Wedding Day Photo Checklist: What to Expect at Every Point in the Day
Your wedding day will be a whirlwind of emotions and activities. From the moment you wake up to the time you say goodbye to your guests, there will be so much happening.
You'll want to remember every minute, so I'm sharing an idea of the kind of photos you can expect from getting ready to partying the night away! I also share a few of my top tips along the way...
Getting Ready
When I first arrive, I'll ask a bridesmaid or family member to help me locate all of your items for your 'details' shots. This is all the things you've spent time choosing to make your big day perfect, from your dress to flowers to jewellery, rings, and other accessories.
As you and your bridal party get ready, it's also a great time for relaxed photographs of you enjoying this time. You can expect photos of your hair and makeup being done, natural candid moments with your bridesmaids and family, and their first looks when they see you in your dress.
Top tip: Aim to be dressed and ready approximately 30 minutes before you need to leave for your ceremony. This leaves time for photos before you depart, and will also mean there's less panic if you are running slightly late.
The Ceremony
Once you've arrived for your ceremony you can expect photos of yourselves but also your guests. Walking down the aisle, exchanging rings and your first kiss as a married couple are all moments that will be captured forever.
Once the ceremony is over, you may exit to confetti, which is always a perfect moment for natural photos. At this point, I'll also capture candid photos of your guests congratulating you.
Top tip: If you'd like a fantastic shower of confetti, it's worth purchasing a few confetti cannons.
The Portraits
After the ceremony, it's time for any group photos. This is a great time for photos with your parents, grandparents, and siblings, as well as any key groups of friends. I aim to keep these as natural as possible.
Top tip: Remember you don't have to include everyone in a group photo! For most weddings, I'm with you for a minimum of five hours, which is plenty of time to capture candid images of the majority of your guests - aim to keep group photos to your closest family and friends only.
I usually suggest about 20-30 minutes for your group photos, depending on how many you wish to have.
At this point in the day, it's also the perfect time for relaxed photos of the two of you as newlyweds! Again, I suggest allowing around 20-30 minutes for these. I'll often take you somewhere away from your guests (ideally they'll be enjoying drinks and canapés).
Top tip: I'm often asked how much time you should leave between the end of your ceremony and sitting down for your meal. I recommend a minimum of 90 minutes. This allows 30 minutes for groups, 30 minutes for photos of the two of you, and 30 minutes to enjoy your drinks reception. Which brings me on nicely...
Drinks reception
During your drinks reception, I'm focusing on capturing candid photos. You can expect natural photos of your guests mingling and enjoying themselves. These natural moments tend to be some of my favourite photos of the day! I'm listening out for laughter and scanning the room for memorable moments to capture.
Top tip: Ask your venue to bring some drinks and canapés out to you whilst we're taking photos, it will keep hunger at bay and also mean you get to try the food, so when you get back to the reception you can enjoy mingling with your guests.
I don't usually photograph during the wedding breakfast (as will be the case for most wedding photographers); photos of people eating are rarely flattering, it's also a good point for me to change batteries, check images from the day so far and also get some refreshments myself.
Speeches
Wedding speeches can be some of the most memorable moments of your day. They are natural, candid and full of emotion. As your photographer, I will be focusing both on your own reactions and those of your guests, whether it's laughter or tears.
Top tip: Consider whether you'd like speeches before or after your meal. There are pros and cons to both. Before the meal means you can get them out of the way and enjoy your dinner without any nerves; however, it does keep everyone waiting to be fed and sometimes venues aren't keen as they can't predict exactly how long speeches will be and therefore when they need to have the starters ready. After the meal means you've had a few drinks and everyone's more relaxed, but if you're nervous it does prolong that anticipation!
Cake cutting
Cutting the cake is traditionally a key part of the day. Often it will be just before your first dance and signals the start of your evening reception. I'll be capturing all of the action as you cut the cake and share your first slice!
The First Dance
Once the formalities are over, it's time to party! I'll be aiming to capture some fun and lively photos. Your first dance is a special moment that you'll want to remember forever. Then the focus is on dancing, laughing, and celebrating with your friends and family - these are the moments I'll be capturing to be remembered long after your wedding day is over.
Top tip: Consider whether you want to choreograph or freestyle your first dance. Also think about whether you'd ike your band or DJ to ask friends and family to join you on the dancefloor halfway through the song.
Hopefully this has given you an idea of what you can expect throughout your day. All my standard packages include a pre-wedding meeting with practice shoot, meaning we'll go through the timings of your day and I can note any special photographs you'd like at any point in the day.
To find out more about wedding photography, please visit my 'about weddings' page.