There are many classic wedding photographs that appear in most couple’s wedding albums and they have been listed in order of appearance – that is – as a typical wedding day unfolds.
Involve your families at this point as well and ask them to list the family shots they would like to have. This may be the only time that certain family members have been together in a long time.
As much as I have listed these particular photos, I encourage you to put your own unique spin on how you would like to have them shot. I trust that you have chosen your photographer based on his or her particular style, so discuss your options when you meet with them prior to your wedding day.
Discuss the style of photo you would like; the location of those photos and the details that are important to you.
Here’s a good list to trigger your imagination.
Prep Shots Bride’s Room
- Bride Having Hair Done
- Bride Having Makeup Applied
- The Dress Hanging or Draped
- Shoes and Accessories
- Back Shot of Wedding Gown Being Done Up
- Bouquets
Bride Photos
- The North Window Shot – Bride facing out northern most window
- Bride walking down stairs
- Bride looking out (window or door)
- Mother and Daughter Shot
- Father’s First Glimpse
- Bride Reading Letter from Groom
Prep Shots Groom’s Room
- Groom Fixing Hair
- Groom Tying Tie in Mirror
- Groom and His Father
- Groom and His Best Man
- Groom Checking the Time
- Groom Reading Letter from Bride
Groom’s Photos
- Groom with Groomsmen & Fathers
- Bride with Bridesmaids & Mothers
- Bride with Mother & Father (also grandparents)
- Groom with Mother & Father (also grandparents)
- Exterior Photo
- Church Wide Shot (with & without guests)
- Décor Detail (pew florals, altar, etc)
- Groom Arrival (with and without groomsmen)
- Attaching Boutonnière to Groom’s Lapel
- Groom Waiting at the Altar
Ceremony
- Bride Arrival
- Bride – Exiting Limo (Bride being helped out)
- Bride walking down aisle ( Side Profile & Front )
- Groom Reaction (First Look)
- Father Giving Away Bride
- Groom over the shoulder shot of bride ( & Vis Versa)
- Holding hands – Bride and Groom
- Unity Candles
- Bride & Groom Kiss
- Recessional Shot
Family Photos at Ceremony Venue
- Receiving Line (if having one)
- Bride with Parents
- Bride with Grandparents
- Groom with Parents
- Groom with Grandparents
- Generational Family Shots – Bride
- Generational Family Shots – Groom
- Parental Sibling Shots
- Parental Family Shots (generational – both bride and groom sides)
Couple Departure
- Bride & Groom Leaving Church ( Receiving Line)
- Rice Toss/ Balloon Release Shots
- Bride & Groom – Inside Limo Shot
Wedding Party / Bride and Groom
- Full Wedding Party
- Bride and Maid of Honour
- Bride with Maids Individually
- Bride with All Maids
- Groom and Best Man
- Groom with Groomsmen Individually
- Groom with All Men
- Bride and Groom Portraits
- Bride and Groom Ring Portraits
- Groom Holding Wedding Bouquet
Décor Shots
- Venue Exterior
- Venue Entrance
- Guest Book Table
- Guestbook Signatures
- Seating Plan or Escort Cards
- Room Shot
- Centerpiece Details
- Place Setting Details
- Head Table
- Head Table Details
- Chair Details
- Wedding Favors
- Food and Beverage Details
Bride and Groom Sneak Peek
- Room Décor
- Cake Details
- Table Setting Details
- Printed Details (Seating chart, guest book, etc)
Cocktail Reception
- Room Décor
- Guest Shots
- Photo Booth
Bride and Groom Arrival
- Wedding Party Introductions
- Bride and Groom Arrival and Introduction
Dinner Shots
- Shot of each table full of guests
- Head Table Photos
Toasts and Speeches
- Best Man Speech
- Maid of Honor Speech
- Welcome to the Family Speeches
- Bride & Groom Toast or Thank You
Classic Shots
- Wedding Cake and Details (flowers, topper, etc)
- Cake Cutting
- Bride and Groom Feeding each other
- Bouquet Toss
- Garter Belt Toss
Dance Shots
- First Dance
- Bride & Father Dance
- Groom & Mother Dance
- Small Children Dancing with Bride & Groom
- Bride & Groom’s Parents Dancing (Plus Grandparents)
Midnight Hour Shots
- Venetian Hour Photos (Coffee, Ice Cream, Etc)
- Lounge Area / Cigar Bar / Scotch Bar
- Trash the Dress Shot