Whether you’re a wedding photographer or the one getting married, this wedding photo checklist is a must if you want to ensure you don’t miss those perfect shots. And, of course, once you have those priceless photos, you’ll want to turn them into art. You’re trusting a professional to capture your once-in-a-lifetime images, you should also trust an expert to print them. From small desk decor to huge specialty prints, Posterjack offers the best photo art products in the country.
Weddings are a time of love and celebration, they shouldn’t be a time of chaos or stress. With so much going on and so much to plan, it helps to be as organized as possible so that important things are not forgotten. Having a wedding photography checklist will make it easy for the newlyweds and the photographer to coordinate with each other, making sure those special moments are captured, turning moments into memories that will last a lifetime.
Below is a list of wedding photos to consider for the big day, but be sure to download the printable PDF of our ultimate wedding photography checklist for a more detailed list. This printable checklist was designed to help the bride and groom work with the photographer, as there is a place for the couple getting married to check off their must-have shots, as well as a coordinating spot for the photographer to check off those shots after they’ve been captured. There’s also dedicated space to include your own notes and list of desired photos, so the unique shots you’ve been dreaming of will not be missed.
Getting Ready
From the bridal party getting ready to the close-up photos of sentimental items, there are so many great photos to be captured before the wedding even begins.
Objects
- The wedding dress (displayed on a hanger, close-up of its details, etc.)
- Bridal accessories (shoes, jewelry, veil, garter, cashmere shawls etc.)
- Bridesmaid dresses
- Flowers (bouquets, corsages, etc.)
- Something old
- Something new
- Something borrowed
- Something blue
- Groom’s suit
- Groom’s and groomsmen accessories (ties, shoes, etc.)
- Sentimental items (list details where it says “other” in the printable PDF version of this checklist)
- Wedding rings
- Wedding party gifts
People
- Bridal party getting ready (hair, makeup, putting on jewelry, shoes, etc.)
- Bride getting into her dress with help from the Maid of Honour or mother
- Bride having her veil put on
- Bride looking into the mirror
- Candid photos of bridal party getting ready
- Bride with bridal party
- Bride with friends and family members
- Bride pinning boutonniere on father
- Groom and groomsmen getting ready
- Groom and groomsmen leaving for ceremony
- Candid photos of groom and groomsmen
- Groom hugging father
- Groom and Best Man straightening each others’ ties
Before the Ceremony
There are several photos that can be captured at the location of the ceremony, before the wedding party arrives. Once the ceremony begins, the focus will be on the bride and groom, so now’s a good time to photograph some of the details.
- Candid shots of people socializing
- Children playing (or trying to patiently wait for the ceremony to begin)
- Wedding invitations
- Wedding programs
- Wedding decorations
- Alter
- Scenery (if outdoors)
- Guests arriving
- Guests being seated
The Ceremony
With so many special moments about to happen and endless photo opportunities, if there’s just one part of the wedding where you plan to use a shots checklist, this is it.
- Groom and groomsmen arriving
- Groom greeting guests
- Bridal party walking down the aisle
- Flower girl and ring bearer
- Bride and father just before walking down the aisle
- Groom waiting for bride to enter
- Bride entering
- First look (groom’s reaction to seeing bride)
- Bride and father walking down the aisle
- Father giving away bride
- Bride and groom with officiant
- Exchange of vows
- Exchange of rings
- Close-up of bride and groom holding hands
- The first kiss as married couple
- The moment right after the first kiss
- Reaction from guests
- Bride and groom just after being announced husband and wife
- Bride and groom signing the register
- Bride and groom walking down aisle together
- Wedding party recessional
- Guests blowing bubbles, tossing confetti, birdseed, etc.
After the Ceremony
The time between the ceremony and the reception is typically when all the posed wedding portrait shots are captured. There are so many different variances and the photos you capture will depend on the location you’re shooting at, but here are some ideas to get you started. Don’t forget, if you download the printable PDF version, you will have the space to include your own unique photo must-haves.
- Bride, alone, full-length shot facing photographer
- Bride, alone, full-length shot facing away from photographer
- Bride with mother
- Bride with Maid of Honour
- Bride with bridesmaids
- Bride with father
- Bride with groomsmen
- Bride with ring bearer and flower girl
- Bride and groom kissing
- Bride and groom sharing a quiet moment together
- Groom with Best Man
- Groom with groomsmen
- Groom with parents
- Groom with bridesmaids
- Groom with ring bearer and flower girl
- Bride and groom with Best Man and Maid of Honour
- Full wedding party
- Bride and groom with parents
- Bride and groom with family
- Informal, candid photos
The Reception
There will be plenty of opportunities to capture fun, candid photos at the reception, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still plan ahead and have a checklist. Here are some shots you should definitely consider.
- Wedding cake
- Close-up of table settings
- Head table with wedding party
- Centrepieces
- Photo of the food being served
- Guest book
- Gift table
- Decorations
- Party favours
- Room before it fills with guests
- Room full of guests
- Bride and groom arriving
- Toasts and speeches (use the “other” section in the printable PDF version of this wedding photography checklist to include specifics)
- Bride and groom kissing
- Cake cutting
- Bride and groom eating the cake
- First dance as married couple
- Bride and groom dancing with parents
- Guests dancing
- Bouquet toss
- Bouquet catch
- Groom getting bride’s garter
- Garter toss
- Garter catch
- DJ, musicians, singers, or other performers
- Children having fun
- The exit
Already Have the Perfect Photos?
Once you have the perfect photos, you’re going to want to display them everywhere, and not just in your own home! You’ll probably have several photos that would make perfect gifts for your parents, wedding party, and other special guests who attended your wedding or went above and beyond helping you make that special day run as smoothly as possible. From a small 6”x8” Woodstand Print to an impressive 32”x48” HD Metal Print, Posterjack offers a large variety of photo art products that make beautiful gifts suitable for everyone.
