FamilY Photos on
Your Wedding Day
Wedding Tips For A Stress-Free Wedding Day
A Wedding Photographer's Guide to Quick and
Stress-Free Family Wedding Photos
Family wedding photos are an essential part of your wedding day, capturing cherished memories with your loved ones. However, organising and managing these photos can become overwhelming if not approached systematically and efficiently. In this blog post, we will provide you with a clear and effective strategy to breeze through your family photos, ensuring that no key family members are left out, and everything happens seamlessly and in a timely manner.
Let's dive in!
We recommend following a clear structure for your family photo list to streamline the process and minimise disruptions. The example below illustrates a step-by-step approach that starts with larger groups and gradually narrows down to smaller groups. By implementing this method, you can complete most family photo lists in as little as 20 minutes, if not less!
This example is from a heterosexual couple’s wedding; the same structure would work for a same-sex couple’s wedding day. Just simply swap out the Bride & Grooms titles for Partner One & Partner Two.
Example Family Wedding Photo List:
Large Group Photo with Everyone
Large Group Photo with Friends Only
Large Group Photo with All Family (both sides extended)
Bride's Family Photos:
B+G & Bride's family extended - everyone related to the bride
B+G & Bride's family immediate - parents, grandparents, siblings
B+G & Bride's parents & siblings
B & Bride's parents & siblings
B+G & Bride's siblings
B & Bride's Siblings
B+G & Bride's grandparents
B & Grandparents
B+G & Bride's parents
B & Bride's parents
Bride & Bride's Mum
Bride & Bride's Dad
Bride's and Groom's Families Combined:
B+G & Bride's parents & Groom's parents
Groom's Family Photos:
B+G & Groom's family extended - everyone related to the groom
B+G & Groom's family immediate - parents, grandparents, siblings
B+G & Groom's parents & siblings
G & Groom's parents & siblings
B+G & Groom's siblings
G & Groom's Siblings
B+G & Groom's grandparents
B+G & Groom's parents
G & Groom's parents
Groom & Groom's Mum
Groom & Groom's Dad
CUSTOMISING THE LIST:
It's important to note that not all of the combinations mentioned above may apply to your family dynamics. You may find the need for additional shots or want to include specific family members. For instance, you might want individual photos with each grandparent or sibling or have stepparents you'd like to add to the list. Feel free to customise the list to suit your unique family structure and preferences. We are here to accommodate your requests and capture all the meaningful moments.
Navigating family photos on your wedding day doesn't have to be a stressful affair. By approaching it with a clear plan and systematic structure, you can ensure that every key family member gets their moment in front of the camera while saving time and minimising disruptions. Use the example as a guideline, but don't hesitate to tailor it to your needs. Remember, these photos will be treasured for a lifetime, and with a little organisation, you can enjoy a seamless and joyful experience on your special day.
Navigating family photos on your wedding day doesn't have to be a stressful affair. By approaching it with a clear plan and systematic structure, you can ensure that every key family member gets their moment in front of the camera while saving time and minimizing disruptions. Use the provided example as a guideline, but don't hesitate to tailor it to your specific needs. Remember, these photos will be treasured for a lifetime, and with a little organization, you can enjoy a seamless and joyful experience on your special day.
frequently asked questions
What if the family members are not cooperative during the photo session?
To ensure that everyone is aware of the upcoming group photo and family photos, it's a good idea to have your celebrant make an announcement prior to the end of the ceremony. This can prepare family members and guests and encourage them to cooperate during the photo session.
What are other tips or advice to ensure a stress-free family photo session on the wedding day?
One helpful tip to ensure a stress-free family photo session on the wedding day is to ask a family member or bridal party member who is familiar with everyone to have a copy of the photo list and assist the photographer. This way, the photographer can focus on capturing the shots while the family member or bridal party member can help gather the right people for each photo. It also helps ensure that everyone is present and accounted for in the photos, making the process smoother and more efficient.
What should we do if a family member is missing during the photo session?
While it is not ideal for a family member to be missing during a photo session, there is still a possibility of capturing the photo at a later time during the wedding day. However, you cannot guarantee that all necessary individuals will be present. We strongly recommend ensuring everyone is present for the photos to avoid potential issues.
How much time should we allocate for family photos on our wedding day?
Typically, it takes around 30 minutes for family photos at a standard-sized wedding with approximately 120 guests.
How can we ensure all key family members are included in the photos?
You can ensure the inclusion of all key family members by using the template or guide provided by your photographer. It offers a systematic approach to capturing different family combinations.
Should we provide a shot list to the photographer for family photos?
Yes, providing a shot list to your photographer, based on the template or guide mentioned earlier, will help ensure that all key family members are captured in the photos.
Should we inform our family members about the schedule and order of family photos in advance?
It is advisable to tell your family members about the plan and order of family photos in advance. You can also request your celebrant or officiant to make an announcement after the ceremony to remind everyone about the upcoming family photo session.
What is the best time to schedule the family photo session during the wedding day?
The best time to schedule the family photo session is immediately after the ceremony. This ensures that all your guests are nearby, and your wedding photographer and celebrant can quickly gather their attention easily.
How can we ensure that the family photo session runs smoothly and efficiently?
To ensure a smooth and efficient family photo session, follow the tips provided in this article. Good planning and communication with your photographer will contribute to a stress-free wedding day and keep your guests happy.
Can we take candid or informal family photos in addition to the posed ones?
Certainly! Candid or informal family photos can be captured throughout the wedding day, such as during canapés, cocktail hour, or the reception. These spontaneous moments often result in heartfelt and natural photographs.
Are the bride and groom necessary to be present in all the family photos, or can we have some photos with just the family members?
While it is common for the bride and groom to be present in most family photos, you can also have some photos taken with just the family members. If you have specific groups or combinations you'd like to capture without the couple, include them in your shot list.
Can we request digital copies of the family photos to share with our family members?
You can request digital copies of the family photos from your photographer. Typically, they provide a client gallery link and password where you and your family members can access and download the photos directly to your devices.
What happens if it's raining or the weather conditions are unfavourable on the wedding day? Are there backup plans for family photos?
Your photographer should have backup plans in place for unfavourable weather conditions. They will be prepared with alternative indoor locations or creative solutions to ensure you still get the key family photos regardless of the weather.
Can we customise the family photo combinations based on our unique family structure?
Absolutely! While the template provides a general guideline, you can customise the family photo combinations to suit your family structure. You can include additional family members or specific combinations important to you.
What if there are divorced or separated parents? How should we handle their inclusion in the family photos?
You can suggest alternative arrangements if divorced or separated parents prefer not to be in the same shot together. For example, they can stand on opposite sides of the couple during the photo or take separate photos with each parent.
What happens if we forget to include someone in the family photo list? Is it possible to take additional photos later?
If you realise someone was inadvertently left out of the family photo list, you can inform your photographer on the wedding day. They can arrange to capture the additional group photos during or after the session.
Are there any tips for keeping younger family members, such as children or toddlers, engaged and cooperative during the photo session?
We recommend prioritising taking photos with children early in the session, especially if they are part of the bridal party. Children can become overwhelmed at weddings, so capturing their photos early when they are still fresh and engaged can help maintain their cooperation.
Can we request specific poses or group arrangements for the family photos?
Absolutely! You can request specific poses or group arrangements for your family photos. Include your preferences in the shot list you provide to your photographer, and they will accommodate your requests.
