Being wedding photographers, my wife and I receive lots of questions from newly engaged couples about how to get the best pictures possible during their big day. And after shooting hundreds of weddings over the last 10 years, we have definitely found some great ways to get the results they want. Amazingly, many of them have nothing to do with the actual photography process, but greatly affect it.

Here is what we have found:

1. Start taking pictures before the ceremony.This will also allow the couple to do more pictures in a less-rushed atmosphere. And brides and grooms do not have to see each other for this. All the photographer has to do is shoot the bride, her family and bridesmaids, then put them away. Next, have them photograph the groom and his side, leaving only a few shots left for after the ceremony.This will not only allow the new couple to arrive at their reception faster, but help them and the guests to spend more time together. And after all, that is why they are there This will also build in a buffer of time to deal with all of those other last-minute details prior to the ceremony.

2. Have a designated family member or friend assist with the pictures. A wedding is always a busy, challenging affair, but the taking of the family pictures is usually the most difficult and time consuming. By having someone with a list of "must have" shots as well as helping to round up the people in them, the photography process will go much quicker as well as be a lot less stressful.

3. Choose a wedding dress that fits your body type. We occassionally see brides that choose the latest fad over what will actually look great on them. Make sure and pick one that is flattering for you, not just what everyone else is wearing. You will be much happier with your photos if you look great, not just your dress.

4. Choose flattering dresses for the bridesmaids. Again, we often see them dressed in what may look nice on one or two of them, but what about the rest. Possibly allow them to wear dresses that are identical in color, but designed slightly differently specifically for their body type. They will look better and be happier in the pictures.

5. Don't skimp on the flowers. Possibly forgo other unneccessary decorations so that you can have great flowers. They will be forever captured in all of your pictures, so nice ones will help ensure great photos.

6. Consider wrist corsages for the parents and grandparents. This will eliminate problems attaching them to their clothes, which always seems to happen.

7. Do not expect too much out of young children in the wedding. It always sounds like a great idea to include them, and they often look so cute when it works out. However many young kids are overwhelmed by the day and end up crying intead of walking down the isle. This causes more problems and stress for the bride and groom, so have a back up plan if they don't cooperate.

8. Make sure your guests are not forgotten during pictures. They are there to see you and understand that pictures will take a while. However they are hungry and thirsty after sitting through the ceremony, so make sure to at least have hors dourves and drinks available when they arrive at the reception. Your guests will have a better time and thank you for it.

9. Consider the time of year and day of the ceremony. Outdoor nuptials are very popular, but they create their own issues. Consider Spring and Fall instead of the Summer for these due to the heat, and no matter what always try to do it in the afternoon. Light late in the day is always much more flattering on a bride than midday. Also, make sure you have a back up plan, such as a rented tent, in case of rain. Better to be too prepared than to stress out when bad weather arrives.

10. Get a great photographer. I know that everyone has a digital camera these days, but not everyone has thousands of hours of experience shooting a wedding with one. Your photos are a special keepsake of your big day and will be viewed for many years to come, so great photos are a must. It will also keep couples from blaming a friend or family member if they do not come out nicely. Also, remember that all professional photographers are not the same, and just because they take beautiful pictures does not mean that they are easy to work with. If you choose a very demanding one, your pictures may suffer because it is always much harder to smile when someone is being rude to you - especially at your wedding

There have been dozens of books written about how to have a great wedding over the years, and most are very helpful. I believe that if brides and grooms combine these suggestions with all of their great advice, they will be assured a wonderful wedding day.