The longer a photographer is "in the business" the more confident they become in their ability to remember and capture the monumental moments. Until you reach that point, or for a review, you can use the checklist that we put together. If you've been to more than one wedding, you know that every wedding is unique and beautiful. While you should always be on the look-out for candid picture opportunities (of guests and the couple) throughout the event, study and memorize the below list. We categorized them to give you an idea of when the pictures are typically to be taken.
To clarify, this list is not an all-encompassing list of the only pictures to be taken, but merely a guide for which pictures not to miss!
Pro Tip:
Print this list and keep it in your camera bag when you're filming a wedding. At the end of each time segment, take a quick peek at the MUST-HAVES for the following segment so you've got them fresh on your mind. Let's get started!
Pre-Ceremony
Wedding dress hanging up: Choosing a wedding dress is one of the bigger choices of a wedding, so make sure to capture their dress in a way that showcases it's beauty on it's own. If you miss a chance to get a picture of the dress before the bride puts it on, be sure to make up for it by taking detailed shots of it on.
Bridal party getting ready: Catching the "pre-game" in the dressing rooms (appropriately announced of course) is such a fun memory for the couple to have. Having pictures of family & friends getting ready together is a nice portion to photograph because all of your "stars" are in two small(er) rooms! The most skilled photographers can capture pictures from both of the spouse's sides. I believe in you!
Finalizing the bride's dress and accessories: Typically the mom or BFF is the one making sure everything is good to go before the bride heads out to meet their (soon-to-be) spouse.
Details! Earrings, veil, dress, rings, shoes, etc. Close-up pictures of the little (in size) details are important to have well documented. Asking the couple specifically if there are things they especially want captured (such as earrings from a grandmother or an empty seat in the audience for a lost loved one). While you may catch some of these on the go, it's always best to ask upfront so you are already looking for it.
In some cultures, brides will have intricate henna applied to their hands and feet. This is said to cool the body and relieve the bride of any stress before her big day. If your bride is wearing henna, be sure to have pictures showcasing it.
Bride *solo* before the ceremony: While this one may sound like no-brainer, it has fallen through the cracks before. Don't miss this one! This is one of the more important pictures to have a lot of frames of so that finding the perfect ones while editing is easy. Couples glow on their special day, so getting good pictures is easy - you just need to remember to sneak them away for some solo pictures. Do these before the ceremony if possible, so hair and makeup are fresh.
Bride with her MOH (Maid of Honor): While it's not a bad idea to take a picture of the bride with every member of their bridal party, make sure you get a picture with the MOH.
Groom *solo* before ceremony: Some grooms may tell you they don't need a solo picture before they head into the ceremony. That is bologna. They do need a picture. Their spouse will be very grateful, trust me!
Groom with their Best Man: As I said for the bride (or other spouse), taking a picture with everybody in their party is smart. If you're needing some inspo for directing groom & Best Man, having the Best Man help the groom put his jacket on or adjusting their tie are easy.
“First Look” (if requested): Not every couple wants to do a "First Look" with their partner, but if your couple does, be sure to be extra trigger happy from the moment the bride is in your sight to well after she's in his. It can be a fairly intimate moment between them, so keep your distance and keep your finger snapping those pics!
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding parties walking down the aisle: The people walking down the aisle are very dear to the couple. You often see the couple's parents come down the aisle to preface the rest of the wedding party. These are people the couple will want to remember forever.
Bridal party and groomsmen lined up: This one is two-fold. Make sure to pull the bridal parties away for a photoshoot. You'll also be taking pictures of them lined up alongside the couple during the ceremony, but there's too many emotions being felt then to promise a composed picture.
Grandparents (if in attendance): Don't forget to photograph the older guests. These pictures will be cherished deeply for years and years.
** Adding to the one above, as both are age-related, be sure to get pictures of both the older guests AND the young ones. Don't forget the littles!
“Giving away the bride” (typically father to husband): Such a beautiful moment when the bride is "given away" in front of all. This moment is quick, so be ready for it!
Couple at the front (including the officiant): In a lot of weddings, the couple will have someone close to them act as the officiant. For this reason, taking a picture with the couple AND their chosen officiant made this list.
Exchanging vows: Some couples let their goofy sides comes out during the vows, others get overwhelmed by the beauty of what is happening (not to say being goofy takes away from that). Whichever approach they take, follow their lead and be prepared to get some candid beauties.
Couple’s FIRST KISS: YOU MAY NOW KISS THE ___________!!!!! Before the ceremony, talk with the officiant about moving out of the way for the couple's first kiss to get a clearer shot.
"CONGRATS" shot (couple hugging, audience celebrating, laughing, etc.): Once the couple is "official" it's an exciting moment for everyone with lots of energy! Stay in the moment and you'll catch beautiful candid moments of pure bliss.
Close-up of the couple’s hands/rings: Artsy, detailed, and easy to fall in love with. I mean, how gorgeous are these?
Reception
Shot of venue’s exterior: At various points of the event, if you find yourself outside, snap a pic of the venue. Your job as a photographer is to capture as many memories as you can for the couple with whom you're working. The venue (inside as well, but those are easier to do during the reception) was picked specifically by the couple you're filming, so make it look as beautiful as the rest of the wedding.
Reception details (such as place cards, guest book, centerpieces): A lot of planning goes into the reception - document as many special details as you come across so that the couple can fully re-imagine the best day of their life years from now!
Couple arriving to reception: While they may not plan on a grandiose entrance, catching the moment when the newlyweds walk into their reception is special. They're married and officially starting their lives together with a party to kick it off!
Couple at head table: Be sure to take pictures of wherever the couple is stationed for the food/reception.
Guests’ tables: If the table you're wanting to photograph has all of their phones out, I'd recommend moving on to another table until that changes. If done appropriately, you can also announce to the table that you will be taking their picture! Those who want to be pictured will open their eyes and put on a smile - others will suddenly feel compelled to retrieve the napkin under the table until you've moved on to the next table. And that's okay. :)
Detail shot of food/dessert: An easy one to take, but important to remember!
Couple candidly visiting with guests: As the event progresses, the couple is bound to socialize and thank everyone for coming to support them.
Couple’s first dance: Note that not all couples will dance the full duration of a song, so don't wait for the second verse before you start clicking!
Newlyweds dancing with parents: Whether it's one or both, a lot of weddings include a father-daughter dance. Some families do mother-son dances as well. Do your best to get this captured. They will cherish those pictures and the memories they invoke when they're much older.
DJ or musician(s): Don't forget to snap a picture (please take more than one) of the musicians! Whether the music is coming from a saxophone or from a turntable, it's a detail that the couple will want remembered.
Couple and guests dancing: From the little ones to the big, take pictures of the fun happening on the dance floor. Take breaks from photographing the dance floor and make your way through the tables, so as to not forget those who "resting their feet".
Wedding cake: This one is pretty self-explanatory...snap a few pictures of the cake. Enough pictures to be sure you got a crisp one, but not so much that you're spending too much time staring at the cake (even if you're reallyyyy hungry). Make a point to take a picture of it before the traditional 'cutting of a slice' (see next item).
Cake cutting moment: The popular tradition of cutting the cake together is a moment not to miss.
In some cultures, the parents of the newlyweds feed each spouse a bite of the cake. Other times it is the newlyweds feeding each other. Whatever the case, make sure to get a good photo of this or any other traditions the couple performs.
Couple leaving reception: A lot of weddings will end with guests lining up as the couple is leaving their reception. Some families toss rice in the air, others blow bubbles (pictured), and we've even had a couple use an arch of lightsabers held by guests to light their way through the line.
Whatever your couple decides to do for their getaway, be ready for it! Ask the MOH (Maid of Honor) or Best Man ahead of time what the plan is to better prepare for the best pictures.
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