Creating a shot list for your wedding is a great way to ensure you don’t miss any key moments and that your photographer knows exactly what you're hoping to capture. While many photographers will have their own approach and can guide you, having a list of important shots can help you stay organized and ensure you get the memories that matter most to you.

Here’s a comprehensive list of shots to consider for your wedding day. Feel free to personalize it based on your preferences, traditions, and the style of your wedding!

Pre-Ceremony Shots

1. Bride Getting Ready:

   • Close-up of the dress hanging (especially if it’s a family heirloom or unique).
   • Details of the bride's accessories (shoes, jewelry, bouquet, veil, etc.).
   • Bridesmaids helping the bride into her dress.
   • Bride having her hair and makeup done.
   • The bride's reaction when she puts on the dress or veil.
   • A moment with the bride and her mother, or father, or other special person.
   • Candid shots of bridesmaids helping or laughing.
   • Bride looking at herself in the mirror for the first time in full attire.
   • Any sentimental items like something old, new, borrowed, or blue.

2. Groom Getting Ready:

   • Close-up of groom’s accessories (cufflinks, watch, tie, shoes, boutonnière).
   • Groom adjusting his tie, cufflinks, or jacket.
   • Groom’s reaction when he sees himself in full wedding attire.
   • Groom with his groomsmen before heading to the ceremony.
   • Candid moments of groomsmen chatting, laughing, or having fun.
   • A quiet moment of the groom reflecting before the ceremony.

3. Details Shots:

   • Invitations, wedding rings, and any special gifts exchanged.
   • Close-up of the bouquet and boutonnière.
   • Any special decor elements like table settings, ceremony arch, or flowers.
   • Wedding favors and any personalized elements.

 

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Ceremony Shots

1. Arrival:

   • Bride arriving at the ceremony venue (in the car or walking down the aisle).
   • Groom waiting at the altar.
   • Guests arriving and taking their seats.
   • Parents or grandparents taking their seats.

2. The Processional:

   • Bridesmaids walking down the aisle.
   • Flower girls or ring bearers.
   • Bride walking down the aisle (wide and close-up shots).
   • The groom’s emotional reaction when he first sees the bride.
   • The officiant, friends, and family watching the processional.

3. The Vows:

   • Close-up of hands during the ring exchange.
   • Candid shots of the bride and groom exchanging vows.
   • Emotional reactions from guests (especially parents and close family).
   • Wide shots of the ceremony setting and guests.

4. First Kiss:

   • The moment you kiss as a married couple.
   • Guests’ reactions to the first kiss.

5. The Recessional:

   • Newlyweds walking down the aisle together.
   • Guests cheering and clapping.
   • Throwing petals, confetti, or a joyful send-off.
   • A quiet moment or candid shot of the couple immediately after the ceremony.

 

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Post-Ceremony / Family Portraits

1. Formal Family Photos:

   • Bride and groom with bride’s parents.
   • Bride and groom with groom’s parents.
   • Bride and groom with both sets of parents.
   • Bride and groom with siblings and/or extended family.
   • Close-up shots of the wedding rings and bride’s bouquet.

2. Wedding Party Photos:

   • Bride with bridesmaids.
   • Groom with groomsmen.
   • Bride and groom with the entire wedding party.
   • Fun, candid shots with the bridal party.
   • Group shot of the whole wedding party (if applicable).

3. Couple Portraits:

   • Romantic shots of just the bride and groom (make sure to have some candid, posed, and close-up shots).
   • Classic portrait in a signature location (near the venue, in a garden, or another picturesque spot).
   • Fun or creative shots based on your personalities (jumping, running, or laughing together).
   • A first look or private moment between the couple, if you opted for one.
   • Black-and-white or artistic shots for variety.

 

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Reception Shots

1. Venue Details:

   • Full shots of the reception venue with decor, centerpieces, and seating arrangements.
   • Table settings, including name cards, menus, or special touches.
   • Cake details (cutting, decorations, and close-ups of the cake table).
   • Guestbook and any other personalized reception items.

2. Reception Arrival:

   • Bride and groom’s entrance to the reception.
   • The couple’s first look as they enter the room.
   • Guest reactions as the couple enters.

3. First Dance:

   • Wide shot of the couple’s first dance.
   • Close-ups of the couple during the first dance.
   • Guests’ reactions to the couple dancing.
   • A candid or intimate moment during the dance.

4. Speeches and Toasts:

   • Best man, maid of honor, or parents giving speeches.
   • Close-up of the bride and groom listening to speeches.
   • Laughter, tears, or emotional reactions during toasts.
   • Guests raising their glasses for a toast.

5. Cake Cutting:

   • The couple cutting the cake together.
   • Close-up shots of the bride and groom feeding each other cake.
   • Guests’ reactions to the cake-cutting moment.

6. Dancing and Party Shots:

   • Guests dancing, especially children or older relatives.
   • Fun, candid moments on the dance floor.
   • Guests laughing, hugging, or enjoying the music.
   • Bride and groom dancing with parents.
   • Bride dancing with father, groom dancing with mother.

7. Special Traditions or Performances:

   • If you have any cultural or religious traditions (e.g., bouquet toss, garter toss, or special dances), make sure those are captured.
   • Any surprise performances or unique parts of the reception.

8. Candid Moments:

   • Guests mingling, laughing, and enjoying the reception.
   • Children or elderly family members enjoying the festivities.
   • The couple’s quiet moments together (for example, sitting at the head table or taking a breather away from the crowd).

 

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End of the Night

1. Grand Exit:
   • The couple’s final exit from the reception, whether it’s a sparkler send-off, confetti, bubbles, or a car drive-away.
   • The bride and groom running through the sparkler or confetti tunnel.
   • Close-up of the couple’s joyful expressions as they leave the venue.

 

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Additional Shots to Consider

• Couple Portraits at Sunset (if time allows).
• If You Have a Wedding Planner or Coordinator, get a photo with them or have them in the background.
• Pet Shots, if you have any pets included in the ceremony or reception.
• Special Guest Shots, such as group photos with close friends or family members who traveled long distances.
• Getting Ready Moments for Your Partner, especially if you’re doing a "first look" with them before the ceremony.

 

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Tips for Working with Your Photographer

• Be Flexible: While you may have a detailed shot list, allow the photographer to be creative and capture spontaneous moments.
• Communicate: Make sure your photographer knows any must-have shots that are particularly important to you, such as family members who may not be present often, specific traditions, or any other moments that hold extra significance.
• Delegate: Consider asking a trusted friend or family member to help manage your shot list with the photographer, especially for group or family photos. This helps keep things running smoothly.
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Final Thought

Your wedding day is full of meaningful moments, and while it’s impossible to capture everything, having a clear shot list will help ensure the important memories are preserved. Be sure to give your photographer some space to capture the unexpected, as some of the best shots are the candid moments that unfold naturally.

 

Feel free to use this guide and contact me if you would like some advice.