Too often, well after the wedding when the photos are delivered, it’s discovered that important family members or other guests have been left out of the wedding photos. This should never happen.

Being organized and having a written plan will either ensure that this doesn’t happen or at least greatly minimize the chances that it will.

Whether you are a professional or an amateur, knowing what the bride and groom want in advance and having a plan which describes the format, the style and any special shots will help prevent unnecessary tears and disappointment later.

A wedding photography plan often will include the following:

• Bride and Groom with bride’s parents
• Bride and Groom with bride’s parents and grandparents
• Bride and Groom with bride’s parents and grandparents and immediate family
• Bride and Groom with bride’s parents and grandparents and immediate family and extended family of partners and their children
• Groom’s parents
• Bride and Groom with groom’s parent

Then work on photographing the other side of the family.

Next would come the groomsmen, bridesmaids and friends… at which point you will have probably photographed everyone at the wedding.

Planning and being organized are essential to the professional wedding photographer.