Your “Must Have” list is a very important part of your wedding planning. It not only determines the amount of time you need for your photography, but it also helps you with your timeline planning, with the order of events, with knowing if you need one or two photographers, and if there are other options like bridal portraits that will help you keep your wedding on track and on budget.
The list given below is a general list that I have used to help my clients over the past 10 years plan their wedding day photography. It is by no means completely inclusive, but I have found it helps my clients start the process of making their own list. While the list is written in “Bride and Groom” language, the ideas and concepts can be used for any wedding couple!
For planning purposes, plan to set aside 3-5 minutes per pose/picture on your list. This is a great starting time reference.
“Must have” wedding photo list ideas
Pre-wedding/Getting Ready
Rehearsal area before guests have arrived/details
Prep Shots – Bride & Groom getting ready
The Dress – Hanging or Draped
The Rings – with invitation, bouquet, etc.
Zipping Dress
Bride Applying Make Up
Groom Fixing Hair
Attaching Boutonnière to grooms lapel
Ceremony
Groom waiting at altar
Church Wide Shot (with & without guests)
Bride walking down aisle ( Side Profile & Front )
Father giving away bride
Groom over the shoulder shot of bride ( & Vis Versa)
Holding hands – Bride and Groom
Bride & Groom Kiss
Bride & Groom Leaving Church ( Receiving Line)
Reception
Reception/Banquet Hall Outside shot
Food Shots (Cocktail Hour, Drinks, etc.)
Shot of each table full of guests
Bride and Groom Hand & Ring Portraits
First Dance
Bride & Father Dance
Groom & Mother Dance
Bouquet Toss
Guarder Belt Toss
Cake Cutting
Bride and Groom Feeding each other
Misc. Guests Dancing
Best Man & Maid of Honor Toast/Speeches
Bride & Groom Toast/Speeches
Centerpieces & Flower/Decorations
Guestbook Signatures
Bride & Groom “Just Married” Vehicle – Driving Away
Thank you picture (if doing one)
Posed Photography
Bride alone
Groom alone
Bride and Groom
Bride and Groom at alter
Bride and Groom with Officient
Bride and Groom kissing
Bridesmaids/Flower Girl(s)
Groomsmen/Ring bearer
Bridal Party
Bride with Groomsmen
Groom with Bridesmaids
Bride with Bridesmaids
Groom with Groomsmen
Bride with flower girl(s)
Groom with ring bearer
Bride and Groom with bridal party
Bride with parents
Groom with parents
Bride and Groom with bride’s parents
Bride and Groom with groom’s parents
Bride and Groom with both sets of parents
Bride and Groom with bride’s grandparents
Bride and Groom with groom’s grandparents
Bride’s parents alone
Groom’s parents alone