Wedding Day Photography Checklist

On your big day, there are a million things happening around you and your priorities should be to enjoy yourself and create incredible memories. The photography that comes from this amazing day will be a gift to look back on. While the most important photos are those of you and your new life partner, there are tons that you may not think of in the moment and would certainly want for looking back on later.

Wedding photographers are usually very professional and know what they are doing in terms of capturing important moments. That is their job after all. But do not hesitate to provide a list of “must have” photos. They are being hired by you to make you happy. This will not be a bad thing to request.

Do not cheap out on your photographer. While some photographers have very reasonable pricing, do your research, view their previous work and make sure their vision matches yours. These are photos you will be looking back on forever and you do not want to be disappointed.

Here is a checklist to consider as your wedding day must haves.

Getting Ready

• Wedding dress and accessories.
• Bride with her bridesmaids with hair and makeup done but not in their dresses yet. Possibly in matching robes, loungewear or pajamas.
• The bride getting dressed. Possibly showing the assistance of the bridesmaids or mother of the bride.
• The wedding rings.
• The groom getting ready.
• The groom with his groomsmen.
• First look photos, if this is something you intend to do.

At the Ceremony

• The decor details. Florals, alter backdrop, interior setups before guests arrive.
• Seated family and guests.
• Flower girl and ring bearer coming down the aisle.
• Each groomsmen and the groom coming down the aisle.
• Groom waiting for the bride.
• Each bridesmaid coming down the aisle.
• The bride and her father or whomever is escorting her down the aisle.
• The exchange of rings.
• The signing of the documents.
• The couples first kiss.

Family and Friends Photos

• Plenty of photos with the bride and groom. You can never have too many.
• Solo shots of the bride.
• Solo shots of the groom.
• The bride with her bridesmaids.
• The bride with each individual bridesmaid.
• The bride and groom with all of the bridesmaids.
• The groom with his groomsmen.
• The groom with each individual groomsman.
• The bride and groom with all of the groomsmen.
• The bride and groom with their entire wedding party without the ring bearer and flower girl.
• The bride and groom with their entire wedding party with the ring bearer and flower girl.
• The bride with her family.
• The groom with his family.
• The couple with the brides parents.
• The couple with the grooms parents.
• The couple with any grandparents. I promise, you will cherish these.
• Pets at the wedding.

Reception

• Reception location landscape.
• Wedding details: centerpieces, wedding favours, menus, guest book, seating chart, head table, etc.
• Wedding party entrance.
• Couples entrance.
• Toasts and speeches.
• Candid kiss between the couple.
• Musicians.
• Guest couples at each table.
• Grooms dance with his mother.
• Brides dance with her father.
• Couples first dance.
• Bride throwing her bouquet.
• Cake cutting.
• Action on the dancefloor.
• The couples send off.

There may be a ton more pictures you want to capture on your big day, but at least this gives you some more ideas or a guide to check off to ensure you get the most out of the photos from your wedding day. The most important thing, is to have fun and embrace this amazing day. It will show through your photos when you can relax and enjoy, over looking stressed and concerned. Pictures speak a thousand words, and yours will be incredible!

Melanie xoxox