Mehndi, Barat, Walima: A Photography Checklist for Each Function
The shots families ask for afterwards, function by function, so nothing is missed on the day.
Every wedding is different, but the photographs families look for afterwards are surprisingly similar. Use this list when you talk to your photographer, and add your own family's must-haves.
Mehndi. The decor before guests arrive, the entry of the bride and groom, the dances from both sides, the mehndi being applied, friends' group photos and the elders watching. Mehndi light is usually colourful and dim, so ask your photographer how they handle it.
Nikkah. The signing, the faces of both fathers, the dua, the first look after the nikkah and the close family portraits. This is a short ceremony with no second take, so two cameras help.
Barat. The groom getting ready, the baraat arriving, the welcome, the bride's entry, the stage portraits, family groups in order, the rukhsati and the details: jewellery, joray, the stage and table decor.
Walima. A calmer day and the best one for couple portraits. The couple's entry, relaxed portraits before guests arrive, family groups from both sides together and the dinner hall.
Give a family list. The most useful thing you can hand your photographer is a short list of the group photos you need and one family member on each side who knows the faces. It saves half an hour on stage.
Plan time for portraits. Twenty quiet minutes before guests arrive gives better couple portraits than two hours on a crowded stage.
Tell us what matters to you. If a grandparent is travelling from abroad or a sibling's first dance is the moment you care about most, say so before the event. We cover weddings across Wah Cantt, Taxila, Rawalpindi and Islamabad and plan each function with the family first.