We all know photographs make the wedding last forever, so make sure you get all the right shots in. While most experienced wedding photographers should have this down, it can’t hurt to be equipped with the knowledge of which shots are standard and which to have fun with. So I made a list of needs and wants to help you ensure all the right shots have been taken:

NEEDS:
The Bride
1. With flowers
2. Close-up
3. Full-length shot
4. Back of dress

The Groom
1. Close-up
2. Full-length shot

The Bride and her family
1. Bride & Mom
2. Bride & Dad
3. Bride & siblings
4. Family portrait

The Groom and his family
1. Groom & Mom
2. Groom & Dad
3. Groom & siblings
4. Family portrait

The Wedding Party (Be sure to get some fun shots in)
1. Maid of Honor (by herself & with the bride)
2. Best Man (by himself & with the groom)
3. Bridesmaids (as a group & with the bride)
4. Groomsmen (as a group & with the groom)
5. Flower girl(s) & Ring bearer(s) – themselves and with the couple

The Newlyweds
1. Full-length shot (I prefer outdoor shots, but don’t be afraid to be creative)
2. Waist-up shot (with and without flowers)
3. The couple with the priest or minister
4. The couples’ hands wearing their wedding rings (just hands and/or looking at your hands….give your best soap opera face)

Grandparents

 WANTS:

The Church/Ceremony Venue – the exterior and an overall view of the interior when all the guests have arrived. If you can take this from a balcony, those are really nice pictures.

Arrival – if the bride arrives by limo, take a picture of her getting out.Anticipation – if you are able to, go behind the scenes and take pictures of the bride and groom (or anyone) as they are waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Musicians – if someone special is singing or playing an instrument, you will want to document that.

Lectors – if someone special is doing the readings or prayers, you will want to document that, too.

Procession – the bridesmaids & groomsmen walking in, etc.

Bride & Dad – walking in & lifting her veil.

Vows – the couple holding hands looking at each other.

Rings – the exchange of rings.

The First Kiss

Man & Wife – Oh have fun with this one, feel free to run towards the camera, come bursting out of the door of the ceremony venue,

Bubbles – Hey why not?

Limousine – Getting into and out of the getaway car

Reception Hall – Photograph the interior and the exterior, including any signs that indicate the location. If your names are on any signs, it’ll make for a great photo.

Table Settings & Centerpieces

Receiving Line

The Toast – Of course

Gift Table – Ask your reception venue to provide an elegant looking gift table if this is something you’ll want.

The Cake – Make sure this shot is taken before you eat it….tends to make a difference.

Father-Daughter Dance – This is traditionally the first dance. Daddy dances with his daughter and then her groom cuts in at the end of the song which leads to…

First Dance – as husband and wife.

General Dance Floor – Try to get as many embarrassing shots of guests as possible, but also shots of you two having fun with the group.

Garter/Bouquet Toss – From him pulling off the garter with his teeth to the moment the single women start fighting over the bouquet, keep that camera loaded and ready.

Departure – The goodbye and so long shot, or at least that what I like to call it.