As you go about planning your wedding, you will come across tons of advice, tips and tricks. You will find lists galore. Lists like “the Top 10 ceremony readings” or “awesome flower ideas” or “1,001 reception ideas.” You’ll see many variations of the best photo shot list, but take heart, they are mostly the same shots and if you hire the right photographer. Just make sure he or she captures the most common highlights and then outline the extra special details you want.

Here are other suggestions that will ensure you get the best photos representing your big day.

• A solid timeline of wedding events. Include ceremony times and highlights and make sure this timeline includes the names of your bridal party and important family members. For the reception part, actual times (e.g.: “8:12 — first dance”) are less important than an order of events. Your planner will help you stay on track and will make sure all parties needed for the photos are present.
• Have a meeting with your photographer to go over exactly what is most important to you. For instance, if your veil was worn by your grandmother, you will want to be sure your photographer knows this so they will make sure it gets the attention it needs.
• Don’t burden your photographer with too many details like handing them a list with 100 “must have” photos. Of that 100, probably 75 of them are obvious. You want your photographer focused on the events around you, not focusing on a piece of paper.

While it may seem really obvious what photos you want, sometimes a list does help narrow what is most important. Here are the highlights by category: