Wedding Photography & Videography Checklist

Wedding Photography & Videography Checklist

Planning your wedding day can be a whirlwind of details, and ensuring that you capture all of your important moments is essential. A comprehensive wedding photography and videography checklist can help you stay organized, so you don’t miss a single special moment. This checklist will guide you through the most important shots to request, moments to capture, and key questions to ask your wedding photographer and videographer. It’s your go-to guide to make sure your photos and videos reflect the essence of your big day.

1. Must-Have Shots for Wedding Photography

• Getting Ready: Photos of the bride and groom getting dressed, including any special moments with family and friends.
• Details: Close-up shots of the wedding rings, bouquet, invitations, shoes, and any other significant details.
• First Look: Whether it’s a private moment before the ceremony or a grand reveal during the procession, this emotional moment should be captured.
• Ceremony Moments: Shots of you walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, your first kiss as a married couple, and candid moments during the ceremony.
• Group Photos: Family portraits, bridal party photos, and any other important group shots.
• Reception: First dance, speeches, cake cutting, and candid moments of guests celebrating.
• Couple Portraits: Creative, romantic portraits of the couple after the ceremony. These can be posed or candid and often feature stunning backdrops.
• Exit Shots: Capture your grand exit — whether it’s a sparkler send-off, confetti toss, or just a quiet moment as you leave your venue.

2. Must-Have Shots for Wedding Videography

• Pre-Ceremony Footage: A glimpse of the bride and groom getting ready, setting the stage for your wedding film.
• The Ceremony: Key moments such as the vows, exchange of rings, the first kiss, and any special rituals or traditions.
• Reactions: Candid reactions of guests, family members, and wedding party members, especially during emotional moments like speeches or vows.
• First Dance and Speeches: Capturing the dance, first speeches, and toasts to add emotion and memories to your film.
• Details: Filming those small details like décor, the rings, and the venue’s atmosphere that tell the story of the wedding.
• Candid Shots: Unscripted, fun moments of the couple and guests celebrating, showing the excitement and atmosphere of the day.
• The Grand Exit: Whether it’s a kiss under sparklers, petals in the air, or a unique exit, this moment deserves to be captured in full motion.

3. Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer and Videographer

• What is your shooting style (e.g., traditional, documentary, cinematic)?
• How many hours of coverage do you offer, and do you have any flexibility if the wedding runs late?
• Do you have experience with our wedding venue, and do you know the best spots for photos and video?
• How many photographers/videographers will be at the wedding, and how do you divide your time between the couple and guests?
• Do you offer both photography and videography services, or would you recommend hiring separate teams for each?
• Can we provide a list of must-have shots or moments to be captured?
• How long will it take to receive our photos and videos after the wedding?
• What are your policies on rescheduling or cancellations?
• Do you offer photo albums, prints, or video edits as part of your package?

4. Additional Items to Consider for Wedding Photography and Videography

• Lighting Considerations: Discuss the lighting conditions with your photographer and videographer. Consider scheduling some shots during golden hour or adjusting lighting indoors to make sure your photos and video look their best.
• Backup Plan for Bad Weather: Especially for outdoor weddings, it’s crucial to have a backup plan for bad weather. Discuss alternative indoor locations for photos and video if needed.
• Drone Shots: If you want sweeping aerial views of your venue, discuss whether drone shots are an option and ensure you have any necessary permits.
• Videography Style: Discuss the tone and style of your wedding film. Would you prefer a highlight reel, full-length video, or a documentary-style film?
• Personal Touches: Include any special requests like a video message or photo of a passed loved one, meaningful props, or any personalized elements in your wedding ceremony.

5. Timeline for Wedding Photography and Videography

• Make sure you create a detailed timeline for your photographer and videographer. It should include time slots for getting ready, portraits, group photos, the ceremony, reception, and any special moments. Having a timeline will ensure that everything runs smoothly and nothing important is overlooked.