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Reflecting back to my wedding day, I remember two things: 1. My face hurt from smiling so much and 2. That the whole event went in the blink of an eye. Thankfully, I hired a professional photographer to capture the magical moments. My photo’s remind me of all the family, fun and happiness I felt. And of course, they capture the love my husband and I felt for each other. When I got married, however, I must admit that I didn’t plan anything! And the wedding photos were actually the last thing on my mind. That being said, it’s important to consider what kind of photo’s you want. It’s as if you’re earmarking the memories you want to hold before they happen. Use the following wedding photo request checklist to prompt your photographer to the moments you most want to capture. By doing so, you’ll avoid disappointment!
Wedding photo source: Eneka Stewart Photography.
Getting Ready For The Wedding – The Bride
- Bride having her hair and makeup done
- Bride’s gown hanging, spread on the bed, or draped over a chair
- The bride’s shoes and jewelry
- The something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue
- Shots of the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets
- Action shots of the bridesmaids getting ready
- Mother helping the bride get ready
- Full-length shot of the bride in her gown, looking in a mirror
- Bridesmaids seeing the bride all dressed up
- Father’s reaction to seeing his baby girl in her gown
- Bride with her parents and brothers/sisters
- Bride with her bridesmaids
- Bride making her way to the ceremony
Getting Ready For The Wedding – The Groom
- Groom getting ready with his father and groomsmen
- Shot of the wedding bands
- Groom with his parents and brothers/sisters
- Groom with the best man
- Groom with his groomsmen
- Groomsmen putting on boutonnieres or ties
- Groom making his way to the ceremony
The Wedding Ceremony
- Inner and outter shots of the site before guests arrive
- Groom walking down the aisle with his mother
- Close-up of groom waiting for the bride
- Bridal party walking down the aisle
- Grandparents walking down the aisle
- Bride and her father/escort waiting to walk down the aisle
- Close-up of bride just before she makes her entrance
- Bride and her father/escort walking down the aisle
- Groom reacting to bride walking down the aisle
- Bride’s father/escort giving her away
- Bride and groom at the altar or the front of the ceremony
- Brides parents watching the ceremony
- Grooms parents watchng the ceremony
- Shot of the altar, from the guests’ point of view
- Shot of the guests, from the couple’s point of view
- The candle lighting and the readings
- Close-up of the bride and groom as they recite their vows
- Close-up of the bride and groom’s hands as they exchange rings
- Shot of ‘The kiss!’
- Close-up of the newlyweds immediately after the ceremony
- Bride and groom hugging and kissing family and friends
- Bride showing off her wedding ring to her bridesmaids
- Bride and groom leaving the ceremony
Pictures After The Wedding Ceremony
- Bride and groom
- Bride with her mother
- Bride with her father
- Bride with both parents or step-parents
- Bride with her entire immediate family
- Groom with his mother
- Groom with his father
- Groom with both parents or step-parents
- Groom with his entire immediate family
- Bride and groom with bride’s family
- Bride and groom with groom’s family
- Bride and groom with both sets of parents
- Bride and groom with all sets of parents
- Bride and groom with immediate family members from both sides
- Bride and groom with bridesmaids
- Bride and groom with groomsmen
- Bride and groom with flower girl and ring bearer
- Bride and groom with entire wedding party
The Wedding Reception
- Inner and outer shots of the site before the guests arrive
- Still-life shots of place cards, menus, table settings, centerpieces, decorations, favors, and glasses
- The cake
- Hors d’oeuvres and specialty drinks
- Guests arriving and
- Guests signing the guest book
- Bride and groom arriving
- Close-ups of friends and family making toasts
- Bride and groom sipping Champagne at their table
- Bride and groom speaking with guests
- Bride and groom’s first dance
- Bride dancing with her father
- Groom dancing with his mother
- Parents and grandparents dancing
- Wedding party dancing
- Musicians, deejay, and/or entertainers performing
- Guests dancing
- Bride and groom dancing with the bridal party
- Bride and groom cutting the cake
- Bouquet toss
- Newlyweds’ vehicle
- Bride and groom leaving the reception
Anything missed out? Let me know. With this wedding photo request checklist you’ll increase your chances of having the photo’s you desire!
Now that you’ve given thought the the photos that you want, have you considered choosing a wedding reception venue? Check out our Wedding Reception Venue Checklist or if you know someone getting married and want to give them the top 10 wedding checklists, buy our book on Amazon: The Top 10 Wedding Planning Checklists: For Planning & Organizing Your Perfect Wedding
Made in the UK
A comprehensive list and most things covered. A professional photographer is a must (I know I may be bias, but a quick google on friends photographing my wedding should reinforce this).
Most professionals will capture all of these in a days work.
The only thing I didn’t see was a picture of the bride and grooms hands with the rings on. You have the one when they are exchanging them but not a close up still afterwards.