Tips: 10 Things You Should Tell Your Wedding Photographer

Elinor Zucchet
Last updated: 28th Mar 2025

Jumping married couple outdoor

Your wedding photographer is like your shadow on the big day! From the early morning buzz to the last dance, they’re there capturing every moment — even the ones your partner misses. They’re the storytellers behind the unforgettable memories of you as newlyweds and the laughter and love of your guests. To make sure they’re ready to snap every perfect shot, check out our top tips below!

1) Tell them what they should wear; you don’t want a photographer in flip-flops and shorts in the middle of a black-tie affair. Your photographer should not stand out amongst your guests. (Massive camera aside of course!)

2) Provide them with an order of service, so they know what is happening and when. The only way for you to have photographs of all your special moments is to tell the photographer where he or she should be when they are taking place. (They need to get the best angle after all!)

Bride jumping into groom's arms, coming out from a car

3) Provide your photographer with a ‘face sheet’ (photos of key attendees and their names). That way, they will know who the important people are and make sure that they get photographed the most.

4) If you’re planning a big group shot with all your guests, be sure to give your photographer a heads-up in advance. These can take a bit of wrangling (and let’s be honest, you don’t want your Maid of Honour or Best Man frantically trying to stop Uncle Tom from waving right in front of Aunt Mary’s face!). A little prep makes all the difference in getting that perfect shot!

Married couple with parents

5) Talking of group shots, if there are any awkward family circumstances, you should let your photographer know, so that he can position the subjects accordingly and be as tactful as possible.

6) Let your photographer know if any of your guests have mobility restrictions, so that benches and seats can be organised if needed for certain shots.

7) Ask your photographer to take pictures of all the little details you’ve worked so hard over! This could mean anything from the favours and elaborate seating cards, to the flower centrepieces on every table.

Plate with name and flowers

8) Likewise, if there’s a special spot where you’d love to be photographed—whether it’s on a bridge, under a stunning tree, or gliding down a grand staircase— let your photographer know in advance. This way, they can plan enough time for the perfect shot and make any necessary lighting adjustments to capture the moment just right!

9) If you and your partner are planning a surprise first dance with an epic lift, let your photographer in on the secret! Knowing when the big moments are coming means they can capture the best angles for the most jaw-dropping shots. After all, you’ll want that lift to look just as amazing in photos as it does in real life!

10) Finally, make sure to let your photographer know if there are any moments you’d prefer not to have captured. While Uncle Bill’s dance-floor antics might be comedy gold on the night, you may not want them living forever in your wedding album! A little direction helps ensure your photos highlight the moments that truly matter to you.

Laughing bride

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Happy Planning!

Elinor Zucchet
Elinor is a multilingual writer with a Master of Arts from the University of Borlänge (Sweden), Chambéry (France) and Madrid (Spain). She organised her own multicultural wedding in the Faroe Islands, Spain and Texas, and shares her experience and advice with Bridebook readers, so that their big day reflects their unique personality.
Last updated: 28th Mar 2025