It takes a great amount of preparation to be ready for your wedding day. From the minute you get engaged, there are a number of decisions to be made. After all, you’re responsible for the ceremony and the reception if you’ve chosen to have one.

Creating checklists for yourself helps eliminate any confusion that there is about your plans. You’ve committed to an idea and now you’re going through the motions to ensure that your special day is everything you pictured it to be. Having a wedding photo checklist helps capture every minute and every person you hold dear to you.

Besides the typical family and wedding party shots, how does your wedding story unfold? What do you want to remember most? Make sure to include the following shots on the wedding photo checklist you give to the photographer.

A Wedding Photo Checklist Ensures You Capture Every Minute of Your Day

The Bride’s Dress

Even though there will be many shots of you in your dress, there should also be photos of the dress itself. This helps you remember just how it was when you first saw it. It will stay etched in your memory for years and years.

The Rings

The rings are an important part of the ceremony. They symbolize eternal love and deserve being documented. The Knot recommends taking two shots, one against the wedding dress, and another of the two rings together.

The Invitation Suite

This shot includes a copy of the Save the Date notices that you sent out as well as your wedding invitation, RSVP cards, and envelopes. If you have anything handwritten, you’ll want to include that as well. You can even include an engagement photograph with the invitation suite.

Welcome Gifts

Wedding favors are unique gifts for your guests. Don’t forget to have the photographer shoot a few pictures of the presents you give your attendees and wedding party. They’re an important part of the celebration.

The Groom’s Accessories

Shoes, socks, and a tie is how the groom expresses himself. That’s why it’s important to capture these items before he puts them on. It’s a fun way to include more of the groom’s personality into the pictures.

The Bridal Bouquet

A photo of the bride’s bouquet on a table is a great way to capture its beauty forever. This is especially true if fresh flowers are used. You can do the same with the groom’s boutonniere before it is pinned to his suit or tux.

The First Look

Capturing the moment where the bride and groom first see each other after spending time apart getting ready for the ceremony is important. It’s a tender moment that cannot be recreated. Your photographer should be ready to capture your guests’ faces, too, as they lay eyes on you and your partner.

Make your wedding day one you never forget. Have plenty of pictures to share with your family, friends, and work colleagues. You’ll be astounded by the creativity of your photographer when he or she knows exactly how to tell your unique story as a couple.