Must-have shots on your wedding day

Be honest, you know there's a shot list from your wedding day that you just can't shake. It could be the first look, or it could be the exit with the parents. It could be everything in between. But whatever it is, we've got you covered with our guide to must-have shots!

The Bridal Entrance.

The bride's entrance is the first thing you'll see in your wedding photos. It may seem obvious, but you should ensure it's as beautiful as possible.

• Her dress is the most crucial aspect of this shot. If your wedding is formal, she'll be wearing her gown; if it's casual, she could wear something else (like a silk wrap) that looks great on film and still matches the theme of your day. Either way, make sure she looks gorgeous!

• She'll also carry her bouquet and/or flowers in some way—either in her hands or balanced on top of another accessory like an updo or veil. Make sure these things aren't too heavy, so they don't overwhelm her look!

• Hair: Whether braided or loose curls are trendy right now? Check out Pinterest for inspiration on how to style yours before your big day."

The first look.

This is a momentous occasion for both of you and the ultimate private moment between bride and groom before the ceremony. The groom gets to see his bride in her wedding dress for the first time, while she gets to see him without his tuxedo on—and they can share a private moment together before everyone else interrupts their love-fest with their camera clicks. It's also an excellent photo opportunity; since your photographer will have plenty of shots when they're together during the ceremony and reception, this is one time when it's okay to stare into each other's eyes without being awkward about being watched by others!

The rings.

Wearing the wedding rings on your finger is a sign of the couple's commitment to each other and their marriage, so make sure you keep yours on throughout the day.

• The ring should be worn on your right hand, as this is how it would have traditionally been worn in ancient times (when people didn't have to wear gloves all the time).

• The bride should always wear her engagement ring on her right hand (even if she already has another band), while the groom wears his wedding band on his left hand. You might want to check with whoever officiated your ceremony if they have particular requirements for this; if not, here are some general guidelines: For example, Jewish weddings require both men and women to wear their wedding bands on their left hands, while Catholics may allow couples who've already gotten married before wearing their engagement rings during the ceremony—but only after taking them off beforehand so that no one gets confused about which ones are supposed.

The kiss.

The kiss is a must-have shot on your wedding day. For one thing, it's romantic as hell. It's also an opportunity to show the love between the two of you and your guests (because, let's be honest: who among us hasn't been moved by a bride and groom smooching in front of their friends and family?). Finally, it's just a perfect kiss—the kind you want to remember for years to come.

The bride and her father.

Whether you're walking down the aisle or being escorted by your dad, this is a moment that can't be missed. Not only does it show the first time father and daughter are photographed together, but it also symbolizes the start of your new life as husband and wife. You know those photos in which everyone's smiling like they've been told to? Those are genuine when it comes to this one moment—just think about how much emotion there is behind every face in these photos!

When taking these shots, focus on capturing the emotions between you two and everything else around them: all of your friends crying because they can't believe what's happening or any other guests that might be around. Remembering these details will help make those pictures feel more authentic when they eventually find their way into albums later on down the line!

Family portraits.

It's a great way to capture the emotion of your day, as well as get everyone in one place for a photo. A family portrait is also a great way to capture your family's personality.

Plus, they can be taken after the ceremony while all your guests are still around and celebrating, so it doesn't interrupt the flow of things!

Bridesmaids portraits.

It's always fun to see your bridesmaids altogether. For many, that means a group photo at the wedding rehearsal or in front of the church. But now that you're married, there are more options for getting everyone together! Here are some great reasons why bridesmaid portraits are so important:

• Because they make great keepsakes.

• Because they allow you to capture those special moments with your friends (and future family).

• Because it helps solidify their role as official members of your wedding party (and will probably even make them feel like part of the "tribe").

Groomsmen portraits.

Groomsmen portraits are a great way to include your male friends in the day. You could take them alone with the bride and groom—the choice is yours. If you're having a daytime ceremony, you will likely have some time after the ceremony to take these shots before cocktail hour starts. If you're having an evening wedding, they can be taken after everyone has changed into formal attire and gathered for photos before heading inside for dinner or dancing.

The exit.

The bride and groom leave the ceremony after exchanging their vows, or they leave the reception after cutting their cake. The couple might also walk out of church, synagogue, or temple together and head to their next stop on this day they'll remember forever: an exotic vacation in Hawaii (presumably).

There are so many details to remember on your wedding day, and it's easy to get overwhelmed. But remember that these are some of the most important shots you will ever take! You will want to remember this day's details for years to come. So make sure that you capture your entire day and that each moment is preserved in a way that reflects what makes your love special.