The Common Misconception
Many brides think the shooting of a wedding video will disrupt their wedding. This common misconception stems from the use of older VHS technology years ago. Cameras usually had to be close -- that can be intrusive. Camera lights had to be on -- that can be blinding. Microphone cables ran on the floor and were attached to people -- that limited the freedom of motion of anyone that spoke. To get good video, the ceremony almost had to be in a Hollywood sound stage!

This UHF wireless transmitter weighs seven ounces and is about the size of a deck of playing cards. The small lavaliere microphone is almost hidden when clipped to clothing.

But that was yesterday, or should be. Good videographers, even years ago, knew the acceptable boundaries and communicated that with their clients. Maybe the quality of their video and sound suffered a bit by being less intrusive, but good videographers, even those using old technology, were never disruptive. Of course, with technology advances, the quality no longer has to suffer.

Technology solves quality issues
Today, improvements in video technology have solved virtually all quality issues. Zoom lenses and tripods allow the videographer to position a camera 20 feet away and get shots that used to require standing two feet. In addition, many three-chip digital cameras can operate with no lights in most conditions.

This mini-disc recorder weighs just five ounces and can be hidden on a podium, in flowers, or in a pocket.

When lights are sometimes required, videographers can use 10 or 20 watts of power rather than the blinding light of hundreds of watts used a decade ago. The biggest improvements, though, have probably been with sound. Videographers no longer have to keep their cameras close to the sound source or have cables laid on the floor. Today, we have wireless microphones and mini-disc recorders to capture good sound.

Officiants and the camera
Officiants will tell you the ceremony is about you, not about cameras and camcorders. That is excellent advice. While they understand you want a recorded history of your wedding day, many officiants have rules in place to limit disruption during your ceremony by anyone, including your videographer, photographer, or guests out of their seats snapping dozens of flash photos during your ceremony. Good videographers and photographers will contact the officiant beforehand to determine the rules, also called the protocol, to observe during the ceremony. By knowing the limitations in advance, the videographer can make adjustments to improve your wedding video.

In most ceremonies, the officiant essentially does all the talking. Some officiants prefer to have a wireless mic placed on them and some suggest having the mic connected to a public address system, so all your guests can hear your vows. Your videographer can help with that. The message to take from this article is to find a videographer that first honors the rules of the officiant, and second, has the skills and equipment to make the best of them.