Wedding Videography Checklist: Capturing the Moments That Matter
So, you’ve got the venue, the flowers, and maybe even the vows ready to go (or at least a solid outline). But when it comes to capturing the day in a way that tells your story, wedding videography is your best friend. The question is: How do you make sure you’re getting the right moments in the right order without turning your big day into a movie set?
We’re here to help you think through the flow of your wedding day from a videography perspective. From the teary-eyed “getting ready” moments to the late-night dance floor moves, here’s a breakdown of what shots to expect and how they’ll help tell the story of your day.
Wedding day flow
1. The prep Shots: The Calm Before the storm
Before guests even arrive, we will often capture some peaceful “establishing shots.” Think: sweeping views of your venue, close-ups of flowers, the cake (before it meets its frosting-smeared fate), and any décor that’s meaningful to you. The more sentimental items, the more personal the film is to you. And if you don’t have much stuff, that’s ok, too. This part of the film is typically short and is really just about setting the scene and easing into the day.
2. Getting Ready: The Nerves, the Laughs, and the Last-Minute Lipstick
Here’s where things start to feel real. The “getting ready” part is all about those first waves of excitement and nerves. From the bridal parties hanging out in robes to the moment you slip into your dress or suit, these shots are where the candid moments happen. Hot tip: there’s no rule against cracking open a drink to calm the nerves. A few key moments to capture:
Your partner adjusting their tie in a mirror, looking way cooler than they feel.
Friends cracking jokes to keep the nerves at bay.
That heartwarming moment when someone helps with the final dress zip or boutonniere pin.
While we strive for spontaneity, we may ask you to fiddle with an earring or play with a watch multiple times, but trust us, there’s a method to the madness.
3. The First Look: The “OMG” Moment
Whether you’re doing a “first look” before the ceremony or saving the reveal for the aisle, this part of the day is pure emotion. For couples who want that private first look, we will set up somewhere discreet to catch the big reveal. If you’re waiting for the aisle walk, there’ll still be plenty of magical first glances captured from your partner, your parents, and, yes, a few sentimental sniffles from friends.
4. The Ceremony: The Heart of the Story
This is the part everyone’s here for—the vows, the I Do’s, and possibly a few “oops” moments that make it even more memorable. This is where you may see us working in tandem with your photographer to get the best angles and make sure everything is captured. You may have seen a few of these in our films:
Your walk down the aisle and your partner’s reaction.
Any sweet, funny, or tear-jerking moments during your vows.
The big kiss and any cheers (or happy tears) from your guests.
Your vows make up the heart of the narrative in the story and we will often pair your words with actions as they happen throughout the day. Don’t be afraid to include some personal anecdotes or stories as they really add to the story.
Tip: Resist the urge to hold back tears! These are the moments you’ll love watching in the years to come.
5. Post-Ceremony: Party Time…almost
After the “I Dos” come those classic shots of you with family, friends, and a whole lot of hugs. Often, there’s a mix of posed group shots (yes, the ones Grandma’s been waiting for) and candid moments with guests. If you have time, a sunset or golden hour shoot with just you two will add some stunningly romantic footage. Dancing looks especially good on film (though the photographers don’t care too much for the movement in their shots) and we’ve been known to take Spotify requests to get the mood right.
Tip: These shots are perfect for capturing the buzz and happiness right after the ceremony. Let loose, hug people, and smile big!
6. The Reception: From speeches to dancing
Once you’ve made your grand entrance to the reception, the other important part of the story element begins - speeches. A good mix of sentimental and funny speeches can really add some colour to the film and helps drive the story. A good toast (no pun intended) can also set the mood in preparation for your first dance.
Tip: To get the best guest dance moves, we like to leave briefly and return when people have forgotten about the cameras and really let loose.
7. The Grand Exit: A Toast to New Beginnings
Whether you’re going for a sparkler send-off, confetti, or a classic wave goodbye, the nerves will be well gone and you can really just enjoy the moment. Your wedding film isn’t just a recap of the day—it’s a way to relive every laugh, tear, and wild dance move. When you see the final video, you’ll have a beautiful keepsake filled with the energy and magic of your day. And remember, the best footage captures you as you are—so keep it real, keep it fun, and enjoy every second of it.
After all, it’s the moments that don’t go perfectly that often make the best memories.
