A checklist from Ivillage.com
GETTING READY
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- Bride's dress on the hanger or over a chair
- Close-up of bride's shoes
- Close-up of bride's bouquet
- Bride in curlers or having makeup applied
- Bridesmaids applying their makeup
- Bride putting on garter
- Mom and/or bridesmaids helping the bride arrange her dress, bustle the train, etc.
- Close-up of dress details
- Bride together with bridesmaids
- Bride hugging mom
- Flower girl(s) ready to go
- Mom or bridesmaids putting finishing touches on bride, adding the veil, etc.
- Bride spending moment alone, thinking quietly, praying or looking out the window
- Full-length shot of bride all dressed and ready to go
- Groom putting on tie
- Groom with groomsmen
- Groom with dad, hugging or whispering advice
- The rings
CEREMONY
- Groom waiting for the bride to arrive
- Bride stepping out of the car
- Wide shot of ceremony space from the back
- Guests arriving (especially if they're using special transportation like a shuttle bus, boat or even escalator)
- Ushers helping grandparents and special guests to their seats
- Front and back shots of flower girl walking down the aisle
- Close up of details (guest book, pew decorations, etc.)
- Groom and groomsmen waiting nervously for bride to walk down aisle
- Guests sitting down, waiting for ceremony to start
- Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
- Wedding party standing at the altar
- Bride just before walking down the aisle
- Back shot of bride (and escort) beginning to walk down the aisle
- Full-frontal shot of bride (and escort) walking down the aisle
- 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)
- Back shot of bride and groom together at the altar with officiant between them
- Shot focusing on bridesmaids' bouquets, lined up as they hold them at the altar
- Close-up of each hand as the rings are exchanged
- Close-up of bride's face, as seen over the groom's shoulder
- Close-up of groom's face, as seen over the bride's shoulder
- Shot of both sets of parents' faces as they witness ceremony
- The kiss
- Happy couple walking back down the aisle together, as married couple
- Guests getting ready to shower the couple with well wishes (and bubbles, birdseed, etc.) as they leave
- Bride and groom walking out of ceremony space, hand-in-hand
BEFORE THE RECEPTION ? During the cocktail hour (These can be taken before the ceremony)
- Full shot of bride and groom together, smiling
- Full shot of bride and groom hugging
- Full shot of bride and groom kissing
- Bride being lifted or carried by groom or sitting on groom's lap
- Close-up of couples' faces as bride is lifted, carried or sitting on groom's lap
- Bride with her parents
- Groom with his parents
- Bride with groom's parents
- Groom with bride's parents
- Bride with bridesmaids
- Groom with groomsmen
- Bride with groomsmen
- Group shot of bride, groom, family and wedding party
- Groom leaning up against a wall with bride in front of him, kissing
- Bride and groom walking toward the camera, holding hands
- Bride and groom walking away from camera, holding hands
- Bride and groom looking off in the same direction together
RECEPTION
- Close-up of details (place settings, name cards, etc.)
- Close-up of centerpieces
- Wide shot of entire room before everyone arrives, even better if taken from above
- Any special moments during the receiving line process
- Bride and groom's first dance
- Groom dipping bride
- Bride dancing with her dad -- close-up of her face as seen over his shoulder
- Groom dancing with his mom
- Close-up of cake
- Bride showing her new ring to the guests
- Bride and groom hugging guests, close-ups of faces
- Best man (or other guests) making a toast to the couple
- Bride and groom's faces as they listen to the toast(s)
- Guests smiling and clapping
- Guests dancing and cutting loose on the dance floor. (Tip: Ask for a slow shutter speed to get a blurry/focused effect)
- Wide shot of entire room after guests arrive, even better if taken from above
- Close-ups of guests' faces, laughing and having a great time -- lots of these
- Groups of friends sitting together at their table or dancing
- Bride and groom whispering to each other
- Parents (or even better, grandparents) dancing
- Close-up of band or DJ
- Bride and groom cutting the cake
- Bride and groom feeding each other
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