Must have wedding photos
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 happen!
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)