How to plan your family group photo list!
It’s that time. You’re getting closer to the wedding day, and you know you have to jot down a list of family combos that is not too long, not too short, doesn't miss anyone etc etc. How can such a small task be so daunting? The family photo list is the one thing almost every couple asks us about.
‘Where do we start?’
We have a few things that can help make this strangely stressful task easier to manage. Before that however, here is why you gotta prioritise these photos. They’re not the most artistic photos that will be taken on the day, but they’re important. Here’s why:
Your family is incredibly important.
People come and go.
It’s a sign of love and respect to your nearest and dearest!
Your parents and grandparents won’t let you live it down if you don’t get one with them. ;)
It’s not often you have everyone in the same location (especially if some have travelled from far and wide!)
So what are the ‘standard must haves’ for the list?
We understand that all families look different, so this list may need some tweaking - it’s just a place to get you started and get you thinking. We always suggest a maximum of 10-15 combinations. All of the smaller little group shots ( work friends, aunty and uncle etc) can always be taken later in the evening too :)
B&G + brides parents
B&G + brides parents + siblings
B&G + brides parents + siblings + grandparents (if any)
B&G + grooms parents
B&G + grooms parents + siblings
B&G + brides parents + siblings + grandparents (if any)
B&G + both parents, siblings & partners + kids
Bride + her GRANDPARENTS (if any)
Groom + his GRANDPARENTS (if any)
Other people important in your lives (very close friends)
Here are a few more little pointers about the family photo time:
You only need to plan family group shots the month before your wedding. Don’t worry about it too early!
We suggest having family photos STRAIGHT AFTER the ceremony so that you catch people before they run off to the toilet or the bar. Ask your celebrant to announce it once (or twice for good measure) during the ceremony. Don’t worry, it’ll be during housekeeping - not the vows ;)
Better yet, if you’re having a massive group photo of all of your guests, do that as soon as you exit the ceremony venue, and then your photographer will have everyone’s attention to transition into family photo time.
Keep the list to a minimum ( 8-10 is ideal, but 12-15 is the maximum we’d suggest)
Leave at least 20 minutes in your timeline and then some. It’s best to do it during cocktail hour (between ceremony and bridal portraits) so that you have plenty of wiggle room.
Send your photographer a clear list of the people
Have a very close family friend / relative in charge with the list, to help organise everyone for the photographer.
Tell the people on the list ahead of time that they will be needed for photos, e.g. the day/week before.
If there are wee little children in a photo, or a grandparent that needs to rest, do their photos first. This way they are not waiting around feeling uncomfortable!
When in doubt, ask your Mum. If you need to know combinations, your Mum is the person who will know what to get!
These photos are some of the most important photos of the entire day. They will be cherished for decades! What may seem like a stiff and time consuming formality, will be one of the most rewarding for years to come!