Distraught newlyweds in New Jersey are finally getting to breathe a sigh of relief. After a wedding photographer’s business went belly up, hundreds of couples were left without their wedding photos. Now, after the investigation by the Department of Consumer Affairs, wedding photos are being returned to grateful brides and grooms.

This could potentially happen to any couple, no matter what the situation. Businesses come and go, and wedding photographers are no exception. Here are a few ways to minimize the damage, should this ever happen to you.

• Consider purchasing wedding insurance. It covers the cost of retaking your wedding photos and videos, should the negatives be lost or damaged. In addition, it can also reimburse you for other aspects of your wedding. Be sure to check the fine print and ask any questions you may have.

• Choose a well-established, trusted photographer. Get recommendations from new brides. Go with a wedding photographer who has had years of experience, in both photography and running their business.

• Encourage your guests to take candid pictures. One wedding reception had a disposable camera on each table, so guests could take their own shots of the bride and groom. Even if your professional wedding photos fail to materialize, you will still have great memories of your wedding day.

Have you taken any other precautions with your wedding photos? What are your plans to ensure that your wedding day will be recorded for enjoyment years down the road? Let us know the best way to prepare in the comments.