For couples planning a wedding

A wedding photography shot list for Nepali weddings

Updated · 2 min read

A shot list tells your photographer what matters to you and your family. It does not need to be long, but it should name the moments and the people you cannot do without. Every community and family does things differently, so adapt this list to yours.

Before the wedding day

If you have a pre-wedding shoot or engagement ceremony, mention which locations and outfits you want. Make a note of the events that fall before the main day.

  • Engagement or tika rituals, if you are having them
  • Mehendi: the hands, the designs, the laughter
  • Haldi: the family applying it and the colour
  • Sangeet or music night: performances and dancing

Getting ready

The quiet moments before the ceremony are often the most emotional.

  • The attire, jewellery and small details
  • Makeup and hair, and the final look in the mirror
  • Parents and siblings helping
  • Letters, gifts or blessings given privately

The janti and the ceremony

Tell the photographer the order of your rituals and who must be in each photograph.

  • The janti arriving and the first welcome
  • The exchange of garlands
  • Key rituals led by the priest, including the seven steps and the sindoor if they are part of your ceremony
  • Elders' blessings
  • Candid reactions from parents and guests

Family and group portraits

Write down the groups you want, and ask a relative to help gather people. List the combinations early so they can be done quickly without keeping guests waiting.

  • Couple with each set of parents
  • Couple with siblings and cousins
  • Grandparents and elders, photographed first
  • Friends and colleagues
  • A large photograph of everyone together

Bidai and the reception

Make sure the photographer is ready for the emotional farewell, and plan the reception moments.

  • The bidai and the farewell with family
  • The arrival at the new home
  • The reception entrance, the cake or toast and the dance floor
  • The decorated venue before the guests arrive

Share the list early

Send your photographer the schedule, the list of must-have photographs and the names of key relatives at least a week before the wedding. Some studios that use Smaran keep each wedding's events, dates and tasks together in one project, so the whole team works from the same plan.

Frequently asked questions

What should be on a Nepali wedding photography shot list?

The pre-wedding events such as mehendi and haldi, getting ready, the janti and the key rituals, family and group portraits, the bidai and the reception, along with the specific people and moments that matter to your family.

How many family photographs should we plan?

List the groups that matter most, usually the couple with each set of parents, siblings, elders and a large group photo, so they can be done quickly and no one is missed.

Should I give my photographer the ritual schedule?

Yes. The order of the rituals, and who must be present at each, helps the photographer be in the right place at the right moment.