The wedding photographs should reflect the styles and personalities of the bride and groom as well as of the overall look and feel of the day. Some brides opt for a very traditional range of pictures, while others introduce cunning twists and brand new approaches to the photographs. However, regardless of the style and preferences of each couple, there are a few shots that are absolute must-haves for that special day. These can be done in fun, new ways. They should be included on a checklist for the photographer so that he or she is completely prepared to capture the moments that matter most.

Before the Ceremony:

• Dress hanging up or draped across a bed or chair
• Bride having her dress buttoned, zipped or tied up
• The garter on her thigh
• A shot of her shoes on her feet
• Bridal make-up being applied
• Finishing touches being done to her hair
• The bride, her mother, bridesmaids and Maid of Honour drinking a glass of champagne or having a good laugh together
• Bridal party leaving for the ceremony
• Groom getting ready (shaving, fastening his tie or slinging his jacket over his shoulder)
• Groom and groomsmen having a “boy’s moment” (clinking beer bottles together or laughing over an inside joke)
• Groom leaving for the ceremony

At the Ceremony:

• The groom and then the bride exiting their vehicles outside the venue
• Guests arriving at the ceremony venue
• The Maid of Honour and each of the bridesmaids walking into the venue
• The bride walking down the aisle
• The groom’s face as he sees her for the first time
• The musicians and officiant
• The father-of-the-bride giving his daughter away (if appropriate)
• The audience from the front
• Close-up of both the bride and groom while saying their vows
• Exchanging their rings
• The sealing kiss
• The bride and groom leaving the venue
• Outside the venue when the bride and groom are being congratulated
• Couple getting into the car as well as a shot of them in the backseat

The Bridal Couple:

• A full-length picture of both the bride and the groom by themselves
• Bride with her Maid of Honour
• Bride with her bridesmaids
• Bride with her parents
• Bride and groom alone
• Couple with his parents
• Couple with her parents
• Couple with both families
• Couple with ring bearer and flower girl
• Groom with his best man
• Groom with his other groomsmen

At the Reception:

• The reception venue (inside and outside)
• Guests milling around, waiting for the couple to arrive
• Couple arriving and greeting their guests
• Table décor
• The main table décor
• Musicians
• The wedding cake before it is cut
• The gift table once it is full of gifts
• The bride and groom standing at each table so that there is at least one shot of every guest
• A picture of a starter, main meal and dessert, or one shot of the buffet
• The couple’s first dance together
• The bride dancing with her father
• The bride dancing with her father-in-law
• The groom dancing with his mother
• The groom dancing with his mother-in-law
• Guests dancing
• Cutting the cake
• Bride throwing the bouquet
• Groom retrieving the garter
• The dance between the couple that caught the bouquet and garter
• The car once it has been “decorated”
• The bridal couple leaving the reception

Photo Credit: Real Simple Photography

This article was posted by Celebration.co.za - South Africa Wedding Guide.