Family is Everything
We LOVE our family. In fact, it's often the main reason we have these big, beautiful (expensive) weddings. We want to celebrate the most special time in our lives with the most special people in our lives! As a wedding photographer, I realize the importance of having photos of your family on your wedding day. I know I would want tons of photos of my family, so I make it a priority to showcase your loved ones! (This is something I go over with you before your wedding day)
HOWEVER... Formal family photo time can get out of hand QUICKLY!!! Have no fear, I am here to help you keep this in line!
In most cases, the family photos take place directly after the ceremony when everyone is present at the ceremony site. Without planning and organization, this portion of your wedding day will most likely get out of hand! I have seen it too many times, your cousin Jenny (twice removed) will demand a photo with her six kids that you've met once, your uncle Jasper and his new girlfriend would just love to get a photo with you all, and so on and so forth and 1 hour later your family photos are finally done....but now its time for your bride and groom portraits!!!! You are irritated, you are done with photos, you are hungry.....you want/need a drink! Now, honestly your photographer is also irritated, done with photos, hungry and .....ready for a drink.
Let's fix this situation! Here are some tips to make the family portraits go smoothly, organized, fun, and not leave the bride and groom feeling 'done with photos'...
Tips For Family Formals
- Before the Wedding, Create a detailed list of family you want included in this portion (it should not be more than 30 minutes) send this to your photographer AND wedding planner (if applicable). DO NOT LET OTHERS TAKE OVER DURING THIS SESSION! More family photos can be taken at later times in the day. This is not open casting time! There should be a SET list of the family you want included in these photos! (Tip: Start with the Full family photo-both families- and dwindle down- finish all grandparent photos first so they can go to reception)
- Let those family members know that they will be in these photos before the wedding so they will be ready.
- (If applicable) Make sure the Officiant knows to announce for the family to stay at the ceremony site for photos directly after the ceremony.
- If Bride and Groom Plan to see each other before the ceremony, consider doing the family photos before the ceremony. This would require everyone being there at a disclosed time.
- Select a specific guest or bridal party member who knows the family to keep them wrangled as even when they are asked to stick around they often don't!
Here is an example of the Photo order:
*Bride + Groom (B+G)*
BG Parents BG Grandparents BG Siblings + Mates BG Aunts Uncles BG Nieces Nephews BG Cousins (if applicable)
BG Parents BG Grandparents BG Siblings (+ Mates)
BG Grandparents BG Parents
B Grandparents
G Grandparents (Grandparents dismissed)
BG Parents
B Parents B Siblings
B Parents
B Siblings
G Parents G Siblings
G Parents
G Siblings
This is just an example. Families are far more diverse these days so additional photos should be disclosed before the wedding so that it can be organized and go smoothly.
Here is the thing I have learned after shooting hundreds of weddings... There will always be someone watching during this time that will suggest or even demand photos. That is fine.... Suggest taking those photos at a later time.
Here is what I have noticed: You, as the bride and groom have been planning this day for quite some time. It is stressful, it is more work than you expected. There are more details than you had ever imagined. Now the day is here, you have nerves, you are now only thinking of marrying the love of your life. The time comes for family photos, if you don't have that family list, its a free for all, for certain your 'family' will take over and suggest 10 different combinations of the same photo. When these family members are calling out these combinations you are just saying yes because you are there. Every single time, you are irritated and done taking photos by the end of this! Plan Ahead!
Let's keep these family photos as they should be... a beautiful time with your loved ones! Not an time of frustration and chaos!
