The Number One rule for perfect wedding photos is – Have Fun! When you're both having a great time, you can't help but come away with great photos.

But here are a few things that you should consider before your Special Day arrives:

Scheduling
Be sure to allow ample time – either before or after the ceremony – to photograph formal portraits of the wedding party, family groups, and any other special photos you may desire. In general, allow 45 minutes for this. If your reception location is particularly attractive, you may want to take these portraits during the reception.

Check with the minister or person responsible for officiating the ceremony to determine the "ground rules" for what may, and what may not, be photographed during the ceremony. Allow extra time to "recreate" portions of the ceremony that will not be photographed during the actual ceremony.

Give your guests something to do while they are waiting for you to finish up with photos. Perhaps arrange for a buffet of light hors d'oeuvres, open the bar a little early, or start the music early for dancing. And don't forget to allow time in the schedule for traveling from ceremony to reception!

Who's The Boss?
If you haven't hired a professional wedding coordinator, you may want to appoint a family member to act as one. Choose someone who is organized, assertive and patient. It is probably best to choose someone who is not in the wedding party or an immediate family member. This will take a lot of pressure off the bride, her mother and her maid of honor.

Use your coordinator to gather up people for photographs, to run little errands that need to be run, and to generally oversee that your schedule and plans are adhered to. It is imperative that your coordinator attend your rehearsal, so that he or she understands the routine. Be sure to introduce your coordinator to the photographer, your family, your wedding party, caterers, entertainers and any others who are involved in staging your wedding.

Just a little planning will go a long way to assuring a smooth, enjoyable and memorable wedding!

Avoid a "Bad Hair Day"
Even without professional help, "bad hair days" can be controlled. Actually, most people's hair looks better the second day after being washed. Your natural oils and shimmer have had a chance to return, and natural waves and curls have relaxed a bit.

Use a conditioner if your hair is dry, to avoid "fly-away" hair, and if you color your hair, do so at least a week earlier so that hair coloring has a chance to "mellow." Bring along a brush, hair spray and spritzer, and have your maid of honor help you keep your hair looking its best.

Make-Up
The number one rule is: A little goes a long way. Heavy make-up will spoil your natural look, especially in close-up portraits. Use a good quality foundation to cover blemishes and to even out your skin tone.

Choose subtle shades of eye shadow, blushers and lipstick to gently emphasize your features without drawing undue attention to them.

Oily skin is the worst enemy of bright photo lights in the studio. Bring along facial powder and a puff or blotting cloths to soften the shine during your wedding. Appoint your maid of honor to keep a check on your shine throughout the day.

Wedding Party Attire
Don't wait until the last minute to have your wedding party members try on their clothing! There are enough pressures on your wedding day without concerning yourselves with pants that are too short, shoes that pinch or a tuxedo that's missing a cumberbund.

Load up your wedding coordinator with the following items, for last-minute alterations:

• Straight pins
• Bobby pins
• Safety pins
• Strong, double-stick tape
• Rubber bands
• Collar extenders
• A small sewing kit with buttons and several colors of thread
• Iron-on hemming kit with iron and small ironing board
• Super Glue

Final words...
Most important of all, try to maintain a good mood! Stress and bad attitudes actually change the shape of your face and exaggerate crow's feet, forehead wrinkles and other "hardness" of features.

Try to get a good night's sleep beforehand, and give yourself plenty of time to get ready to minimize your stress and anxiety.

To help keep your mood bright, have a CD player on hand with your favorite music to play while you and your bridesmaids are getting ready.