Essential Guide for Those with No Time to Create Instructions! 【Wedding Day Wedding Photos】Must-Have Shot List
2022.07.14 published
\HELP/I don't have time to create the instructions for the day!
A shooting guideline that I want to prepare before the wedding ceremony.
Wedding photos are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that cannot be redone, and it’s too late to regret later saying, "I wish I had a photo like this."
While professional photographers will, of course, take wonderful photos without saying a word, many brides seem to prepare them for peace of mind.
However, the wedding preparation period is busy with many things to do. Especially in the week leading up to the big day, there's a lot to check—last checks on paper items, hair salons, nails, etc.!!
I intended to create a photo guideline from scratch, but there's no time to gather and summarize beautiful photos!
Many of you might feel the same.
In this article, for those in that situation, I will introduce wedding photos that you definitely want to instruct on♡
Instead of the standard shots that can be taken by leaving it up to the photographer, I've gathered trendy shots that often require specific instructions to be captured.
If you want stylish and trendy photos but have no time to create a guideline, this is a must-see*
Make sure to ask for this♡ Photo instructions for the wedding day ① Dress and tuxedo hanging on the wall
A photo of the tuxedo and wedding dress hanging on the wall is a must-have shot before both of you get ready.
While photos of you in the dress will be taken plenty during the ceremony and reception, there are surprisingly few photos of just the dress.
Since it is a fateful dress you chose after much consideration, you should also get close-up shots that convey the dress's details*
Recommended shooting locations are the bridal room, hotel room, or welcome space at the venue.
You should also have photos taken with both the wedding dress and colored dress♡
Make sure to ask for this♡ Photo instructions for the wedding day ② Getting ready shots with family and the groom
Solo shots of the bride getting ready are usually taken without needing to instruct, but make sure to request getting ready shots with family and the groom in advance.
A popular shot is the moment when your mother helps put lipstick on you—known as the “Ko-bana-shi” ceremony.
A wedding photo capturing the moment your mother helps you finish getting ready as a bride will become a precious memory for both of you*
For the groom, ensure shots of him tying his tie or putting on his jacket are taken.
A stylish wedding photo of both of you looking into the mirror is lovely too♡
➡ A once-in-a-lifetime pose collection for "Groom Getting Ready Shots" before the ceremony
Make sure to ask for this♡ Photo instructions for the wedding day ③ Two-shot in front of the doors
A two-shot between the wedding venue doors is also a recommended composition♡
Stand at a certain distance from each other in front of the venue doors or chapel doors, gazing into each other’s eyes. This creates an adult, stylish atmosphere♩
Since it captures your full bodies, it’s nice that your favorite dress and bouquet are clearly visible◎
For couples not doing pre-wedding shoots at the venue, this type of wedding photo can only be taken on the day of the wedding.
It’s an invaluable shot that cannot be redone and will be regretted later if missed♩
Make sure to ask for this♡ Photo instructions for the wedding day ④ Two-shot in the reception venue
A two-shot in the reception venue is another shot you might not get unless you put it in the instructions.
While there are many photos of you sitting at the head table, there are surprisingly few photos that show the overall atmosphere of the venue.
Let’s aim for such a wedding photo of just the two of you at the toast timing♡
A lovely long-range composition where both of you are facing each other while standing on either side of the head table.
It’s a wedding photo that will always remind you of the emotional moment when you first saw the reception venue on the wedding day♡
Make sure to ask for this♡ Photo instructions for the wedding day ⑤ Head table photo
A common regret among brides is about the head table photos.
While there are photos of you sitting at the head table, there are often few nice photos that capture just the head table!
The floral decorations at the head table are areas where you likely put a lot of thought and budget into. Be sure to have them properly documented*
☑ A frontal photo showing the entire head table
☑ A close-up photo that reveals the head table decorations
☑ A photo from the perspective of the bride and groom taken from the head table
It’s best to communicate these three points to be captured before the reception starts◎
Make sure to ask for this♡ Photo instructions for the wedding day ⑥ Stylish family photos
The formal family photos we get during the weddings.
It’s recommended to ask the photographer, "Could you please also take some casual and relaxed family photos?"
Relaxed and natural family group photos will become warm keepsakes to look back on*
Family photos tend to end up being stiff in both pose and expression, so it’s necessary for the photographer to actively communicate with everyone.
This might not happen often in your life when both families gather together.
Be sure to obtain some stylish family photos you'll want to display in your home♩
Make sure to ask for this♡ Photo instructions for the wedding day ⑦ Toast shot turned back
One of the must-take shots during the reception is the toast shot taken from behind the bride and groom♩
This captures the whole reception venue, along with the guests toasting! It creates a lively shot that conveys the atmosphere of the party.
You'll usually get the front-on toast shot without asking, but it's reassuring to include the turned-back toast shot in the instructions◎
It’s bound to become one of your favorite shots♡
Make sure to ask for this♡ Photo instructions for the wedding day ⑧ Peeking shot
Lastly, I’ll introduce the peek shot where both are peeking through the doors of the reception venue.
This fun shot captures the scene just before the entrance or during a break, where they are secretly checking out the guests while the profile movie is playing.
It’s nice that the back style of the dress and hair can also be perfectly captured♡
It’s an off-shot type of photo that allows you to recall your excited feelings on the day*
Make sure to ask for this♡ Photo instructions for the wedding day ⑨ Photos before the entrance
Capturing the scene of you walking down the hallway before entering the reception venue is also recommended*
It’s nice to see the hair and makeup artists and assistants in the photo, and it will surely be a joy to look back and remember what you were both like at that moment♡
Be sure to get a photo of both of you standing together, arms linked, in a "ready to go" pose*
The wedding day photo instructions can be this simple♡
I introduced trendy wedding photos that you should definitely communicate to ensure you don't forget any shots.
① Dress and tuxedo hanging on the wall
② Getting ready shots with family and the groom
③ Two-shot in front of the doors
④ Two-shot in the reception venue
⑤ Head table photo
⑥ Stylish family photos
⑦ Toast shot turned back
⑧ Peeking shot
For brides who don’t have the time to create photo instructions from scratch, you only need to communicate these eight points♩
For the usual shots, you can trust that the professional photographer will take them beautifully without each needing to be instructed individually*
On your wedding day, make sure to capture plenty of photos and leave behind the best memories♡
➡ Check out the list of articles on cute photo ideas here*