The Ultimate Indian Wedding Photography Checklist: What to Expect on Your Big Day
Your wedding day is one of the most significant events of your life, and at Fern & Feather Studio, capturing every precious moment is a top priority. Indian weddings, with their rich traditions, vibrant colors, and joyful celebrations, provide endless opportunities for stunning photography. But with so much happening, it’s easy to overlook a few key shots. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate Indian wedding photography checklist to ensure every detail of your big day is beautifully documented.
Pre-Wedding Moments
The days leading up to the wedding are filled with excitement and tradition. These pre-wedding events are brimming with photo-worthy moments:
Engagement Shoot: This is the perfect time to capture your chemistry as a couple. Whether you choose a romantic outdoor location or an adventure around the city, engagement photos are about telling your love story. Highlight your unique personalities and consider incorporating props or backdrops that represent your journey together. And don’t forget, here at Fern & Feather, our video service always includes complementary engagement session footage as well. Neal will be present to film extra eye candy shots for your wedding video!
Mehendi Ceremony: The mehendi ceremony is a visual feast of colors, laughter, and artistry. Your photographer will focus on close-ups of the intricate henna designs being applied, candid moments of your loved ones sharing jokes, and wide shots of the vibrant décor that makes this event so special.
Haldi Ceremony: This playful event is all about family bonding. Expect shots of turmeric being lovingly applied by family and friends, candid laughter as everyone gets messy, and the stunning yellow-themed décor.
Sangeet Night: The sangeet is all about energy and celebration. Your photographer will capture dynamic dance moves, joyful expressions, and the stunning costumes worn by you and your guests. Don’t forget those emotional moments during choreographed performances by your family and friends!
Wedding Day Essentials
The big day is packed with rituals and emotions. A good photographer ensures every important moment is beautifully preserved:
Bride and Groom Getting Ready
For the Bride: Expect elegant shots of your bridal attire, close-ups of your jewelry, and candid moments as your makeup and hair are styled. These photos capture the anticipation and transformation.
For the Groom: From tying the turban to buttoning the sherwani, every detail counts. Shots of the groom adjusting his cufflinks or laughing with his groomsmen add personality and charm.
Emotional Family Moments: Candid shots of your parents and siblings as they help you get ready are guaranteed to bring tears of joy when you look back.
Ceremony Must-Haves
The Mandap: The mandap is a focal point of the wedding ceremony, so wide-angle shots showcasing its beauty are a must. Your photographer will also capture details like flowers, lighting, and decorations.
Entrance Shots: The groom’s baraat procession is a lively event full of dancing and joy, while the bride’s entrance is a magical moment of grace and beauty. These moments set the tone for your wedding ceremony.
Sacred Rituals: The photographer will focus on close-ups and wide shots of key rituals like the exchange of garlands, fire ceremony, sindoor application, and tying of the mangalsutra. These moments symbolize your union and are deeply meaningful.
Candid Emotions: Whether it’s a proud parent wiping away a tear or a quiet moment between the bride and groom, these genuine expressions tell the true story of your wedding day.
Reception Highlights
The reception is a blend of elegance, celebration, and fun. Here’s what your photographer will focus on:
Couple Portraits: You’ll have a chance to shine in your reception attire with stunning posed and candid portraits. The photographer will highlight your outfit, accessories, and chemistry as a couple.
Speeches and Toasts: Emotional speeches and heartfelt toasts by family and friends make for touching photos. These moments capture the love and support surrounding you.
Dance Floor: From your romantic first dance to the high-energy moves of your guests, the dance floor is where joy takes center stage. Expect vibrant and dynamic shots.
Décor Details: Your reception’s décor—centerpieces, lighting, and even the cake—deserves a dedicated spot in your album. These details set the mood and make your wedding uniquely yours.
The Little Details
Often overlooked, small details are the soul of your wedding album. These include:
Jewelry and Accessories: Close-ups of your wedding rings, bangles, necklaces, and maang tikka showcase the intricate beauty of your bridal look.
Décor Elements: Flowers, table settings, mandap ornaments, and other decorative touches add depth and charm to your photos.
Family Heirlooms: If you’ve incorporated sentimental items, like your grandmother’s sari or a piece of ancestral jewelry, these deserve special attention in your photos.
Post-Wedding Fun
The festivities don’t end with the ceremony. Post-wedding rituals are equally meaningful:
Vidaai: The vidaai is an emotional farewell where the bride departs with her groom. Candid shots of tears, smiles, and heartfelt goodbyes are must-haves.
Fun Family Traditions: Many families have playful post-wedding games and rituals, like finding the ring in a bowl of water. These moments bring laughter and lightheartedness to your album.
Tips for Perfect Wedding Photography
Share Your Schedule: Provide your photographer with a detailed timeline so they can plan accordingly.
Prepare a Shot List: Discuss your must-have photos in advance to avoid missing anything important.
Stay in the Moment: The best photos happen when you’re relaxed and authentic, so enjoy your day to the fullest!
Indian weddings are a treasure trove of emotions, colors, and stories. With this ultimate photography checklist, you can ensure no detail is missed, leaving you with an album full of memories that you’ll cherish forever.