Creating a Wedding Shot List: Capture Every Important Moment
Your wedding day will be filled with beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and a well-planned shot list helps ensure that all the highlights and details are captured. A shot list also gives your photographer insight into what’s most meaningful to you. Here’s how to create a shot list for your wedding day that balances must-have moments with natural, candid captures.
- Start with the Basics
These are the standard wedding shots that most photographers include by default. Use this as a foundation, and feel free to personalize it:
Getting Ready: Candid shots of you and your wedding party preparing, close-ups of dresses, suits, jewelry, and other details.
First Look: Whether with your partner or a family member, the first look is an emotional moment you may want documented.
Ceremony: Shots of the venue, the walk down the aisle, vows, ring exchange, first kiss, and your exit.
Family Portraits: Group shots of immediate and extended family members, including both sides of the family.
Reception Moments: Grand entrance, speeches, first dance, cake cutting, and any other significant reception activities.
- List Key People
Weddings are family-centered events, and having photos of specific family members, friends, or other important people is a must. Make a list of all the people you want to make sure are photographed. This could include:
Parents and Grandparents: Capture individual moments with them, as well as group shots.
Siblings and Best Friends: Include any special groups of people who mean the world to you.
Bridal Party: Shots of the entire bridal party, plus individual photos with each bridesmaid or groomsman.
Tip: Assign a family member or friend to help gather people during family photos—this makes everything more efficient!
- Highlight Special Details
You’ve put so much thought into every detail of your day, so make sure these are captured too. Here are some details to consider:
Dress and Accessories: Detailed shots of the dress, veil, rings, shoes, jewelry, and bouquets.
Invitations: Include an invitation suite if you’d like it styled into the photos.
Decor and Venue Details: Centerpieces, table settings, floral arrangements, and decor.
Personal Touches: Heirlooms, meaningful items, or DIY details you incorporated.
- Capture Traditional and Candid Moments
Most photographers aim to capture a balance of posed and candid moments, but adding specific requests to your shot list can help prioritize these shots.
Traditional Poses: Some couples want a few classic, posed images with family, the bridal party, or just the two of them. Think of any traditional or formal shots you’d like included.
Candid Moments: If there are certain moments you want captured candidly—like guests laughing, a special exchange between you and your parents, or reactions during speeches—let your photographer know so they’re ready to capture the emotions as they happen.
- Prioritize “First” Moments
First-time moments are always memorable, and these are the ones most couples want photographed:
First Look: Whether it’s with your partner, parents, or bridal party, this emotional first glance can be priceless.
First Kiss: Let your photographer know if you’d like a few different angles or perspectives on this iconic moment.
First Dance: A classic and beloved moment for all couples.
Other Firsts: If you have other meaningful firsts, like a first meal together or another tradition, add them to the list.
- Add Personal and Cultural Traditions
If your wedding includes specific cultural or family traditions, let your photographer know in advance so they’re prepared. This might include:
Religious Ceremonies: Let them know the sequence of events and any parts of the ceremony that are especially meaningful.
Family Rituals or Traditions: If you’re incorporating unique family customs, these can be some of the most treasured photos.
Special Performances: If there’s a dance, song, or performance that’s important to you, make sure your photographer knows to capture it.
- Create a List of “Don’t Miss” Shots
These are the must-have moments that you definitely want captured:
Couple Portraits: Specify whether you want these done before or after the ceremony, or if you have any poses in mind.
Sunset or Golden Hour Shots: Schedule a few minutes for couple’s portraits in the golden light just before sunset.
Exit Photos: Whether you’re doing a sparkler exit, confetti toss, or car departure, exit photos add a celebratory ending to your album.
- Share Your List Early
Once your shot list is complete, share it with your photographer in advance. Talk through the list, ask if they have additional recommendations, and trust their expertise in adding any shots you may not have considered.
Final Thoughts
A wedding shot list helps your photographer know exactly what’s meaningful to you, so nothing is missed on your big day. With these details covered, you’ll be free to enjoy your wedding, knowing your most important moments are being captured beautifully and thoughtfully.