I know what you're thinking. "A Wedding Photo Checklist - are you serious?” Fear not, you don’t need to freak out. We’re not suggesting for one second that you should have a wedding photo checklist in your pocket for the day (the photographer will have one that is tailored for you). We just want to help you avoid a trap which many couples fall into - six months after your wedding you don't want to be thinking, "Oh, I wish I had a picture of me and…"
In truth, most couples don't really think about the actual photographs until it comes to reviewing them afterwards. While there is a standard list of images and every good photographer will capture all the important stuff, there may be a few shots that you would really like. It's important to know what these are and ensure you make them a priority by talking to your photographer in advance.
At Apatche Revealed, we will look over the list of shots to help you think about what images you are expecting to see after the day is over. The following list offers a range of ideas to choose from or you can create your own additions.
Before the Big Day – Meet your photographer a few weeks before the wedding to discuss your requirements. Perhaps you would like a few informal shots giving you an opportunity to become comfortable in front of the camera?
Wedding Photo Check List
Wedding Day - Pre-Ceremony
- bridal party getting ready
- wedding invitations, dress hanging, jewellery laid out, shoes, ties
- bride and bridesmaids getting their hair and makeup done
- bouquets and buttonholes/corsages/wedding rings
- bride putting on dress/veil/garter with help from mother of the bride or bridesmaids
- bridal party having fun perhaps with a glass of champagne
- close up of dress details
- putting on jewellery, shoes
- close up of bride holding bouquet
- mother and bride portrait
- father and bride portrait
- family shots
- bride spending moment alone
- bridal party walking down stairs/leaving the house
- bride and father in wedding Car/ walking to ceremony
- groom and Groomsmen getting ready
- groom spending moment alone
- groomsmen party having fun
- first Look (optional)
A recent development has been for the couple to choose to see each other before the ceremony begins (I know my brother and his wife did), and for the wedding photographer to capture this intimate moment when the happy couple sees each other for the first time. While lots of couples treasure the top of the aisle moment, for others the privacy of being alone when they first see each other allows a release of emotion and intimacy away from hundreds of onlookers.
- bride and groom alone for first look
- bridal Party reaction if couple enter together
- trip to the ceremony/venue
- bride and father/mother
- bride and bridesmaids/flower girls
- groom and groomsmen/pageboys
Wedding Day – Ceremony
- shots of empty venue - altar, flowers, interior & exterior details
- groom and groomsmen waiting inside venue
- guests outside and inside venue
- bride arriving in wedding car
- bride stepping out of car
- bride and bridesmaids at back of church/garden/beach
- bridal party entrance
- bride walking up the aisle
- groom's reaction
- father/mother/person giving bride away
- exchanging of vows
- exchanging of the rings
- participants such as readers, the officiating person, musicians
- the first kiss as husband and wife, and the moment after
- signing register
- the recessional/bride and groom walking back down the aisle
- newlywed shot
- confetti throwing/bubble blowing
- greeting guests outside venue
- guest group shoots with wedding party
- bride & groom in back seat of wedding car
Wedding Day - Post Ceremony
After the ceremony, time is set aside for the wedding portraits - this usually takes 1-2 hours depending on the couple and the list of specific shots required. Prepare a list of all the people you want in the portraits - family members and friends - and the specific combinations you require.
Give this list to your photographer well in advance so they can prepare and discuss any issues. It’s a good idea to assign a close friend (not a bridesmaid or groomsman who will be in the images) but someone who knows all the people on the list, to work with the photographer on rounding people up.
Couple Shots
- portraits of the couple alone
- portraits of bride on her own
- portraits of groom on his own
- bridal party
- bride and groom with bridesmaids/groomsmen
- bride and groom with bridal party
- Bride with bridesmaids/maid of honour
- groom and groomsmen/best man
- entire wedding party
- family - informal shots
- bride with her parents
- groom with his parents
- bride and groom with their parents
- bride and groom with siblings
- bride and groom with close family members
- shots with friends
- bride showing her new ring to the guests
- shots of guests eating, drinking, and chatting
Wedding Day - Reception
- details and room decor shots - table settings, place cards, favours, candy/lolly buffet, centrepieces
- wedding cake detail shots
- bride and groom arriving
- toasts and speeches
- cutting the cake
- the first dance/bridal waltz
- bride dancing with father/groom dancing with mother
- bride and groom mingling with guests
- guests dancing
- musicians, singers, DJ
It’s really important to remember when considering what photos you want is how the style of wedding portraits can vary enormously, from the traditional poses to the quirky and fun. It’s always a great idea to have a chat with your photographer about what you’re looking for well in advance. When you book with Apatche Revealed we welcome your thoughts and ideas as we are here for your special day.
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