A Guide to Family Photos on your Wedding Day
Planning your wedding day is such an exciting journey, and part of that process is crafting the perfect timeline for your day. One essential aspect is creating a list of the family photos you'd like to have photographed. By creating a strong family formal list you're not only making your photographer's job easier but also ensuring that you can savor every moment of your stress-free day!
When it comes to your wedding family formal list, I like to allocate around 30 minutes on your timeline. This extra time ensures you have a little breathing space for this important part of your day. If your family photo list includes more extended family shots, I'll make sure we set aside the necessary additional time.
Here is an example of what your list could look like,
BRIDE’S FAMILY
Bride + Mother
Bride + Father
Bride + Parents
Bride/Groom + Parents
Bride/Groom + Parents + Siblings
Bride/Groom + Parents + Siblings + S.O.
Bride/Groom + Grandparents
Bride/Groom + Both sets of Parents
GROOM’S FAMILY
Groom + Mother
Groom + Father
Groom + Parents
Bride/Groom + Parents
Bride/Groom + Parents + Siblings
Bride/Groom + Parents + Siblings + S.O.
Bride/Groom + Grandparents
Here are some tips to help this portion of the day run more smoothly.
Have a bridesmaid or family member wrangle those needed for family photos. Bride,Groom, and parents should not leave where photos are being held. They often get pulled into conversations with guests and slow down the process.
Use family members first names for the family form list. For example:
Bride, Groom, Mom, Dad, Sister (Sue, Tom, Tori)
Notfity family members beforehand if the will be needed after the ceremony for photos. This way they are aware to stick around before heading to cocktail hour.
Allow an extra 5 minutes of time for any family photos larger than 10 people.
I like to photograph any extended/large family photos firsts so your guests are able to go enjoy cocktail hour.
After creating your family formal list, check in with your partner to make sure nothing is being missed. I also recommend running the list by your mom and future mother in law. This will allow them to let you know of any additional photos they would like beforehand rather than in the moment.
And one last friendly reminder – on your wedding day, I'll be meeting your wonderful families for the first time! I’m learning about your different family dynamics, various groupings of people, and more. While I'd love to help, I won't be able to create your family photos list for you. So, if I don't receive a list in advance, I'll rely on your guidance on the day itself to capture your desired photos!
That's why I highly recommend taking just 20 minutes out of your day to jot down a quick list. It'll ensure we don't miss any cherished moments! 😊📸
As always if you have any questions, please reach out!
contact@megankathleenphotos.com