An almost-ready bride takes time with her mother to dress a family pet for the big event.
You should give thought to your wedding photography needs and wishes before you contact a photographer. That way, you will be prepared to provide information the studio or photographer will need to provide you with a price.
The following checklist will help you in putting together your photography “wish list.” As you look it over, take note of the topics you would like to have photographed for your wedding, and make your own list to discuss with photographers whom you have in mind.
BRIDE'S FINAL PREPARATIONS
- Mother/maid of honor adjusting bride’s veil
- Bride putting on garter (bridesmaids looking on)
- Bride in dressing room with mirror reflection
- Arrival/unpacking of flowers
- Bride pinning corsage on mother
- Bride & mother talking together
- Bride pinning flower on father
- Bride & father talking together
- Flower girl handing bouquet to bride
- Mother & bride
- Father & bride
- Bride with brothers/sisters
- Bride & bridesmaids on staircase/in hallway
- Bride leaving home
- Father helping bride into car
Note that formal portraits of the bride and bridesmaids can be shot at this time, prior to the wedding. It means the bride and bridesmaids (and even the flower girl and ring-bearer) will have to be prepared early (about two hours before the commencement of the wedding ceremony) and the flowers will have to be ready, but it can save time later in the day when the bride may want to be with her guests. The bride can assist the photographer by selecting exterior locations that have attractive backdrops in advance, and also a roomy and pleasant place in the house. The photographer will likely, but may not necessarily, use those places for the pictures, and will be glad to know they are available.
PRE-CEREMONY
- Exterior view of church/building in which ceremony held
- Groom alone
- Groom, best man and groomsmen
- Groom with best man
- Groom with brothers
- Best man adjusting groom’s tie
- Groom with best man & officiator (minister, rabbi, etc.)
- Bride & bridesmaids in vestibule
- Bride’s mother on usher’s arm
- Groom’s mother on usher’s arm
- Other people accompanied by ushers
- Musicians (organist, violinist), choir and singers
- Arriving guests - candid shots
- Father waiting at back of church
- Father & bride in final moment before walking down aisle
- Groom waiting at altar
- Overall view of church filled with awaiting guests
DURING THE CEREMONY (Shots during the ceremony itself may need pre-approval from officiator)
- Flower girl & ring bearer coming down aisle
- Bridesmaids walking down aisle
- Mothers and relations as they look at bride’s entrance
- Bride taken down aisle by father
- Father giving away bride
- Shots from various angles during ceremony
- Speakers and readers
- Special, symbolic, cultural, traditional or unique aspects of your ceremony
- Reaction of parents to key moments
- Close-ups of key moments (rings, turning to face audience, exchanging vows, the moment of marriage, the kiss, presentation of newly-married couple to audience)
- Overall and telephoto views from choir balcony, including time exposures during ceremony
- Unique moments - bride or groom singing, special ceremonial gestures, one-of-a-kind rituals, anything that distinguishes the ceremony from the norm
AFTER THE CEREMONY
- Signing certificate/registry (bride, groom, witnesses)
- Groom kissing bride at the altar (set-up)
- Placing rings on fingers (set-up)
- Bride and groom coming down aisle
- On the steps of the church
- Blowing bubbles as bride/groom exit church
- Receiving line right after ceremony
- Candid close-ups of guests
- Friends/relations congratulating couple and parents
- Signs/decorations on car or limousine
- Bride and groom getting into car or limo
- Seated in car or limo
- Pulling away from church for horn-honking drive around town
- Mood shots in and around church or site of wedding
OUTDOORS FORMALS (between ceremony & reception)
- Where will the exterior shots be taken? Have you a location in mind?
- Wedding party outdoors
- Groom and best man
- Groom and ushers
- Bride & groom in outdoor setting
- Bride alone (full-length and close-ups)
- Bride & groom’s hands with rings & flowers
- Bride with flower girl and ring-bearer
- Ring-bearer alone
- Flower girl alone
- Family groupings with bridal party
- Family groupings with bride and groom
- Fun or “goofy” pictures
- Special location or special backdrop pictures
- Special mood pictures (sunset, dramatic lighting, tender moments, etc.)
STUDIO OR INDOOR FORMALS (church, hall, home, etc.)
- Wedding party
- Groom and best man
- Groom and ushers
- Bride & groom in studio setting
- Bride alone - full-length and close-ups
- Bride & groom’s hands with rings & flowers
- Family groupings with bridal party
- Family groupings with bride and groom
- Fun or “goofy” pictures
- Special backdrops or props
- Special mood pictures (close and personal, dramatic lighting, etc.)
- Special room settings (if not in studio)
AT THE RECEPTION
- Receiving line - Wedding cake (prior to being cut)
- Guests signing book
- Gifts
- Candids of people interacting socially
- Master of ceremonies
- Orchestra/entertainers
- Introduction of the wedding party
- Wedding party toasting bride and groom
- Bride & groom toasting
- Speakers
- Candids of planned special events
- Shots of every table with all guests seated
- Bride dancing with father
- Groom dancing with mother
- First dance for married couple
- Bride showing ring to bridesmaids
- General dancing shots
- Candids of wedding party
- Flower girl and ring bearer together
- Groupings (Try to be specific)
- Special relatives
- Bride and/or groom with special friends
- Bride tossing bouquet
- Groom and garter
- Cutting the cake
- Bride & groom feeding cake to one another
- Bride's and groom's hands in close-up to show rings
- Bride and groom departing in car
Don't miss our section entitled Special Requests (and restrictions) to be sure you are fully-prepared with a thorough wedding photography wish list. You may also wish to have a look at our Complete coverage of a wedding sections to see example pictures from start to finish of a wedding.
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This tuxedoed canine seems to be thinking "I'm glad I was put on the photographer's list. I feel just like the handsome groom - only maybe a bit better-looking."
A formal picture of the bride in an outdoors setting is a must for almost any wedding, even those shot in the photojournalistic style.
Don't leave the flower girl off your photography wish list, especially if she is this pretty.
The father of the bride escorting his beautiful daughter "down the aisle" doesn't need an actual church aisle, but should be included on your photography wish list.
Plenty of pictures of the key players of a wedding in attractive settings are a necessity.
A portrait of the bride and her family can be taken at the family home prior to the ceremony.
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