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I've covered many weddings in my career as a videographer. I've also attended quite a few as a guest. I've watched other videographers at work, and I'd like to share a few considerations that you may not be aware of.

If your reception takes place in the evening, the lighting will likely be low. It's very common to have the lights dimmed as the dancing begins. You should ask your DJ or master of ceremonies about this in advance. If possible, it's best to wait until after your first dance, and the parent's dance for the best video quality. Ideally, the lights would be dimmed just as the rest of the wedding guests are invited to dance. Many times, I've seen the lights brought down in the middle of a key dance, or during a speech. This should definitely be avoided.

Ask your videographer about the lighting they plan to use, and ask for a demonstration if possible. They should be using a dimmable camera light. When the lights are low, it's usually necessary to have some type of additional lighting for the video camera. Some on-camera lights are extremely bright, and cannot be dimmed. A light that is dimmed just to the point of providing useful light, but not blinding you and your guests is the goal here. Ask if they use a "softbox" or other light softening accessory. This will not only produce better looking video, but will also reduce any harshness dramatically.

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