"Ensure your wedding album is picture-perfect with this wedding photo checklist."
You'll have the urge to tell your photographer to snap photos of everything at every second, and, while that sounds like a good idea, it's better to come to the table before your wedding with an organised list of must-have photos. The kind of photos that represent the key moments of the wedding and the people who filled the day with endless love, support, and excitement as they stood by your side and danced with you on the dance floor.
Besides the group photos of you and your new spouse, the bridal party, and the guests, there's a long list of other detail shots you'll want capturing. There are so many small and intricate elements that you'll want your photographer to prioritise shooting, like your invitations, welcome bags, and another décor. You'll not only want these to preserve the memory of those special details, but, as the bride, you'll find yourself floating with nerves and excitement—you might very well miss the stunning centrepieces and pulled-together place settings that you spent so many hours gruelling over on Pinterest. It's those special components that you'll be able to look back on and appreciate having in your wedding album.
1)A Good Morning Shot
It's your wedding day and it's time to have some fun. Make the first photo of the day a special one—whether it's jumping on an unmade hotel room bed in your robe, or toasting a cup of coffee with your maid of honor—something that sets the tone that today is different, memorable, and extra exciting.
2)Getting Ready
Have your photographer switch back and forth between the groomsmen and the bridesmaids so they can capture the getting ready process of both the men and the women. Be sure to coordinate this so that your photographer doesn't arrive to a room of groomsmen in their boxers, still asleep, or a scene of bridesmaids without any makeup on.
3)The Ceremony Setup
Before anyone arrives for the ceremony is the perfect time to have photos taken of how the space looks—whether you're getting married in an open field, a church, or even on the beach.
4)The Ceremony Accessories
After a wide shot of the ceremony is captured, now is the time to get some close up shots of the details—the programs, the flowers, the candles.
5)The Groom's Boutonniere
A photo of the boutonniere is a necessity, so you can remember what it looked like before the party started and the groom's jacket came off—and the little boutonniere was nowhere to be found.
6)The Wedding Shoes
It may feel a bit like Cinderella to have your wedding shoes sitting all pretty under the spotlight, but since your heels may be covered by your gown, snap some photos of them alone, or beside your dress, so you can always remember the details of what carried you down the aisle.
7)The Wedding Party's Grand Entrance
Since the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle before the bride, have the photographer capture their expressions and their first couple of steps. That way, the bride can get a glimpse of the action she missed.
8)The Bouquets
They say a picture is worth a thousand words and if you get a couple of close up shots of the bride's and bridesmaids bouquets, you'll probably even be able to trigger the smell of the fresh flowers that you picked out for them.
9)Candid Shots of the Bride Getting Into Her Dress
These shots of the bride getting in her gown include members of the bridal party helping the bride zip up her dress, put on her shoes and veil, and make sure her final look is absolutely perfect.
10)A Magazine Worthy Shot of the Bride
Consider this photo kind of like a professional selfie, except it's more staged and you're not the one holding the camera. Once you have your hair and makeup done, have the photographer take some photos of you in poses that may have you feeling like a cover model.
11)A GQ-Style Shot of the Groom
Just like the bride, the photographer can take some portraits of the groom alone.
12)The Ceremony Musicians
A picture of the ceremony musicians in action is always a good idea.
13)The First Look
If you're doing a first look before the ceremony, you'll love the photos of the dear moment when the two of you laid eyes on each other for the very first time.
14)The Father of the Bride First Look
What a moment! When the father of the bride sees his little girl in her wedding dress for the first time is sure to be a memorable moment. If your photographer is lucky, they may even catch a tear or two.
15)The Bride Walking Down the Aisle
This is a moment where a photo says it all. Since you will be so overwhelmed with emotion and nerves as you take your steps down the aisle, you'll hardly remember what happened until you make it up the altar.
16)Just the Ladies
Take a handful of bridesmaid photos of you and your girls having fun and posing for pictures indoors and outdoors.
17)Just the Guys
Be sure to get some staged photos of the groomsmen together as well as some goofy candid shots, too.
18)The Rings
Let your photographer get creative with how she or he snaps photos of your wedding rings. Whether they're against your dress, the wedding invitation, or even the bouquet, there are so many options for this shot.
19)The Wedding Dress
Of course, you'll have photos of you twirling around in it all night, but be sure to take a couple of artsy photos of the dress on a hanger or up against a fun coloured wall that will make the bright white of your dress pop.
20)Candid Wedding Ceremony Moments
During your ceremony, capturing the looks of pure happiness and bliss while exchanging vows is essential.
21)The "I Do" Moment
During the ceremony, the expressions on your faces when you read your vows and say "I do" will be something you'll want to look back on for forever.
22)The First Kiss
This is a photo that will look extra nice in a frame on the mantel after the wedding. Unless the kiss got a little out of hand...then you can just look back at the photo for a good, hearty laugh.
23)The Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
If your photographer can get a shot of them in action as they walk down the aisle, or even right before they walk down the aisle, it will be a guaranteed cute photo to have forever.
24)The After "I Do" Photo
The post "I do" smile, as you both hold hands and walk down the aisle together, will say it all.
25)A Crowd Reaction Shot
After you pronounced wed and seal it with an epic smooch, the crowd's reaction will be a mix of emotions, worthy of remembering forever.
26)Immediate Family Photo
Make sure to snap a couple of photos with your immediate family members, either before or after the ceremony. These are the photos that they'll cherish forever and be grateful to have.
27)Overhead Group Shot
If there's a second floor balcony or a way for all the guests to gather together, take a group shot of everyone before the night is over.
28)Your Special Furry Friend
If your dog or another pet is making a special appearance at the wedding, whether walking down the aisle or sitting in the front row, you'll definitely want to get a few snaps of that adorableness.
29)Making It Legal
Of course the ceremony seals the deal, but the paperwork really makes it official. Capture photos of your marriage license beside your rings.
30)Wedding Venue Photos
Remember the atmosphere of your wedding with photos of the outdoor area surrounding the venue.
31)Reception Room Photos
Before the guests pour in and begin breaking it down on the dance floor, have the photographer take photos of the set up and details of the room.
32)Your Wedding Cake
The design, the details, and even the layers of icing will be displayed and remembered in a photo.
33)The First Dance
Even if your nerves take over during this moment, a beautiful photo of the two of you dancing to a meaningful song will be something you remember forever.
34)The Toasts
Whether it's the best man, maid of honor, or your parents giving a toast, ask your photographer to snap a few frames of these memorable speeches.
35)Cake Cutting
You and your spouse will love reminiscing on this special, and sometimes totally silly, moment.
36)Post-Wedding Shot
Just like the good morning photo you took at the start of the wedding, take one at the end of the night doing something fun, whether it's you and your new spouse jumping in the air outside, getting into your getaway car, or grabbing one last epic wedding kiss.
37)Must-Take Photos of the Cutest Kids at Your Wedding It's no secret that your smallest wedding guests often do unpredictable (not to mention adorable!) things, so you'll want to have your photographer poised and ready to capture their sweet ceremony and reception antics. While the idea of someone stealing the show on your big day might make some brides balk, we're sure you'll be happy to share the spotlight at least for a moment with your spunky flower girl or shy ring bearer.
38)The Subtle Glance
Wedding photographers love to capture a subtle glance at the camera. Expect this photogenic pose throughout the day, from prep to couple photos, as well as bridal portraits.
Photographer Jiri Kolar
Kalidron.Photography
