Many couples have told me that the one thing they regretted not having had at their wedding was a videographer to record the event. The day always seems to pass by much too quickly, and being able to watch a DVD of their wedding day afterwards would have enabled them to relive the day.

Let's face it, nothing captures the immediacy and candid moments of a wedding quite like a DVD.

I'm sure the best man who tripped while handing over the wedding rings, and succeeded in pushing both bride and minister into a swimming pool, probably wishes that a videographer had not been present to capture his moment of shame, especially as it has now been seen by millions on YouTube!

Get a professional to do the job

As is the case for wedding photographs, it's best to leave the task to a professional, rather than asking a friend or family member to do the job.

A wedding guest usually wants to relax and enjoy the occasion, and — apart from the risk that they may be enjoying themselves too much and accidentally leave out important parts of the proceedings — it's a bit unfair to expect them to experience the entire celebration on a small screen.

Do ensure that your Master of Ceremonies keeps both your videographer and photographer aware of the sequence of events at your function.

They need to know the order of the proceedings, and to be told when to be ready to film important moments.

For instance, don't start the cutting of the cake before checking that the videographer is in place and ready to roll.

It's also best to tell him (or her) if you are planning anything unusual, to give him time to find a good vantage point.

If you think your guests will find it embarrassing having a camera pointed at them while they are asked to send their good wishes to the bride and groom, don't hesitate to tell the videographer this in advance.

And please, do remember to ask everyone in your party to ditch the chewing gum before the wedding starts! This is something that is often forgotten, but is very noticeable when you view your DVD.

Questions to ask your videographer:

• What kind of equipment does he/she have?
• How many cameras do they use and do they have back-up equipment?
• Is he or she familiar with the location you have chosen?
• Do they charge a flat fee and if so, how many hours of service does this entitle you to?
• Are editing, titles and music included in the quote and can you choose the music used?
• What is the cost involved if you require additional DVDs?

I was horrified to read this week about a couple who had been let down by the videographer they had chosen. Seven months after the wedding, they were still waiting for their video of the event!

Apparently they are not the only ones who were let down by this person. This is one of the reasons why I established The Wedding & Honeymoon Association (Wahasa) earlier this year.

All Wahasa members have to sign a strict Code of Conduct, and must be experienced and reliable members of the wedding industry in South Africa. All those who exhibit at Celebration House and on our website are approved by Wahasa.

See www.wahasa.co.za or www.celebrationhouse.co.zafor more information.