Your wedding group photos can be quick, easy, and maybe even (dare I say it?) fun. Or they can be the most boring, frustrating, time-consuming part of your whole day.
Let’s make sure it’s the first one. Here are my top tips to help you make sure your wedding group photos are relaxed, natural and quick!
Preparation for your wedding group photos before the day
Let’s make sure we’re not winging it on the wedding day! Preparation is key here, and remember you’re the one in control. Auntie Susan and Uncle Bob might be expecting to be in a photo, but if you don’t want to spend ages on group shots – don’t! It’s YOUR day and remember, there’s plenty of time during the drinks reception / evening to take a more informal photo with people if you wish.
- Make a list of the group shots you want. Think about the combination of people as well. Are you ever going to print them? Look at them? Will your parents? If not, don’t have them.
- I recommend no more than 10 group shots. Each shot takes precious time out of your day. The more group shots you have, the less time you’ll have to mingle, relax, and spend time together as a couple. So make sure every shot is one you actually want, not one you think you should have
- Tell the people who are in these photos beforehand that they’re needed for the photos, and roughly when. You’ll get very annoyed, very quickly, waiting for family members to return from the bar.
- Assign a loud, confident helper from your wedding party who can help round up the guests ready for each shot. Make sure they have a copy of the list so they can get everyone ready in advance.
On the day
- I will pick a location on the wedding day that has good, consistent light, and let you know where to go on the day.
- The best time to do it is straight after the confetti shot while we have everyone’s attention and before we lose them to the bar / loo or check in desk!
Done for you list of suggested wedding group photos
I do appreciate that not all weddings are created equal and as someone who lived through two parental divorces before the age of 13, I totally get complicated family dynamics. I always ask in advance what these are so there’s no awkwardness and also so I don’t put my foot in it!
- Partner 1’s extended family -grandparents, parents, siblings
- Partner 1’s parents
- Partner 1 & Partner 2’s parents together
- Partner 2’s parents – grandparents, parents, siblings
- Partner 2’s extended family
- Partner 1’s wedding party (bridesmaids/people/groomsmen/groomspeople)
- Partner 2’s wedding party
- All the wedding party together
Contact me if you have any questions at all about your wedding photography
