After the wedding, the flowers wilt, the food is eaten and the dress goes into storage. The photos remain. Couples who plan a shot list are far less likely to discover gaps later.
Share the list with your photographer before the wedding, and assign a relative or friend who knows the families to help gather people for group photos.
Getting ready
The bride’s dress hanging, the rings, the shoes, the invitation. The bride with her mother and bridesmaids. The groom getting dressed with his groomsmen. Close-up details of jewellery, beads and cufflinks.
Traditional ceremony
The families arriving, the presentation of items, the bride being brought out, elders speaking, the drinks and prayers, the couple being introduced to both families. Capture the fabrics, beads and dances.
Church ceremony
The groom waiting at the altar, the bride’s entrance and the groom’s reaction, the exchange of vows and rings, the kiss, the signing of the register, the couple walking out together.
Family groups
This is where many weddings fall short. Plan a list in order, from largest group to smallest:
Couple with both extended families. Couple with bride’s extended family. Couple with groom’s extended family. Couple with both sets of parents. Couple with each set of parents. Couple with grandparents. Couple with siblings. Couple with the officiating minister. Couple with the wedding party.
Friends and groups
School friends, church groups, work colleagues. Announce these through the MC at the reception to save time.
Reception
The venue before guests arrive, the grand entrance, the high table, speeches, the cake, the first dance, the money dance, the guests dancing and the couple leaving.
Couple portraits
Schedule time for portraits away from the crowd, ideally at golden hour, the hour before sunset.
Candid moments
Ask the photographer to capture unplanned moments: grandparents laughing, children dancing, friends crying.
Details
The decor, the table settings, the cake up close, the souvenirs, the signage and the fabrics. These shots help tell the story of the day and thank the vendors who made it.
Practical tips
Hire enough photographers for a large wedding. Agree on delivery dates and formats. Ask for an online gallery for guests.
Many couples regret not having a photo with a grandparent who has since died. That one photo can matter more than all the rest.
