How to Capture Every Picture-Perfect Moment of Your Wedding

Documenting your wedding is one of the most important things for your special day. On such a big day, it’s easy to get swept up in the emotions and celebrating, and easy to forget little moments throughout the day. Whether you’re planning to celebrate your wedding through social media posts or documenting it for personal use, having pictures is essential. We’re going beyond just hiring the right photographer, we’re breaking down the picture-perfect moments to capture, how to get candid pictures, and sharing on social media. 

Picking the Right Photographer

• Figure out your budget (wedding photographers typically cost 10-15% of your budget) 

• Know what style or aesthetic you would like 

• View a photographer’s entire portfolio and not just highlights

• Think about your venue lighting options

• Understand photo rights 

• Try to book a year out from your wedding 

• Use your engagement photo session as a trial run & make sure your photographer is someone you get along with 

• Ask questions!

Picture-Perfect Moments

We’re sure your photographer will know the big moments to capture, but in case you're asked what moments you would like photographed, here are some picture-perfect moments that can help you capture all the memories : 

• The wedding dress: full pictures, close-ups, and details 

• Wedding bands and engagement rings 

• Bridal accessories: shoes, jewelry, veils, or other headpieces

• The guest book 

• Invitations and save the dates 

• Bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages 

• Table settings and centerpieces

• Getting ready pictures for the bride, groom, bridal party, and groomsmen

• The entrance: if you’re asking your bridal party and groomsmen to dance or pose when walking in, this can create great candid moments to capture

• The toast — this is another moment for candid pictures

• Immediately before and after the first dance 

Candid Pictures

There are two big ways to candid pictures on your wedding day: hiring a photographer who offers candid photography and using apps that allow guests to easily share photos as they take them.  

Nowadays, so many people can take pictures top-notch pictures with their smartphones. While some people might prefer an unplugged reception, for those who don’t mind phones, try out an app that allows guests to automatically share photos as they take them. Have QR codes available for people to scan, and then let them be your candid photographer through the evening. Some apps to try out are Lense, POV, or Kululu. Guests don’t have to download an app, they only need to scan a QR code. Prices vary based on number of guests and other factors. 

Posting on Social Media 

Posting wedding pictures on social media has been a thing since the days of MySpace and Facebook albums. As more and more people use social media, it’s clear posting wedding pictures is here to stay. You don’t have to be an influencer to share your wedding all over social media. It’s a great way to share your special day with people who weren’t able to make it or relive your special day. For people who treat their social media like a personal journal, posting can come easy. For others, wedding photographers that specialize in social media photography can be a helpful hire. Here are ways to capture your wedding specifically for social media:

• Creating an account specifically for posting about your wedding 

• Special hashtags for you and guests to use when posting (examples: #when_met_, #(last name)atlast, #Cheersto_and_)

• Creating reels out of videos and images

• Hiring a photographer that specializes in social media-centric photography (images that will match Instagram or TikTok post sizes and orientation)

You can use all of these tips to maximize the amount of images you get from your special day. You might forget about moments, but with photos, those memories will last forever.  For more wedding blogs: Our NYC Bridal Fashion Week Takeaways (finding the perfect wedding dress), 2024 Spring & Summer Wedding Fashion (finding the perfect dress as a guest), The Must Needs for Every Beach Wedding, and Finding the Perfect Bridal After-Party Dress, and more! 

Thinking about doing your own hair or makeup for your special day? Or are you getting ready on your own as a member of the bridal party? Or are you the bride still trying to find the perfect dress? Book a StyldLife session ahead of time for Special Event Shopping, a Hair Styling Session, or a Makeup Session.