the past few weeks, I have performed as emcee and entertainment director for two events where amateurs were enlisted to do the videography. In the first event, “Grandma Rose”  had a video camera but didn’t know how to use it. After we helped her with some basic camera functions, she then ran out of battery power and couldn’t figure out how to connect her AC wire. We also helped her with that. At the end of the event, she asked us for our video because the little footage that she DID get was poor quality and not useable.

At the second event, “Uncle Charlie”  was doing video. Once again, being unfamiliar with the camera, lighting, positioning of subjects, and the general flow of a wedding, the end result was very poor quality images of the ceiling and floor. The bride asked if we could share the video that we were taking.

I’ve heard similar horror stories about couples who ask a friend or family member to do photography, video or DJ work in order to save money. In all of those instances, the couple was very disappointed because the crowd didn’t dance, traditional wedding events weren’t done or handled improperly, and there was a general feeling of confusion, awkwardness and sometimes chaos. But the couple saved money!!!

Your wedding is going to be one of the most important days of your life! Why, on earth, would you enlist the help of amateurs to perform services that require professional knowledge, skills, experience, and equipment? In the case of photography or video, there is only ONE opportunity to capture all of those precious moments! Most professionals not only use the latest equipment, but bring backup equipment and personnel to make sure that you get a high quality product that will be enjoyed by you and your family for years. They also know how to compose excellent shots, knowing where to be and when to be there so the highlights are captured.

The same philosophy applies to banquet facilities, limousines, florists, and other vendors. Granted, we are all dealing with a difficult economy right now. But your wedding, hopefully, will be a once in a lifetime event that deserves the best quality vendors that you can get.

At Music in Motion, in addition to great MC’s, DJ’s, live bands, and justices of the peace, we can also provide a professional videographer who will make sure that your wedding will be recorded with the highest degree of quality and attention to detail. And after you see the final product, you’ll be glad that you chose a professional instead of an amateur!

* In the horror stories, the names have been changed to protect the guilty!