Must Take Wedding Pics!

I can't even say how many times a bride has asked me for a must take picture list, or how many times the couple has been reviewing their wedding photos and said "I can't believe we didn't get that!" If you have a good photographer they should know the list, they should discuss it, they should point you in the right direction.

 

However since more and more brides are cutting costs by hiring amateur photographers, friends or family members, or photography students, the list is extremely handy to have. Even if you aren't cutting costs it can help give you an idea of what shots you want.

Groups

 

 Groom
– with all groomsmen
– with each groomsman: (names)
– with parents (names)
– with ring bearers (names)

Bride
– with Bridal Party
– with each bridesmaid: (names)
– with friend and coordinator (names)
– with parents (names)
– with parents and sibling (name)
– with entire immediate family (names)
– with ring bearers (names)

Bride & Groom
– with entire Wedding Party
– with each set of parents
– with both sets of parents
– with ring bearers (and one with them and their parents)
– with whole family
– "Thank You" sign
– signing the marriage license

Details

Getting Ready
– bride’s gown hanging on a padded hanger, on the bed, or draped over a chair
– still-life shots of the bride’s shoes, jewelry, something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue
– mother buttoning wedding gown
– putting on the garter, jewelry
– make-up supplies
– candid shots of the bridesmaids getting dressed– father seeing the bride in her gown
– groom getting ready with his groomsmen
– groomsmen putting on boutonnieres
Items(at the ceremony site)
– wedding invitation & program
– detailed shots of the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets
– rings (ring bowls w/ring bearers, on the piano, on the invitation/program)

Ceremony
– exterior and interior shots of the ceremony site before guests arrive
– groom entering with groomsmen
 – close-up of groom’s expression while waiting for the bride
– bridal party walking down the aisle
– ring bearers
– bride with her dad before walking down the aisle
– close-up of bride just before she makes her entrance
– bride and her dad walking down the aisle
– grooms face when he first sees bride walking down the aisle
– bride’s father giving her away
– bride and groom at the altar
– both sets of parents watching the ceremony
– wide shot of the altar, from the guests’ point of view
– wide shot of the audience, from the couple’s point of view
– shot from the balcony (maybe during the sermon)
– close-up of bride and groom as they recite their vows
– close-up of bride and groom’s hands as they exchange rings
– the kiss! – close-up of the newlyweds immediately after the ceremony
– bride and groom leaving the ceremony site

Reception
–decorations:  
             – centerpieces 
             – guest photo mat   
             – menus  
             – sweetheart or head table   
             – favors   
             – cake   
             – guestbook photomat
– exterior and interior shot of the reception site
– guests arriving and signing the guest book 
– bride and groom arriving
– close-ups of friends and family making toasts
– bride and groom speaking with guests
– bride and groom’s first dance
– bride and her father dancing
– bride and groom cutting the cake
– bouquet toss/garter toss
– newlyweds’ vehicle
– bride and groom leaving the reception