Creating Your Wedding Photography Shot List- A Guide from a Kansas City Wedding Photographer


When it comes to wedding day photography, more than likely your photographer has their own list of shots that they plan to get throughout the day, but curating your own list of shots can be incredibly helpful to make sure your photographer captures your day exactly how you always dreamed. Some couples know exactly what they want, a Pinterest board full of inspo is always helpful, while others have no idea where to start or what to bring to make their wedding day photo dreams come true. Below is some helpful suggestions!


Pre Ceremony Shots


Details/ Flat Lays:

These shots highlight all the little things that create your wedding day and give your photos a personal touch of you and your partner. Flat lays are layouts of all the bride and groom details that are arranged artistically to help create the story of your wedding day. It's always incredibly helpful to bring a box and place all your details aside for the photographer so when they first arrive they can grab the box quickly, snag some photos, and return it back to you so you may use them later.

Details to have ready for your photographer:

  • Rings
  • Wedding Day Shoes
  • Perfume
  • Earrings
  • Invitation Suite
  • Vow Books
  • Sentimental items
  • Accessories
  • Veil
  • Extra florals from florist


Getting Ready Photos

These photos highlight the moments before being officially ready for your wedding day. These shots are some of my favorites, fresh makeup, fresh hair, and pure excitement for the day to come. These shots include:


For the Bride
  • Bridesmaids Pajama Photos
  • Bride putting accessories on
  • Bride putting dress on
  • Mother helping bride put dress on


For the Groom
  • Groom Getting Ready Solo Shots


First Looks

First looks are so much fun and allow for special moments before the ceremony with those whom you love the most. Having first looks are absolutely up to the bride and groom and what they want their day to look like. Some couples want to have a first look with bride's father but want to see each other for the first time walking down the aisle. Some brides want first looks with their bridesmaids, father, and groom. Some want none, the best part about it all is it's your wedding day and you get to decide! Here's some first look variations:

  • First look with bridesmaids
  • First look with groomsmen
  • First look with mother of the bride
  • First look with father of the bride
  • First look with groom


Bridal Party

Bridal party shots are just like they sound, a chance to get pictures with all the people you chose to stand by you on your big day. If you decided to do a first look these can be done before the ceremony if time allows and frees up time after the ceremony. However, if you choose to see each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle, these can be done after the ceremony.

  • Bride with bridesmaids
  • Bride with individual bridesmaids
  • Groom with groomsmen
  • Groom with individual groomsmen
  • Bride and Groom with entire bridal party
  • Any fun shots you can think of with bridal party


Ceremony Shots

You probably won't need to list out all the ceremony shots you want for your photographer as they should be able to document it appropriately as it happens, but I also understand putting things down on paper helps ease the mind so heres a list to help with that:

Groom walking down the aisle

Groom with parents walking down the aisle

Bridal party walking down the aisle

Ring bearers and flower girls walking down the aisle

Bride walking down the aisle

Ceremony details

Reactions from guests

Any important ceremony events (candle lighting, rope tying)

Ring exchange

First Kiss

Recessional


Post Ceremony Shots

If you didn't do bridal party shots before the ceremony now is the perfect time to get those shots, just know it might cut into you enjoying cocktail hour with your guests. This is also the time when most couples decide to get formal family photo shots before the reception begins.


Formal Family Photos

These photos are the photos that grandma wants to frame, the "stop and smile at the camera" photos that allow you to document group family pictures. I have my brides list the names of everyone they want in the grouping to make them easier to shout out and make this process go as quickly as possible. Below are some variations of formal family photo groupings:


Bride Side
  • Bride with Bride's Parents
  • Bride with Bride's Parents and Siblings
  • Bride with Bride's Siblings
  • Bride and Groom with Bride's Parent's
  • Bride and Groom with Brides Parents and Siblings
  • Bride and Groom with Bride's Siblings
  • Bride and Groom with Bride's Grandparents
  • Bride and Groom with Bride's Entire Family
Groom Side
  • Groom with Groom's Parents
  • Groom with Groom's Parents and Siblings
  • Groom with Groom's Siblings
  • Bride and Groom with Groom's Parent's
  • Bride and Groom with Groom's Parents and Siblings
  • Bride and Groom with Groom's Siblings
  • Bride and Groom with Groom's Grandparents
  • Bride and Groom with Groom's Entire Family


Cocktail Hour

A short but fun list of cocktail hour details, this may be difficult for some photographers to document if bridal party and family formal photos cut into this time, but if not, here's a short and easy list:

  • Drink signage
  • Appetizers served
  • Guests enjoying cocktail hour


Reception

The party has started! This is the time where you get to let loose and let the rest of the day unfold on it's own. Your photographer should be able to effortlessly document this without a shot list BUT is there's any special events happening it's important you keep them in the loop so you can get photos of it! But just in case, here's a shot list just in case:

  • Reception details (signage, table scapes, florals)
  • Cake
  • Couple's First Dance
  • Father and Bride Dance
  • Mother and Groom Dance
  • Any other special Dances
  • Speeches
  • Cake Cutting
  • Guest's reactions
  • Candids of couple
  • Dance floor photos


The key to getting all the shots you want on your wedding day is just communication! While your photographer should be more than capable of getting all the shots above, it's always important to communicate the shots that are the most important to you!




A series of close-up shots showing a white-gowned person's hands wearing an elegant engagement ring and wedding band.
Elegant wedding stationery suite in soft sage green and cream with orange slices and floral accents on light fabric.
Wedding bands and engagement rings rest delicately on white and gold wedding stationery with fresh blooms and moss accents.
Diamond engagement ring placed on sliced citrus fruit in a delicate glass dish for a creative wedding detail photo.
Two wedding couples in white attire posing together in a brick-walled venue with hardwood floors and elegant table settings.
Modern styled wedding couple in white outfits sit atop industrial brick loft table with a peach floral bouquet.
Elegant table setting with lit candles, fresh green grapes, and acrylic table number markers creating a soft romantic ambiance.
Elegant wedding reception table settings with crystal charger plates and delicate white floral centerpieces in a bright venue.
A person in a white gown holds up a wine glass against a rustic brick wall at an elegant event.
Two people share a joyful moment together against an exposed brick wall backdrop during a formal event.
A happy couple shares a joyful moment together at a reception table decorated with floral arrangements and a white tablecloth.
Elegant white wedding cake decorated with green ribbons and accents displayed on a glass pedestal next to champagne glasses.
Olive garnish being added to a martini glass filled with clear cocktail and secured with a decorative toothpick.
Elegant martini glasses arranged in a pyramid with green olives garnish and hydrangea flower decoration on white tablecloth.
An elegant table setting with white linens, hydrangeas, oranges, and grapes creates a romantic atmosphere for dining.