Everyone who is getting married wants to have a record kept of their special day, upon which they can look back nostalgically in times to come. Each one of us will be familiar with the group of photographers, amateurs as well as the professional, with still and video cameras.

Are you going to book a professional who takes still photographs or one who videos the scene?
In either case, it is wise to contact at least two or three photographers and ask to see their work and also their price list. A photographer must do more than take excellent pictures: he or she must have the personality to take control to pose the perfect picture.

Bear in mind that the weather may not provide you with the perfect day and try to make alternative arrangements for the formal shots in case it rains.

It is always advisable to seek the assurance of the vicar or registrar to ask whether or not photography is permitted during the service. It is quite usual for a donation or fee to be charged. If your church service is being videoed then check to make sure the church holds a CCL licence. If it does not then the video operator should be in possession of the necessary licence.

If you are engaging a video company ask if they have professional editing equipment. While some companies do hire editing facilities it is always safer to deal with one which has invested in their own. Ask to see a recording which they have made of a previous wedding - the difference between a professional video and an 'amateur' one is instantly recognisable.