Comprehensive Wedding Day Photo Checklist

If a picture speaks a thousand words, this article may be worth millions to you as you plan for your wedding photographer's level of involvement on your special day. The going rate for wedding photographers is a pretty penny, and you'll be smart to get your money's worth.

When it comes to telling your wedding photographer exactly what you want for your wedding day, don't be shy. Those photographs will be yours to cherish for the rest of your life. They'll lift you up when you're down, and they'll remind you of your perfect wedding day and all your loved ones who shared in it. They'll be a treasured keepsake from the day when you and your sweetheart joined your lives together as one.

As you plan for your wedding day and the photographic opportunities that await, be sure you cover every base. It is better to be overly prepared rather than to look back and wish you had spent a few more moments getting organized. Here is a general breakdown of the highlights you'll want to secure in your photographer's itinerary. Don't forget to customize the list by adding special photos you'd like to have in addition to these general shots.

Getting Ready for the Big Day

Bride getting ready

Her accessories - dress hanging by a window, her shoes on the bed, her garter, etc.

Bride getting ready with mom

Bride getting ready with bridesmaids

Bride and maid of honor getting ready together

Bride and bridesmaids posed

Bride's bouquet

Groom getting ready

Groom with father

Groom with groomsmen getting ready

Groom and groomsmen posed

Additional photos (fill in your desired extra shots here)

At the Wedding Ceremony

Groom and groomsmen before the ceremony

Bride and bridesmaids before the ceremony

Nervous/excited bride by herself before ceremony

Flower girl / ring bearer before ceremony

Church or wedding ceremony site inside prior to guest arrival

Church or wedding ceremony site outside prior to guest arrival

Guests arriving

Guests awaiting the bride's entrance

Bride arriving at the ceremony location

Entrance of the grandparents

Entrance of the parents

Bridesmaids entrance

Flower girl and ring bearer entrance

Close up of flower girls / ring bearer