What's the secret to fabulous wedding photos? Capturing just the right moments.
Taking photos and adding a collection of memories will be vary for each wedding, but feel free to use this list of ideas as a starting point. From formal portraits to party-time candids, from classic black-and-white portraits to vibrantly colorful snaps, the options are endless — so take advantage!
Skim through the wedding photo ideas below, then bring this guide with you to a meeting with your photographer. As with all wedding vendors, the results will be much better if you discuss your expectations ahead of time.
Getting ready
1. Bride's dress on the hanger or over a chair
2. Close-up of bride's shoes
3. Close-up of bride's bouquet
4. Bride in curlers or having makeup applied
5. Bridesmaids applying their makeup
6. Bride putting on garter
7. Mom and/or bridesmaids helping the bride arrange her dress, bustle the train, etc.
8. Close-up of dress details
9. Bride together with bridesmaids
10. Bride hugging mom
11. Flower girl(s) ready to go
12. Mom or bridesmaids putting finishing touches on bride, adding the veil, etc.
13. Bride spending moment alone, thinking quietly, praying or looking out the window
14. Full-length shot of bride all dressed and ready to go
15. Groom putting on tie
16. Groom with groomsmen
17. Ring bearer ready to go
18. Groom with dad, hugging or whispering advice
19. Bride and groom separately getting in the car, limo or cab
RELATED: Martha Stewart's wedding trends: Mermaid gowns, mismatched bridesmaids
Ceremony
20. Groom looking out the window, waiting for the bride to arrive
21. Car arriving with bride
22. Bride stepping out of the car
23. Wide shot of ceremony space from the back
24. Guests arriving (especially if they're using special transportation like a shuttle bus, boat or even escalator)
25. Ushers helping grandparents and special guests to their seats
26. Front and back shots of flower girl/ring bearer walking down the aisle
27. Close up of details (guest book, pew decorations, etc.)
28. Groom and groomsmen waiting nervously for bride to walk down aisle
29. Guests sitting down, waiting for ceremony to start
30. Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
31. Wedding party standing at the altar
32. Bride just before walking down the aisle
33. Back shot of bride (and escort) beginning to walk down the aisle
34. Full-frontal shot of bride (and escort) walking down the aisle
35. Close-up of groom's face when he sees bride for the first time (this can be done earlier, if photos are done before the ceremony)
36. Back shot of bride and groom together at the altar with officiant between them
37. Shot focusing on bridesmaids' bouquets, lined up as they hold them at the altar
38. Close-up of each hand as the rings are exchanged
39. Close-up of bride's face, as seen over the groom's shoulder
40. Close-up of groom's face, as seen over the bride's shoulder
41. Shot of both sets of parents' faces as they witness ceremony
42. The kiss
43. Happy couple walking back down the aisle together, as married couple
44. Guests getting ready to shower the couple with well wishes (and bubbles, birdseed, etc.) as they leave
45. Bride and groom walking out of ceremony space, hand-in-hand
RELATED: Social media for weddings: Maid of Social will live-tweet and Instagram your big day
Before the reception
Cocktail hour (These can be taken before the ceremony)
46. Full shot of bride and groom together, smiling
47. Full shot of bride and groom hugging
48. Full shot of bride and groom kissing
49. Bride being lifted or carried by groom or sitting on groom's lap
50. Close-up of couples' faces as bride is lifted, carried or sitting on groom's lap
51. Bride with her parents
52. Groom with his parents
53. Bride with groom's parents
54. Groom with bride's parents
55. Bride with bridesmaids
56. Groom with groomsmen
57. Bride with groomsmen
58. Group shot of bride, groom, family and wedding party
59. Groom leaning up against a wall with bride in front of him, kissing
60. Bride and groom walking toward the camera, holding hands
61. Bride and groom walking away from camera, holding hands
62. Bride and groom looking off in the same direction together
RELATED: Not your parents' wedding: The new do's and don'ts for modern wedding guests
Reception
63. Close-up of details (place settings, name cards, etc.)Close-up of centerpieces
64. Wide shot of entire room before everyone arrives, even better if taken from above
65. Any special moments during the receiving line process
66. Bride and groom's first dance
67. Groom dipping bride
68. Bride dancing with her dad -- close-up of her face as seen over his shoulder
69. Groom dancing with his mom
70. Close-up of cake
71. Bride showing her new ring to the guests
72. Bride and groom hugging guests, close-ups of faces
73. Best man (or other guests) making a toast to the couple
74. Bride and groom's faces as they listen to the toast(s)Guests smiling and clapping
75. Guests dancing and cutting loose on the dance floor. (Tip: Ask for a slow shutter speed to get a blurry/focused effect)
76. Wide shot of entire room after guests arrive, even better if taken from above
77. Close-ups of guests' faces, laughing and having a great time -- lots of these
78. Groups of friends sitting together at their table or dancing
79. Bride and groom whispering to each other
80. Parents (or even better, grandparents) dancing
81. Kids dancing or playing around
82. Close-up of band or DJ
83. Bride and groom cutting the cake
84. Bride and groom feeding each other
85. Bride and groom in back seat of getaway car
86. Back of car as it drives away
RELATED: Trendy wedding style: 18 things former brides wish they knew
This story was originally published on January 1, 2013 on TODAY.com.