We've all heard the cliché, "A picture is worth a thousand words." Well, how much are a million pictures, that are moving, worth to you? That's what a video documentary of your wedding is, a custom-made movie of events leading up to and including your wedding day. Moving pictures such as these are best trusted to a trained professional.

When shopping for a videographer, there are several guidelines you should follow. It is recommended you begin your search early in your wedding planning and that you sign a contract with your chosen videographer at least four to six months before your wedding date and up to a year in advance for peak times. Here are a few questions to ask.

How many weddings have you shot? Simply put, the more weddings the videographer has shot, the greater chance they will still be in business when your wedding day arrives. Ask to view a demo tape, as well as work in progress.

What kind of equipment do you use? The answer you're looking for is "industrial" (Digital, H1-8, S-VHS, Beta, 3/4-inch). If a videographer says the camera is "consumer grade," find out how many weddings they have shot. If the number is fewer than 20, this should signal a red flag.

Do you use "stringers" or "tapers"? A stringer or taper is a camera operator hired on a part-time basis, usually during busy times. If the answer is "yes", ask to meet the person and view their demo tape. If for any reason a demo is not available, take your business elsewhere.

Is editing included in the price? True editing is performed after the wedding and usually involves rearranging segments, blending footage, laying down music to the soundtrack, etc. Remember, "in camera" editing is merely turning the camera on and off.

Do you use special effects? Ask your videographer to explain and show you special effects on a demo reel.

Do you or would you use a "shooting script"? Sometime before the wedding, provide a list or tell the producer all the scenes and people you want included in the video. You may even want to enlist a relative to help point out friends and family members.

How will you dress? Most professional videographers have formal and semi-formal attire and will dress according to the client's request.

Scrutinize your contract before you and the videographer sign it. Make sure it includes an itemized list of every service for which you have agreed to pay.