No-Regrets Photos

Wedding photographs are one of the most important aspects of a wedding. They document the details and memories that will be held dear by the bride and groom for the rest of their lives. For this reason, it's absolutely necessary to get prepared with your photographer prior to the big day. Here are some pointers to help you get the 'no-regrets photos' that you'll cherish forever.

1. Give your photographer a 'must-shot' list. This is a collection of posed situations that you would like your photographer to capture. Here are some of the most common ideas:

-Bride and groom

-Bride with maid of honor

-Bride with bridesmaids

-Groom with best man

-Groom with groomsmen

-Bride with groomsmen

-Groom with bridesmaids

-The entire wedding party together

-Bride and groom with bride's family

-Bride and groom with bride's parents

-Bride and groom with groom's family

-Bride and groom with groom's parents

-Bride and groom with parents

-Bride and groom with parents and grandparents

It should go without saying that you can and should add any other combo that you'd also like him or her to document. Do try to keep this portion of your day as quick and organized as possible (while still getting what you want). Spending 40 minutes max is what I'd suggest for posed photos.

2. Appoint someone to gather the people you want in each photo and supply them with the same list the photographer will be using. They will help to keep things running smoothly and efficiently!

3. Take your group photos before the ceremony. Get all of them out of the way before your wedding party starts drinking, eating, dancing, and sweating! Besides, you'll probably want mostly candids as your afternoon and night resume.

4. Speaking of candids, I recommend explicitly discussing these with your photographer ahead of time. Do you want them to focus on all guests or mainly your immediate family? What style do you want these to be shot in?

5. Lastly, make a list of what you don't want. You can never be too clear. The better understanding your photographer has of what you're looking for, the better they can meet your expectations. They truly want to please you!