Whether you hire a pro or trusted friend, meet with him beforehand to discuss which scenes he should focus on, the length to be taped of certain parts, and which elements are unimportant to you. If you will be videotaping the event yourself, the first requirement is to become very familiar with the camera. Know which buttons to press for effects such as fading out at the end of scenes, panning in and out, and adjusting light levels. If most of the action will take place in a specific area, you may consider installing the camera on a tripod. This ensures a steady picture, and can help you tape the event while participating as well.
Many video cameras come with remote controls for added freedom.
When videotaping, keep in mind how the tape will look when viewed. Many sudden stops and starts are annoying to the viewer. Videotape is cheap, and can be re-used if needed, so keep the camera running at least five minutes per scene. Avoid taping while walking unless your camera has special features to keep the picture steady. When moving the camera to focus on different areas, go very slowly or pause taping until the new area is found.