Working out the Details
Timing is important. If you meet with your photographer too soon, it is easy for him or her to forget the small details that you asked for. If you meet too late, things are rushed, and something is inevitably left out. Four weeks before the wedding is an acceptable time frame for meeting with your photographer.
The Schedule of Events
It is very important that the photographer know the schedule of events, especially if he or she is planning to take candid shots. The last thing you want to happen is for the photographer to sit down and take a break as the bride and groom are planning to cut the cake. Precious memories are not captured on film when this type of breakdown in communication occurs. Your photographer should know when and in what sequence the following events occur:
The cutting of the cake
The best mans toast
The first dance
The fathers dance
List of Portraits
Any reputable photographer will have experience with weddings and should know what the "traditional" poses are. It is up to the bride and groom to decide who they want in their photographs. It is traditional to have the following portraits taken:
Individual bride
Individual groom
Group of the bridesmaids
Group of the groomsmen
The bride with her bridesmaids
The groom with his groomsmen
The bride with her parents
The groom with his parents
The bride and groom together
The entire bridal party
The bride and groom with both sets of parents
The bride and groom with each set of parents
Any and all special requests
Make Your Wedding Personal
This is your chance to make your wedding personal. Warn your photographer of any surprises so that they can be captured on film.
Try to get most of the portraits taken before the wedding. If superstition prevents you from seeing your spouse to be before the wedding try to get all the bridal party photos done before the wedding and get the rest done quickly after the ceremony.
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