Wedding photographs capture the memories of your big day for a lifetime. Though the cost of elaborate wedding photography package can be very expensive, there are still many options even if you are planning your wedding on a budget.

Before meeting with potential wedding photographers, here are some things that you should consider.

What pictures do you want? Do you want pictures of just the two of you? Or do you want multiple pictures of the bridal party and your entire family? Which shots are must-haves at the ceremony and reception?

Where do you want the pictures taken? Do you want posed shots before and after the ceremony? Or just candids taken during the ceremony and reception? Do you want some outdoor shots?

What's the maximum you can spend? Talk with your fiance and decide the maximum you want to spend on wedding photos and videos. Consider only having a professional photographer for the ceremony and using alternatives at your reception.

You can have a friend volunteer to take the pictures at your reception. Point and shoot digital cameras are very easy to use and the quality is pretty good. Plus you can see what the pictures look like instantly and re-take them if the lighting or other factors aren't just right.

Another way to get plenty of good pictures at your reception is to place disposable cameras at every table. You will get a lot of candid shots of your relatives and friends. People love taking pictures!

Here is a convenient checklist that you can use when planning your wedding photography.

You can use this list as a rough guideline when talking to your wedding photographer. Check off the must-haves and provide a copy of the list to the photographer for his reference.

Photos Prior to the Ceremony

• Bride's dress hanging up

• Close-up of bride's bouquet

• Bride and bridesmaids getting ready (hair/makeup)

• Bride together with all the bridesmaids

• Bride with mother

• Bride alone looking out the window

• Bride looking into a mirror

• Flower girl dressed with basket

• Groom putting on tie/cufflinks

• Groom with all the groomsmen

• Groom talking with dad

• Ring bearer dressed and holding pillow

Ceremony Photos

• Limos or cars arriving at church/ceremony site

• Bride stepping out of the limo

• Wide shot outside the church

• Wide shot of inside the church from the back

• Ceremony decorations and altar

• Guests arriving at the church

• Ushers walking guests to their seats

• Flower girl/ring bearer walking down the aisle

• Groom and groomsmen waiting at the altar

• Bridesmaids walking down the aisle

• Wedding party standing at the altar

• Bride and escort about to walk down the aisle

• Front and back shots of bride walking down aisle

• Back shot of bride and groom together at the altar

• Bridesmaids and groomsmen lined up

• Officiant presiding over the ceremony

• Musicians and vocalists performing

• Rings exchange

• Candle lighting ceremony

• Close shot of bride's face from over groom's shoulder

• Close shot of groom's face from over bride's shoulder

• Shot of parents and family watching the ceremony

• Close and wide shot of the kiss

• Couple walking back down the aisle

• Guests showering the couple as they leave the ceremony

• Bride and groom walking out of church/ceremony site

Formal Photos

After the ceremony time is often set aside for the wedding party to have a formal photography shoot. If you will not have time between the ceremony and the reception, these photos can be taken prior to your wedding, or you can skip these formal photos altogether.

• Bride Alone

• Groom Alone

• Bride and groom together

• Bride with attendants

• Groom with attendants

• Bride with all the men

• Groom with all the women

• Bride with maid of honor

• Groom with best man

• Entire wedding party

• Hands with wedding rings

• Couple with children from wedding party

• Couple with best man and maid of honor

• Couple with parents, grandparents

Reception Photos

• Couple entering the reception site

• First dance

• Bride dance with father

• Groom dance with mother

• Bridal party dance

• Table centerpieces

• Buffet or dessert tables

• Musicians

• Wedding cake before cutting

• Cutting the wedding cake

• Toasting

• Candids at the reception