2. Hire professionals who stay in the background. Many photographers and videographers say they are unobtrusive, but what does that mean? Ask specific questions, such as, where do they stand when the bride comes down the aisle? This is your wedding day, not a Hollywood production.

3. If your wedding is in a place of worship, be sure to let the officiant (minister, rabbi, priest, etc.) know how important your photo and video coverage is to you. Ask if they will allow flash photography during the service, or wear a wireless microphone for the video. The cooperation, or lack thereof, by the officiant can make a significant difference in quality.

4. Personalize your photography and video. This is a record you'll cherish for years to come, so make it reflect who you are. Do you want your photos and video to be playful or more formal? Are there any shots, or people, you absolutely want included? A special place where you would like to be photographed or videotaped together? Is there any music for the video that especially suits your tastes? Talk about these things before you sign the contract, and provide a list of "must" shots.

5. Set aside adequate time and space for portrait and group photos. Many photographers try to cram in too many photos immediately after the wedding service. This can create frustration, hurried photos and a sense of delay for guests waiting at the reception. The bride and groom may want to set up a separate portrait session before their wedding day. This can provide privacy and time for warmer, more intimate portraits.

6. Insist on proper preparation. Ask your photographer and videographer if they plan to  make an advance site visit and talk with the officiant if  they have not worked at your wedding site before. Knowing the setting and ground rules are important to getting good coverage in an unobtrusive manner.

7. To ensure continuous coverage of  the reception, provide a table in the reception area for your photographer and videographer. Important shots, of  often spontaneous and memorable moments, can be missed when the photographer and videographer are sent to another part of  the building for their dinner break.

8. Ensure adequate "heads-up" on all major events at the reception. It's not wise to start the first dance, toast, cake-cutting, etc., if  your photographer or videographer is busy replacing film, tapes or batteries. Missed shots of "major" moments are painful and usually avoidable. Give your photographer and videographer the same written reception schedule you give your emcee, and designate a person who will give them 5 minutes notice on al big events.

9. Avoid excessive darkness at the service and the reception, if at all possible. Still and video cameras are better able than ever to shoot in dim light, but when the lights get too low, backgrounds can resemble a darkened cavern and can actually make it difficult to properly focus cameras.

10. Relax, breathe, and most of all, SMILE! Behind the scenes, of course, most weddings are stressful. But when the day arrives, take time to enjoy the moment, and let others do the worrying and the work. This is your day. Smile and have fun.