Most couples believe that choosing the right wedding photographer is enough to get their dream pictures, and usually, it is. But there is always that one shot you feel you missed and wish you had told your wedding photographer to click. If you are making plans to embark on your journey down the aisle, then you need to make sure that every precious moment is immortalized through the lens. Enter the wedding photography checklist – your most important list to help guide your photographer to capture all the details of your big day!
The experts at AVS360 are here to offer you all the valuable recommendations and insights that will allow you to ensure that no special moment from your wedding goes undocumented. From pre-wedding shots to reception pictures, we are here to help you capture the magic of your love story with the best wedding photography checklist!
A Comprehensive Photography Checklist for Your Big Day
Your wedding day will be a complex and intricate event full of different details that hold special meaning to you.
While your wedding photographer will definitely have a wealth of experience when it comes to shooting pictures, it is important to remember that no two couples are the same. There may be some details unique only to you and your partner.
Coming up with a wedding photography checklist is a great way to ensure you and your wedding photographer are on the same page. It also gives you the chance to discuss what your priorities are when it comes to shooting the wedding photos.
Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry.
We have created the ultimate shot list to add to your wedding photography checklist.
(This list is fairly extensive, so it’s best to have a sit-down with your photographer before the wedding and pick the shots you wish to prioritize.)
Pre-Wedding Detail Shots
The tiny details in your wedding are what represent you and your partner. It is these details that you will give your wedding character and make it unique. From your wedding rings to your wedding stationery, here is every detail you should have for your pre-wedding photography checklist.
- The engagement ring
- The wedding ring
- The ring box
- The invitation suite flat lay (save-the-dates, wedding invites, and the envelopes)
- Welcome bags or gift bags
- Program booklets
- Wedding vow booklets
- Exterior and interior shots of the wedding venue
- Bridal jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings
- The rooms where the bride and groom will get ready
- The bride’s something borrowed, something new, and something blue
- The wedding garter
- The bride’s dress hanging off a hanger
- The bridesmaids’ dress
- The bride’s wedding shoes
- The bride’s perfume
- The bridal bouquet
- The groom’s tuxedo or suit
- The tie or bow tie
- The pocket square
- The boutinnière
- The groom’s shoes
- The groom’s cologne
- The cufflinks
- Flower girl’s basket
- Corsages
- Any other sentimental items, such as family heirlooms or bouquet charms
Getting Ready Photos
Capture the pre-ceremony buzz and excitement by adding getting-ready photos to the wedding photography checklist!
Bride Getting Ready
- Bride getting hair and makeup done
- Champagne pop
- The bride and the bridesmaids in robes, drinking champagne
- The bride getting dressed with the help of the maid-of-honor or mother of the bride
- Bride putting on the dress and shoes
- A full shot of the bride in her wedding dress
Groom Getting Ready
- The grooming process of the groom
- The groom putting on attire
- The groom putting on shoes
- The mother of the groom attaching a boutinnière
- The groom getting ready with assisting groomsmen
- A full-length shot of the groom in his wedding attire
- A picture of the groom with his groomsmen before the first look
Before the Ceremony
- Bride spending moments alone in her wedding dress
- The bridal party leaving the house
- The bride and her father walk into the car
- The bride and her family walk to the ceremony
- Close-up of the bride holding the bridal bouquet
- Groom spending moments alone
- The groom’s party having a pint
First Look
This one is entirely optional, but many couples are choosing the “first look” picture session for their wedding photography checklist to spend some quiet moments together before the ceremony. This is also the perfect time to get in those portrait shots if you want to make the most of the light.
- The groom waiting for the bride
- The bride edging towards the groom
- The moment of the grand reveal
- The couple’s reactions
- The hugging and kissing couple after the first look
- The couple holding hands
- The wedding party’s first look at the couple together
Ceremony Shots
The main ceremony is where all the magic happens – where you vow your love to one another and will be announced as newlyweds. Here’s what you can include in your wedding photography checklist for the ceremony.
- A close-up shot of the altar
- A close-up shot of the floral arrangements and decorations
- Guests entering
- Seated guests
- The couple’s parents walk down the aisle
- The groom walking down the aisle
- The wedding party walking down the aisle
- The flower girl and ring bearer walking down the aisle
- The bride making her way down the aisle
- The father of the bride giving the daughter away
- The groom’s reaction to the bride walking down the aisle
- The couple standing at the altar
- A shot of the guests during the ceremony
- The couple exchanging their wedding vows
- The couple exchanging wedding rings
- The first kiss as newlyweds
- The guests’ reaction to the first kiss
- The couple leaving the ceremony site
Portraits & Group Shots
Portrait and group shots are usually taken once the ceremony ends, and your guests are busy with the cocktail hour. You can also get these pictures before the ceremony in case you wish to attend the cocktail hour.
Add the following portraits and group pictures to your wedding photography checklist.
- The couple looking at each other
- The couple kissing each other
- The couple posing together
- The couple gazing into the sunset
- The couple walking, holding hands
- The bride with her parents
- The bride with the groom’s parents
- The bride with her immediate family
- The groom with his parents
- The groom with the bride’s parents
- The groom with his immediate family
- The couple with both sets of parents
- Bride with her siblings
- Bride with groom’s siblings
- Groom with his siblings
- Groom with bride’s siblings
- Bride and groom with bride’s grandparents
- Bride and groom with groom’s grandparents
- Bride and groom with both sets of grandparents
- The bride with her maid of honor
- The groom with his best man
- The bride with the bridesmaids
- The groom with the groomsmen
- The couple with the entire wedding party
Candid Shots
- Children dancing
- Children playing spontaneously
- Unexpected surprises or events planned for the day
- The couple whispering to each other
- The couple sharing a laugh during the wedding toasts
- Unique guest interactions
- Funny or quirky moments that showcase your personality as a couple
Reception Highlights
- Photos of the reception hall before the guests arrive
- The seating chart and escort card display
- The guest book
- The bar
- The head table
- The guest tables
- Close-up shots of the tables with place card photos
- Pictures of the place settings
- Picture of the wedding cake
- Picture of any other desserts
- Bartender serving guests
- The grand entrance of the couple
- The first dance
- The cake cutting
- Bride and groom kissing at the head table
- The couple sitting at the head table
- The couple and the guests having dinner
- The father-daughter dance
- The mother-son dance
- Outfit changes
- Live band shots
- DJ shots
- Guests on the dance floor
- The couple enjoying on the dance floor with their guests
- The bride and groom dancing together
- Bouquet and garter toss
- Sparkler or confetti send-off for the couple
- A picture of the getaway car
Having a Photography Checklist Can Ease Your Wedding Day Woes
A wedding photography checklist can significantly enhance the quality of photos captured on your wedding day. It can also help you actually enjoy your wedding day without worrying about whether your wedding photographer is getting all the details through their lens.
Here is why having a wedding photography checklist can ease your wedding day woes.
Comprehensive Coverage
A wedding photography checklist will ensure that all essential moments are captured, from getting ready to the ceremony, reception, and everything in between. It will also help you organize the photography schedule to ensure no crucial moment is missed.
Efficient Planning
By outlining the shots beforehand, you can plan the timing and logistics for each segment of the day with your wedding photographer. This ensures that there is enough time allocated for each shot, maximizing the opportunity to capture stunning images without feeling rushed.
No Missed Opportunities
Weddings are fast-paced events with numerous fleeting moments of emotion and joy. With a wedding photography checklist at hand, your wedding photographer is less likely to miss out on capturing these candid moments, ensuring that every tear, laugh, and heartfelt embrace is immortalized.
Communication & Collaboration
A checklist of wedding photos prepared beforehand allows open communication between you and the photographer. It allows you to discuss your vision, preferences, and any specific shots you want, ensuring all your expectations are met.
Peace of Mind
Ultimately, having a checklist gives you peace of mind, knowing that your wedding photography is in capable hands. It is definitely going to allow you to relax and enjoy your special day, confident that every precious moment is being expertly documented for you to cherish for years to come.
Takeaway
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, love, and cherished moments you’ll want to remember forever. With the help of a comprehensive wedding photography checklist, you can ensure that every precious moment is beautifully captured, from the intimate exchanges between the couple to the heartfelt embraces shared with family and friends.
Remember to trust in the process, enjoy every moment, and rest assured that your wedding day will be beautifully captured through the lens of your chosen wedding photographer.
Ready to Transform Your Wedding Day into a Masterpiece? Contact AVS360!
AVS360 can be your perfect partner in capturing every moment on your wedding photography checklist with unparalleled skill and artistry.
From the intimate moments shared between you and your partner to the joyful celebrations with family and friends, the photographers at AVS360 specialize in capturing the essence of your special day in breathtaking detail.
Don’t settle for anything less than perfection on your wedding day. Contact AVS360 for a free consultation today to learn more about our services.
Your journey to picture-perfect memories starts here.
