Essential Wedding Photography Shots

Making a list of desired photographs for your photographer can be stressful...you don't want to miss anything crucial, but on the other hand, you don't want to overdo it. A common misconception is that if you provide your photographer with a list of shots you want, you won't get any candids. This is not the case. At the end of the day, when you sit down a few months after the wedding to make your albums and place a print order, you'll be thankful that you have a few decent family pictures to blow up and frame as gifts. If you are worried about not capturing candid shots, just make sure your photographer is booked for an hour or two longer than you think you may need them. Another good idea is to ask your photographer to provide a second shooter, who can take candids while your formals are being shot. Here is a list to stick by. Remember, you may need to appoint someone who knows the family to assist the photographer with gathering the right people for your formals.

BEFORE THE CEREMONY

1. Bride getting ready
2. Bride with her mother
3. Bride with her father
4. Bride with her parents
5. Bride with bridesmaids and flower girl
6. Bride leaving the house

AT THE CEREMONY

7. Bride getting out of the car
8. Groom with ushers
9. Groom walking down the aisle and/or at the altar
10. Flower girl walking down the aisle
11. Ring bearer walking down the aisle
12. Bride walking down the aisle
13. Bride being given away
14. Groom meeting the bride on the aisle
15. Bride and groom at the altar
16. View of everyone at the altar during the ceremony
17. Musicians playing
18. The ring exchange
19. The candle lighting
20. The kiss
21. Bride and groom coming up the aisle
22. The receiving line
23. Bride and groom outside
24. Guests throwing flower petals, birdseed, etc.
25. Bride and groom in car

DETAIL SHOTS

26. Invitation close-up
27. Escort card table
28. Favors on table
29. Bouquet and centerpieces close-ups

BEFORE THE RECEPTION

30. Bride and groom before going inside
31. Bride and groom with her parents
32. Bride and groom with his parents
33. Bride and groom with both sets of parents
34. Bride and groom with their grandparents
35. Bride and groom with attendants
36. Couple with her family
37. Couple with his family
38. Bride and groom entering the reception

AT THE RECEPTION

39. Bride and groom’s dance
40. Bride dancing with her father
41. Groom dancing with his mother
42. Guests on the dance floor
43. Musicians playing
44. Best man’s toast
45. Bride and groom talking with guests
46. The cake table
47. Bride and groom cutting the cake
48. Throwing the bouquet
49. Catching the bouquet
50. Bride and groom waving good-bye

Keep in mind that a lot of these are pretty much no-brainer wedding day shots to any photographer...they will not be missed. But for your peace of mind, print the list out and take it along. Can't hurt right?