How to Have a Smooth and Effective Wedding Family Photo


Planning a wedding can be stressful, and one aspect that often adds to the pressure is coordinating family photos. However, with a few simple tips, you can ensure that your wedding family photo session goes smoothly and stress-free. Let's dive into some valuable suggestions to help you capture those precious moments flawlessly.

Discuss the Timeline and Family List with Your Photographer:


When you meet with your photographer, make sure to discuss your wedding timeline and the list of family members for the formal pictures. This will provide the photographer with a clear understanding of who should be included in the family photos.


Prioritize Immediate Family for Formal Pictures:


For the formal family pictures, it is recommended to focus on immediate family members. Extended family group photos can be taken during the reception. By narrowing down the group to immediate family, you can streamline the process and ensure that essential shots are not missed.

Provide Clear Family Combos:

Create a list of family combinations you want in the photos. Examples include the bride and groom, bride with her parents, bride with her parents and siblings, and so on. Do the same for the groom's side. Sharing this list with your photographer will help them efficiently organize and capture the desired combinations.

FAMILY LIST EXAMPLE


BRIDE'S SIDE:


Bride + Bride's Parents

Bride + Bride's Mother

Bride + Bride's Father

Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents

Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Parents

Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Parents + Bride's Grandparents

Bride+ Groom + Bride's Grandparents

Bride + Bride's Grandparents


GROOM'S SIDE:


Groom + Groom's Parents

Groom + Groom's Mother

Groom + Groom's Father

Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents

Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Parents

Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Parents + Groom's Grandparents

Bride+ Groom + Groom's Grandparents

Groom's + Grandparents


If you are wanting extended family in the formals, I also suggest a big group photo ( example: Bride+ Groom+ Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Grandparents + Bride's + Extended Family Members).


Timing and Location:

Generally, family photos are taken after the ceremony at the ceremony site. If it aligns with your wedding timeline, some photos can be taken beforehand as well. However, the post-ceremony time is often the most convenient, as everyone is gathered in one place. Remember, family photos should not take place during the reception to avoid interrupting the festivities.

Inform Family Members in Advance:

To ensure that family members are prepared, share the family photo list with them before the wedding day. This will inform them to stay at the ceremony site after the ceremony, ready for the photos. It helps prevent delays and confusion during the actual photo session.

Designate a Helper:


If your photographer doesn't have a second shooter, consider designating a family member or bridesmaid to assist with calling out the family list during the photo session. This additional support can ensure that everyone is present and organized for each shot, making the process smoother.


In conclusion:


Having a smooth and effective wedding family photo session is achievable with proper planning and communication. By discussing the timeline and family list with your photographer, prioritizing immediate family for formal pictures, providing clear family combinations, and informing family members in advance, you can streamline the process and avoid delays or confusion. Additionally, designating a helper to assist during the session can ensure that everyone is present and organized. Remember, capturing these precious moments flawlessly requires teamwork and coordination. With these tips in mind, you can have a stress-free and enjoyable experience while creating lasting memories with your loved ones on your wedding day.