So let’s talk the wedding list. Everything from the to do list to the guest list, the gift list and the seating list, they are never ending right? So I wanted to relieve you from making yet another wedding list. Yep, there is one you really don’t need to do. It’s for those must have photos for your wedding day. I’ve been asked twice this week “what sort of shots get included?”and ‘do we need to write a detailed list?’ Hell no!
I’m not. huge fan of wedding lists they are far too rigid. I spend so much of the day capturing those candid moments, a list of every shot needed throughout the day would be too hard to stick to and probably blow my mind. Saying that I think a little list of a few group shots you want is totally fine.
Any photographer that has experience at weddings will know that there is a certain expectation of what they need to capture to tell the story of your day. They have a standard invisible wedding list in their head that they already know they need. So with this in mind I thought it write the invisible list from what I would want and expect to capture during the day.
Wedding list not needed here, Pre-Ceremony Shots:
Both partner preparations with the wedding party (bridesmaids/groomsmen) getting ready
Candid moments and emotions
Details of wedding attire and accessories, and cards and gifts and of course and pre wedding toasts.
Ceremony Highlights:
Exterior and interior shots of the ceremony venue
Arrival of the wedding party
Candid reactions of the couple and guests
Exchange of vows and rings
First kiss as a married couple and walking out together and of course confetti.
Family Formals:
Individual and group shots with immediate family mums, dads, siblings, grandparents around 10 combination shots would be enough. Any more and I really think you are missing out on precious time with your guests. No one likes the group shots all your guests want to do is go and celebrate with you.
Special requests from the couple
Wedding Party Portraits:
Fun and candid shots with the entire wedding party
Individual portraits of bridesmaids and groomsmen
Couple Portraits:
Romantic and intimate shots of the newlyweds
Candid moments reflecting the couple’s style
Various angles and settings, movement and fluid plandids as well as candids.
Reception Details:
Shots of the reception venue before guests arrive, scene setting shots
Table settings, centerpieces, and decor details
Entrance of the newlyweds
Cake cutting ceremony
Toasts and Speeches:
Reactions of the couple and guests during toasts
Close-ups of the speakers
Candid moments of laughter and tears
Wedding list not needed for the evening either- First Dance and Other Special Dances:
Romantic shots of the first dance
Parent dances and other special moments
Capturing the emotions and connection between the couple
Candid Moments:
Guests mingling and enjoying the celebration, drinks reception
Laughter, hugs, tears and spontaneous moments
Shots that capture the overall atmosphere of joy and celebration
Late-Night Celebrations:
Dance floor shots and energetic moments
Guests having a great time
Any planned surprise events, sparklers, entertainment
Important Details:
Wedding rings, bouquets, and other accessories
Unique elements of the wedding, such as cultural traditions
Special items that hold sentimental value
All of these shots will be captured as a standard to help tell the story of your day. Yes there will be lots of variations of this as each wedding is unique, however every photographer will be wanting to capture some version of this list. So the need to hand us an actual list that you have slaved over, is not necessary. Spend that time on something fun. Have date night and plan your party tunes instead. We got this!
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