The CBF Suggested Shot List
A friendly guide from the Captured by Friends team
Your wedding day is going to fly by. One minute you're getting your hair done, the next you're on the dance floor surrounded by everyone you love — and somehow it's midnight. That's exactly why having a wedding video matters so much. Not a stiff, over-produced film, but something real. Something that actually feels like you.
That's where your CBF camcorder comes in.
The beauty of the CBF experience is that your wedding video is captured by the people who know and love you most — your maid of honour, your best man, your mum, your college roommate. No hired lens, no stranger in the corner — just your people, living the day alongside you and filming the moments that matter.
To make it as easy and fun as possible, we've put together this suggested shot list. Think of it less as a strict checklist and more as a friendly guide. You don't need to get every single shot — just use this as a starting point and let the rest happen naturally. The candid, unexpected moments? Those are always the ones couples love most when they watch it back.
Before You Get Started: Handing Off the Camcorder
One of the most important parts of the CBF experience is making sure the right people have the camcorder at the right time. Here's how to make that work seamlessly on the day:
Designate a camcorder captain. Choose one person — your maid of honour, best man, or a trusted friend — to be responsible for the camcorder throughout the day. They don't have to film everything themselves, but they're in charge of making sure it gets passed around, stays charged, and doesn't end up forgotten on a table.
Brief your wedding party the night before. At your rehearsal dinner or in a group chat, let your closest people know the camcorder will be there and encourage them to use it. The more people who know about it, the more naturally it gets passed around on the day.
Keep it accessible. We provide you a CBF cross body bag that the camera can comfortably fit in to make it easy to carry around.
No experience needed. Remind your wedding party that this isn't about perfect footage. It's about real moments. Turn it on, press record, film what's in front of you. That's genuinely all there is to it.
The CBF Suggested Shot List
Getting Ready ✨
This is where the day begins — and some of the most emotional, beautiful footage comes from these quiet moments before the ceremony.
The details — the dress hanging up, the shoes laid out, the bouquet, the rings, the jewellery. Get close, film slowly, let the details breathe.
The getting ready moments — candid shots of hair and makeup, laughs between the wedding party, the nervous energy in the room.
The first look in the mirror — if you can capture the moment the bride or groom sees themselves for the first time, do it. This one always makes people cry.
Mum helping with the dress or tie — a classic for a reason.
The quiet moments — put the camcorder down sometimes and just film the room. The chatter, the music playing, the glasses of champagne. All of it is gold.
The First Look 💛
If your couple is doing a first look before the ceremony.
Film from a distance — the zoom controls on the camcorder make this easy to maintain a distance to give privacy but still capture the moment.
Capture the full reaction — the walk toward each other, the tap on the shoulder, the turn around.
Don't forget to turn the camcorder around and film the guests or wedding party watching — those reactions are just as beautiful.
The Ceremony 🤍
The procession — film from the side or back of the room as the wedding party walks down the aisle. Try to capture guest reactions as the bride or groom appears.
Walking down the aisle — if possible, get a shot from behind or the side. The moment the couple sees each other for the first time at the altar is everything.
Guest reactions — pan around the room during the ceremony. Tears, smiles, proud parents — film all of it.
The vows — film from a respectful distance. Try to capture both the person speaking and the person listening. The reaction is just as important as the words.
The first kiss — you know this one 🎀
Walking back down the aisle — the joy on their faces in this moment is unmatched. Get it.
Photoshoot BTS 📸
This is one of our favourite parts of the CBF shot list — and one that most traditional wedding videos completely miss.
Follow the couple during their formal photos and film everything the photographer doesn't capture — the laughs between shots, the candid moments, the silly faces, the stolen kisses when they think no one is watching.
Film the photographer at work — it adds a fun behind the scenes layer to the final video.
Capture the wedding party during photos — the chaos, the lineup, the jokes. All of it.
The Reception 🥂
Speeches
Point the camcorder at the person speaking — but don't forget to regularly turn it around and capture the couple's reactions. Those reaction shots are often the most emotional part of the final video.
Film guests listening and laughing — a room full of people genuinely moved by a speech is beautiful footage.
The First Dance
Get a wide shot of the whole dance floor first — the couple in the middle, guests watching from the sides.
Move in closer for their faces — the look between two people during their first dance as a married couple is indescribable.
Film guests watching — especially parents. Always the parents.
The Dance Floor This is where the camcorder truly shines. Don't worry about keeping it steady. Don't worry about perfect framing. Just get in there, press record, and capture the energy. Shaky, candid, in the middle of it all — this is the footage that makes the final video feel alive.
Mum & Dad — On Camera (prompted) Find a quiet moment during the reception to sit mum and dad down with the camcorder. Ask them to look directly into the lens and share a message for the couple. Keep it warm and casual — "just talk to them like they're right here." This is one of the most special parts of the entire CBF video.
Interview Style Shots 🎙️
This is the part that makes a CBF wedding video unlike anything else. Hand the camcorder to a guest — a bridesmaid, a groomsman, a family friend — and ask them to film short, casual interviews throughout the day. Give them these prompts:
"What's your favourite memory with the bride or groom?"
"What do you love most about their relationship?"
"What's your advice for a long and happy marriage?"
"What are you most looking forward to celebrating today?"
"Say something directly to the couple — they'll watch this back on their anniversary."
These prompted interviews are pure gold in the edit. Hearing the voices of the people who love you most, speaking directly to you on your wedding day — there's nothing quite like it.
The Quiet Moments 🌿
Keep an eye out for the unscripted, unplanned moments throughout the day. These are often the shots that end up meaning the most:
A grandparent watching from the sidelines with tears in their eyes
Two friends catching up and laughing in the corner
The couple sneaking away for a quiet moment together
Kids on the dance floor doing their thing
The end of the night — tired, happy faces, shoes off, last songs
You can't plan these moments. Just keep the camcorder accessible and let them happen.
A Final Note from CBF 🎀
You don't need to be a filmmaker. You don't need to follow this list perfectly. All you need to do is show up, be present, and press record when something beautiful is happening in front of you.
The most important thing we want your wedding video to feel like is you. Not a production. Not a highlight reel. Just a real, warm, nostalgic memory of one of the best days of your life — captured by the people who love you most.
That's the CBF experience.
Questions? We're always just an email away at support@capturedbyfriends.ca 🎥