wed: wedding worksheet - Melanie Mauer

Your day is right around the corner! Thank you so much for taking the time to help keep me in the loop about wedding details that have progressed since we last chatted and answer all my questions so I can create a wonderful set of images for you! Thank you again for allowing us to share such an important day beside you - like you, we're so excited!

bride's name

brides's email

groom's email

If we've been commissioned to photograph the rehearsal dinner, please provide the time/location:

Where will you be getting ready on the wedding day? (name and address) *

Which group photos would you like us to make?

If there are additional group photos you would like, please list them here (perhaps a college group, etc...make sure you list a contact for each group that will know and be able to gather them).

What time will you put on your gown?

Are there divorces, deaths, people being photographed with limited mobility (we know to photograph them at a nearby spot) etc., which we should know about?

Names and relationships of bride's immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents, stepparents)

Names and relationships of groom's immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents, stepparents)

Please list your bridesmaids (noting the maid/matron of honor) and their relationship to you (ex: groom's sister, college roommate, etc)

Please list your groomsmen (noting the best man and their relationship to you (ex: groom's brother, college roommate, etc)

Will there be a ring bearer/flower girl, etc?

If so, please list their names & ages (ex: flower girl: Addison Wells (niece) - 4yr) note: I typically don't have young children part of the wedding party images because they might not be available (due to naps or parents worried about their formal clothing!) and they tend to get a little lost in the photo - rather, I have a photograph of them with the bride & groom at some point later in the day.

When will you see your groom?

at a private moment before the ceremony
at the ceremony

Seeing one another before the ceremony is often a favorite part of the day for my clients. While I follow your preference, I feel as though it's helpful to have some information about why couples might choose to see one another before the ceremony.

more time is available for photographs (and there's more flexibility with which locations are available because time isn't as limited)
photos are done when clothes and make-up are at their freshest (if you tend to tear up, sometimes right after that isn't the best time for lots of photos...particularly the most important ones with your groom!)
it works better with the schedule and allows you to enjoy the day in a more natural way - rather than leaving the guests that have come to celebrate with you, you can join them for a portion of the cocktail hour
you don't want to spend all day apart :)
grooms have mentioned they love having a chance to have you walk down the aisle towards them *and* have a first look
you can have your first look with your groom wherever you like (in the same spot or somewhere else and exchange letters or a gift) and talk for a bit (not something you'll be able to do if it's during the ceremony)

Are there specific locations (nearby or otherwise) that you would like your group photos and couple portraits at?

Please share any special traditions that are specific to your family/religion/culture (signing of the Ketubah, etc) and anything else you'd like us to know. Also, please list any surprises/details you've planned that we wouldn't know about otherwise (like carrying something that belonged to a grandmother).

Ceremony time, venue name, street address

How long will your ceremony last?

Tell us about any restrictions or photo guidelines at your ceremony location that we should know about.

Do you know what time your cake cutting and first dance will be?

Do you have a special exit planned from the ceremony or reception?

yes
no

Are there any group images you'd like to take post-ceremony? (This is typically used when a bride or groom has an elderly family member who couldn't make it earlier)

What will the lighting be like during the ceremony/reception? (This helps me plan my photographs since I rely mainly on natural light)

Approximately how many guests are you expecting?

Maid/matron of honor's mobile number:

Photographer contact/"People Wrangler"

Ideally this is someone you can give an important wedding job to - a trusted friend/cousin who also has the personality to be effective in gathering large groups (this helps the photographs move so much more quickly)...this tends to be difficult for someone already in the wedding party.

Reception time, venue name, street address

Will you have dinner for my assistant and I (not required, we just like to plan ahead)*

yes
no

What will your name be following the wedding (ie: taking your groom's name, hyphenating, etc)

What address would you like us to mail your proof book to?

Your instagram account, if applicable, and/or a hashtag for your wedding if you have one?

Please let us know what wedding professionals we will see on your wedding day!

planner:

florist/event design:

caterer:

cake:

videographer:

where did you purchase your dress (if local):

bridesmaid dress:

groom's suit (if purchased locally):

make-up:

hair:

reception music:

Are there other professionals (lighting specialist, rentals, photo booth, etc)?

We are so excited to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking time to fill this out - it helps us create a photo timeline for your day.

wedding worksheet

A Grateful Goodbye