The Ultimate Guide to Must-Have Wedding Day Poses
Wedding photography by Wray 18 Photography
Your wedding day is full of fleeting moments, emotional connections, and family dynamics that you’ll want to remember forever. To make sure nothing is missed, I recommend a mix of classic, candid, and personalized poses. Below is a detailed guide, including bridal party combinations, family variations, and individual portraits with each key person in your wedding.
1. Bridal Party
Capturing the bridal party is about showing connection and personality:
Group Shots:
Entire bridal party together, both formal and relaxed poses.
Bride and bridesmaids, groom and groomsmen separately.
Fun & dynamic: walking, laughing, jumping, or interacting naturally.
Individual Photos With Each Member:
Bride with each bridesmaid, groom with each groomsman.
Bride with maid of honor, groom with best man.
Pairs or small groups for more casual, dynamic photos.
Couple + Each Party Member:
Personalized photos of the couple individually paired with each member of the bridal party.
Ensures every member feels recognized and creates unique memories.
Whenever possible, I like to photograph the bridal party, family groups, and key details before the ceremony or reception. Doing these shots early reduces stress, keeps the day on schedule, and allows me to focus entirely on capturing the couple’s portraits later. This way, once the celebration begins, the couple can enjoy the moment while I continue documenting their day seamlessly.
2. Family Poses
Family portraits capture the heart of your support system.
Immediate Family:
Couple with parents together, and separately.
Couple with siblings individually and together.
Multi-generational shots: grandparents with parents, plus the couple.
Extended Family:
Cousins, aunts, uncles, and close friends—focus on those most important to you.
For large families, create subgroups to keep photos manageable.
Individual Family Member Portraits:
Bride with each parent or guardian individually.
Groom with each parent individually.
Optional sibling portraits with the couple.
Organizing family shots early in the day ensures a smoother flow and allows the couple to focus on their ceremony and celebration without interruptions.
3. Ceremony & Processional Shots
Walking down the aisle: have each person or couple pause briefly before starting so the photographer can capture clean, beautiful images.
Ring exchange close-ups.
First kiss as a married couple.
Recessional: candid smiles and natural interaction with guests.
4. Reception & Candid Moments
First dance and parent dances.
Cake cutting or fun dessert bar moments.
Bouquet and garter toss.
Guests laughing, dancing, and interacting.
Detail shots: decor, signage, florals, and favors.
Variation: Smaller guest lists allow for more intimate, personalized shots.
Final Thought:
A well-organized shot list ensures every relationship, smile, and connection is captured beautifully. By photographing bridal party and family moments early, you can relax and focus on capturing stunning couple portraits later in the day.
