Tips for a Wed-To-Be Couple: Must-Have Photo Checklist for Your Big Day
Your wedding day will fly by in a whirlwind of joy, love, and celebration. One of the best ways to preserve those fleeting moments is through timeless, well-planned photography. As a bride-to-be, creating a photo checklist ahead of time helps ensure that your photographer captures all the key moments, big and small.
Here’s a helpful guide and photo checklist to make sure you don’t miss a thing:
Before the Ceremony – The Getting Ready Moments
These behind-the-scenes shots are intimate, emotional, and full of anticipation.
Dress hanging up
Wedding shoes, rings, perfume, and accessories
Bride’s hair and makeup in progress
Bridesmaids helping the bride into her dress
Candid laughter and champagne toasts with the bridal party
Close-up of bouquet and florals
Groom getting ready with groomsmen
Groom adjusting tie, cufflinks, flower buttonhole
Note or gift exchanges between bride and groom
First look with dad or parents
The Ceremony – The Emotional Core
This is where the magic happens. Make sure every key moment is captured.
Venue and ceremony setup (empty and with guests)
Guests arriving and being seated
Groom waiting at the altar
Bridal party walking down the aisle
Bride walking down the aisle
Groom’s reaction
Wide shot of the ceremony from the back
Close-ups of vows, ring exchange, holding hands
The kiss!
Just married walk back down the aisle
Guests clapping, throwing petals, or cheering
Post-Ceremony – Family and Couple Portraits
Plan time for these shots while the energy is still fresh but relaxed.
Bride and groom portraits
Candid and posed couple shots
Full bridal party
Bride with bridesmaids
Groom with groomsmen
Bride with parents, siblings, grandparents
Groom with parents, siblings, grandparents
Both families together
Any special family or friend group combinations
Tip: Give your photographer a list of specific groupings so nothing is missed.
The Reception – The Celebration Begins
From décor details to dance floor magic, this is where the fun shines through.
Reception venue before guests arrive
Table settings, name cards, florals, cake
Candid guest arrivals and mingling
Grand entrance of the newlyweds
First dance
Speeches and toasts
Cake cutting
Bouquet toss / garter toss
Candid dance floor moments
Couple sneaking away for sunset or night portraits
Final farewell (if planned)
Bonus Moments to Consider
A quiet moment alone after the ceremony
Handwritten vows or letters
Pets in the ceremony or portraits
Cultural or religious traditions
Fun moments like jumping on the bed, or guests signing the guestbook
Final Tip: Trust Your Photographer
While this checklist gives structure, the best photos often come from spontaneous, unplanned moments. Let your photographer know what’s important to you, but also give them creative freedom to capture genuine emotions and candid beauty.
Your wedding day is a love story in motion—this checklist ensures you don’t miss a single chapter.