Wedding Planning - Must-Have Wedding Photos: A Checklist

Many precious and unforgettable moments will occur during the course of your wedding day-- from the instant you slip into your gown, till the last wave good-bye at your reception's end. From head to toe you'll be looking elegantly stunning; the flowers will be vibrant; the ceremony and reception sites perfect, and filled with those who are eager to celebrate with the two of you. Your photographer will be working hard to capture each moment and freeze them in time, on film. Give him or her an idea of what you'd like to see filling up the pages of your wedding album. Use the photography checklist we've created for you. Put a check next to the shots you feel are must-take photo moments, and jot down any must-have poses and candid shots you have in mind as well. Share the list with your photographer and be open to their ideas, too. The outcome will be a truly beautiful wedding album.


Photography Checklist

Pre-ceremony/ Prepping for the big event

__ Bride getting dressed
__ Bridesmaids assisting bride
__ Bride putting her garter on
__ Bride putting her veil on
__ Bride's mother adjusting veil
__ Bride with her mother
__ Bride with her father
__ Bride with both parents
__ Bride with siblings
__ Bride with Maid of Honor
__ Bride with all her attendants
__ Bride applying makeup (finishing touches)
__ Flower girls waiting for the big event
__ Groom getting ready
__ Best Man assisting groom
__ Groom with his mother
__ Groom with his father
__ Groom with both parents
__ Groom with siblings
__ Groom with his groomsmen
__ Bride/bridesmaids receiving their bouquets
__ Mothers/grandmothers receiving their corsages/bouquets
__ Groom/groomsmen getting their boutonnieres pinned on
__ Bride leaving for ceremony
__ Bride getting into vehicle with her father


The Ceremony

__ Guests entering site and being escorted by the ushers
__ Mother of the bride being seated
__ Mother of the groom being seated
__ Grandmothers being seated
__ Groom waiting at the altar
__ Groom and groomsmen at the altar
__ Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
__ Maid of Honor walking down the aisle
__ Flower girl(s) walking down the aisle
__ Bride with her father waiting to walk down the aisle
__ Bride and her father walking down the aisle
__ Bride being "given away" by her father
__ Bride joining groom at the altar
__ Bride and groom standing at the altar
__ Entire wedding party at the altar
__ Lighting of the Unity Candle
__ Signing of the Marriage License
__ The exchange of vows/rings
__ Soloists/ceremony musicians
__ The kiss
__ Bride and groom walking up the aisle
__ Bride and groom with guests
__ Bride and groom on church steps
__ Bride and groom leaving ceremony site in limo


Post-ceremony

__ Bride, groom, officiant
__ Bride and groom together
__ Bride alone
__ Bride and her parents
__ Groom and his parents
__ Bride, groom, grandparents
__ Bride, groom, bride's parents
__ Bride, groom, groom's parents
__ Bride, groom, bride's family
__ Bride, groom, groom's family
__ Bride, groom and honor attendants
__ Bride, groom and entire wedding party
__ Bride, groom and flower girl(s)
__ Bride and flower girl(s)


The Reception

__ Bride and groom arriving at the reception site
__ Bride and groom entering the reception room
__ Receiving line shots (posed and candid)
__ Best Man giving toast
__ Bride/groom's toast
__ Any/all other toasts
__ Head table
__ Parents/special guests' tables
__ Bride and groom's first dance
__ Father/bride dance
__ Groom dancing with his mother
__ Bride/groom dancing with guests
__ The cake
__ Cake cutting
__ Bride and groom feeding each other first slice
__ Bouquet toss
__ Groom removing bride's garter
__ Garter toss
__ Guests dancing
__ Bride and groom with special guests
__ Band/musicians
__ Bride changing into going-away outfit
__ Groom changing into going-away outfit
__ Bride and groom saying good-bye
__ Bride and groom leaving reception
__ Guests throwing rice
__ Bride and groom leaving in getaway vehicle


Miscellaneous

__ Guests signing guest book
__ The reception site (decorations, centerpieces, etc)
__ Bride's bouquet with the toasting glasses
__ Guests mingling at reception
__ Bride and groom mingling at reception
__ Wedding party decorating getaway vehicle
__ The getaway vehicle
__ Plenty of candid shots (pre-ceremony, ceremony, post-ceremony and reception)