I’ve covered this argument in my article “Preserving Timeless Memories: 26 Must-Have Wedding Photos” but in case needed, I’ve prepared a short and schematic list of the whole wedding day photo coverage :
Details:
- The engagement ring
- The wedding rings
- The ring box
- The invitation suite flat lay, including save-the-dates, invitations, and envelopes
- The wedding vow booklets
- Programs
- Welcome bags if you have them
- Shots of the venue
- The room where you’re getting ready
- The bride’s wedding dress suspended from a hanger
- Any jewelry, like earrings, bracelets, or necklaces
- The bride’s wedding shoes
- The bride’s perfume
- Hair accessories, if applicable
- The bridal bouquet
- The groom’s suit or tuxedo
- The pocket square
- The tie or bow tie
- The boutonnière
- Cufflinks
- The groom’s shoes
- The groom’s cologne
- Flower girl baskets
- Corsages
- Any other sentimental items, such as an heirloom or a bouquet charm
Some of these images may be grouped, for example you can easily group together things like bride’s perfume, shoes and accessories.
Getting-Ready Photos
- The bride getting her hair and makeup done
- The bridesmaids getting their hair and makeup done
- A shot of the bride and bridesmaids in their getting-ready attire, whether they’re drinking champagne or just having fun
- The bride getting dressed with the mother of the bride, maid of honor, or another wedding party member providing assistance
- A full-length shot of the bride in her wedding dress
- Any bridal party or parent first look photos
- Emotional shots of the bride with siblings, friends, or parents
- The groom adding finishing touches, such as putting on his tie or cufflinks or buttoning up his shirt
- The groom’s mother attaching a boutonniere
- The groom getting ready while his groomsmen assist
- A full-length shot of the groom in his wedding attire
- A group shot of the groom and groomsmen in their wedding attire
- Touching moments between the groom and his parents, siblings, or best man
First Look Photos ( only if you decide to do the first look!)
- The groom waiting for the bride
- The bride walking toward the groom
- The moment the grand reveal happens
- The couple’s reactions
- The couple hugging or kissing after the first look
- The couple looking at each other
- The couple holding hands
- The couple walking next to each other
Ceremony Shots
- The ceremony setup without the guests on site
- A close-up shot of the altar
- A close-up shot of the arrangements that line the aisle
- Any other unique floral arrangement or decorations
- Guests entering the site
- The guests seated
- The couple’s parents walking 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 walking down the aisle
- The groom’s reaction to the bride
- The father of the bride giving his daughter away
- The couple standing at the altar in front of their officiant
- A wide shot of the audience during the ceremony
- Loved ones sharing any special readings
- The couple exchanging wedding vows
- The couple exchanging rings
- The first kiss as a married couple
- The moment after the couple kisses
- The recessional
- The audience’s reactions to ceremony moments
- The couple leaving the ceremony site
Group Shots
- The bride with her parents
- The bride with immediate family
- The groom with his parents
- The groom with immediate family
- The couple with both sets of parents
- The couple with immediate family from both sides
- The bride with her bridesmaids
- The bride with her maid of honor
- The groom with his groomsmen
- The groom with his best man
- The couple with their entire wedding party
Once the group photo is done, keep taking pictures, something interesting might happy:
The portraits:
- The couple posing together
- The couple hugging or kissing one another
- The couple looking at each other
- The couple walking, holding hands
- The couple looking out at the sunset or the view
Reception Photos
- The exterior of your reception venue
- The seating chart/escort card display
- The guest book
- The bar
- The lounge area if included
- A wide shot of the reception space
- The head table
- The guest tables
- The sweetheart table if applicable
- Close-up shots of decorations on the tables, such as table numbers and centerpieces
- The place settings
- The cake and any other desserts
- The couple making their reception entrance
- The first dance
- The couple sitting at the head table
- A close-up shot of the food
- The couple and their guests eating dinner
- Friends and family making toasts and delivering speeches
- The couple listening to speeches and toasts
- The couple chatting with their guests
- The father-daughter dance
- The mother-son dance
- The cake cutting
- Outfit changes
- The live band or DJ
- Guests on the dance floor
- The couple dancing with their guests
- The bride and groom dancing with each other
- The couple exiting the reception ( when appliable)
- The couple’s vehicle leaving ( when appliable)