Are you getting married this summer? Make sure every moment is captured with our wedding photography checklist
As your wedding day approaches, there’s always a lot to do. However, in the midst of all the last-minute planning, it’s important to take some time out to compile your wedding photography checklist. Your wedding photos will stay with you for the rest of your lives together and, in many cases, the images will be the only tangible reminder you’ll have of your big day when it’s all over. So, to make sure that your photos tell the whole story of your day, here’s what you need to think about:
Your Bridal Preparations
It’s quite likely that your wedding day will start rather early with some bubbles and bridal prep. I’m not suggesting that your photographer is with you from the moment that you wake up but capturing this part of the day (especially the last couple of hours) is important. Think about the backdrop for these photos – lots of natural light and tidiness give the best results. Some of the essential shots for your photographer to capture include: the details (the ring + ring box, veil, dress, accessories, bridal bouquet, button holes and stationery suite – this is especially important if you want to get your wedding featured in print or online afterwards), bride with bridesmaids, bride putting on her dress, bridesmaids / parents of the bride seeing the bride for the first time and moments during hair and makeup.
Your Ceremony
Obviously, this is the most important part of the day and the photos that record this moment should be as memorable as the ceremony itself. More and more couples are now asking for ‘unplugged’ ceremonies. This is a great idea as asking your guests to put away their phones and cameras means that they are fully present for your ceremony. It also means that your photographer can capture absolutely everything without anyone or anything getting in the way. Of course, the must-have photos will include the ceremony décor and details, groom before the ceremony, the arrival of the bride, the vows and the signing of the register.
Your Family Photos
Your wedding is a wonderful opportunity to get plenty of professional photos of you with your nearest and dearest. Family photos are now much more creative and interesting than the staid line-ups of years gone by and if there’s a particular shot that you want, make sure that you ask for it. The number of family photos you have, and the line-ups depend entirely on your families and the amount of time that you want to spend on this part of the day. Speak to your photographer for advice and as a rule of thumb limit your number of family/group photos to no more than 10.
Your Couple’s Portraits
These shots will quite likely become the images that you share the most on social media and display in your home after your wedding. If you’d like photos that have that gorgeous, soft light that you often see in magazines and online, talk to your photographer about the most suitable times during the day for couple photos and factor this into your schedule. This may mean that you have leave your wedding breakfast and / or evening reception for a while but trust me, it’s worth it. Look online for examples of images that you really like and think about your favourite backdrops at your venue.
Your Reception
You’ll have planned this is great detail and you need photos that really capture the spirit and atmosphere of your celebrations. The speeches, the cutting of the cake, the first dance and guests having fun all need to be photographed. If there are any elements of your décor and details that you really want your photographer to capture, then give them a list. For example, place settings, favours, stationery, statement floral arrangements, seating plans and anything you’ve made yourself could all be on your list.
I’ve given you my take on those essential wedding shots but of course, you know your wedding plans and your own mind better than I do! Don’t be afraid to add your own must-have photos or remove those that don’t work for you or your style of wedding. Similarly, trust your photographer. You’ve chosen them because you love their work and adore their style so on the day, don’t be afraid to go with their suggestions. You might well be pleasantly surprised with the results and these unplanned images could well become your favourites!
Find out how Katrina Otter can hep plan your wedding at www.katrinaotterweddings.co.uk
Image credit: Hannah Duffy Photography
