Ok. So it's the big day and your wedding photographer is ready to start shooting. As a savvy bride you've discussed which wedding photos you'd like to have as part of your photo album. However, getting everyone in position can sometimes be an arduous task. Many photographers have assistants that are able to work with the photographer in readying the shots. However, many wedding photographers may either not have an assistant or opt out of using one according to the size of the wedding and other factors.

To prevent this from slowing down or dampering the mood on your day, select a member of the family or wedding party to be the photo coordinator. The photo coordinator that you choose will be in charge of readying people for the next photos. Your wedding photographer should have a list of the photos to be taken which will help your coordinator know who to gather for the next shots.

When choosing a wedding photo coordinator, consider someone who can command a room in a gentle way. "Firm enough to get the ball rolling but without a cracking whip" is a good description for the type of person that fits this role well. Often parents, aunts, uncles, or sprightly grandparents play this role well as younger members of the wedding party are inclined to follow the instructions of respected elders.

No matter who is chosen, having someone to follow the lead of the wedding photographer but who will also be able to gather the wedding party efficiently is a very helpful addition. This prevents things from slowing down which means that you have time for more shots. You also have more set-up time which means time for better wedding pictures. When your wedding photo album opens in your lap for the first time, you'll be amazed at the memories that will roll out and how thankful you are for your photographer and photo shoot coordinator.

We all know what we like when it comes to photography. Certain things just catch our eye. The same is true of wedding photography. It's so easy to get lost in the romance and magic of the wedding when flipping through the photo album. It's enough that we instantly "ooo," "awww," and share the pictures with our closest friends. It's this exciting time to relive fine memories that makes having the ideal wedding photographs so important. To get the most from your wedding photography package, here are the top 3 most important questions to ask your wedding photographer.

What packages are available? — Obviously there will be many wedding packages to choose from. Package items can range from a small amount of snapshots and prints to a large amount of photos and prints with digital enhancement and unique photography techniques. For this reason, it is important to discuss with your wedding photographer which package best fits your ceremony.

*Remember:  The size, location, and budget are the biggest factors in the selection to bring this information to your consultation.*

What digital techniques and enhancements are available? — See a great black and white shot of a bride holding her full-color bouquet? These and other unique techniques enhance photos for more memorable, valuable shots. Discuss wedding photography ideas that you like such as black and white wedding photos, sepia tone and other colored photos, unique bridal portraits, collages and more.

Which portions of the wedding are covered in this package? — While most wedding photographers cover pre-ceremony to post-reception, many prefer to include certain time frames into specific pacakages. For instance, the wedding ceremony and reception may be included in one package while another package includes photos of the wedding part in a different location.

*Remember:  Most wedding photo packages are based on the number of photographs taken as well as the number of locations. A greater number of set-ups and material costs ups the price of the package, so don't be scared to talk with your photographer about which packages are right for your wedding.*

*Remember:  If also using a videographer, try to arrange at least one pre-wedding consultation with both professionals together. This will help solidify in your mind which packages are truly best for your wedding. A videographer may reduce the amount of pictures that you want in your package. Alternatively, a wedding photographer may be able to capture many moments of the entire wedding in a particular package while the videographer for the wedding may only include the ceremony or reception in the package.

There are some photos that are standard across most wedding ceremonies. Whether twisting the night away at a wedding reception in Indianapolis or exchanging vows at a wedding ceremony in San Diego, these popular poses are stand-out additions to the wedding photo album.

• Wedding cake photos are among the most popular wedding pictures at everyone's special occasion. Then again, what better way to detail the intricacies of everyone's favorite reception staple?

• It's easy to show off the beauty of the bride, but wedding dress pictures bring to light her elegance and style as well.

• What better time than the wedding to capture unique shots of the families looking their best? Family portraits allow both families to come together for the first time as one.

• Bridal portraits stand alone as the single most sought-after wedding photos. The bride in her radiance is a beautiful woman. Her stunning appeal on the wedding day is a cherished memory that no one wants to forget.

• Of all the pictures in the wedding photo album, the most treasured of all is the bride and groom picture. Never more in love than that day, wedding photographers love capturing the sweetness of newlyweds.

Ask your wedding photographer about the best ways to capture these photos then sit back, relax, and watch the magic happen!