"The composition is a key element to getting professional looking shots."
--The Composition & framing of a photograph can make or break it!--
Anyone can take a photo, you just press the button, the camera will only see what you show it, and what and how it can see is a key element in getting it right. You can take a Bride and Groom, place them in the most idyllic setting then ask 20 people to photograph them, you can be sure that all the photos be different, some will be good and others not so good, and even given a great subject and location, some of the photos will probably be just rubbish!, assuming they are all in focus and correctly exposed, the difference in them is the composition.
--Basic posing guide 1--.
If you are going to do posed shots, you need to get them setup right to look professional, though to be honest, there are some professional shots out there (and you only need to look on the internet for yourself to see them) that could have been much better had the photographer read this DIY Wedding photo guide. The main point would be to see everyone's face unobstructed, I would usually recommend placing the bride and groom in the center, then work with tallest people standing to the side or behind the bride and groom, if this does not look right, try them seated, or kneeling on one knee at the front, then as the height decreases place more people in at the sides, then bring in any children at the front either standing or sitting on the ground. Ideally, you are looking to create an imaginary line that smoothly connects and flows through all the heads.
For some more info, take a look at my web site www.wedding-photo-guide.com