If you’re wondering how to coordinate your family photos on your wedding day, you came to the right place! I’ve put together ten tips to ensure your family photos go efficiently. The best way to make the most of your time and get all of the pictures you want on your wedding day is by being organized and making a list ahead of time. Make sure you head to the bottom of the page to download a sample family photo list as well as a blank sheet you can use to create your family photo list.
1. The best time for family photos is immediately following your ceremony. Make sure to let the specific relatives know ahead of time to stick around afterwards. If you are opting to do a first look and all of your photos before the ceremony, you could also ask your relatives to come early and do it at that time instead.
2. It’s usually easiest to do family photos in the same location as the ceremony. However, if you have a different spot in mind, make sure to discuss logistics with your photographer and wedding planner. You will need to allow extra time for transportation.
3. Take lighting into consideration. Depending on your venue and the time of year, you will want to make sure you are taking photos at the right time of day for the best lighting. This isn’t usually an issue with afternoon ceremonies, but it can be in the winter months when it gets dark so early. Make sure to confirm with your photographer ahead of time.
4. Stick to your immediate family members. While it may be tempting to ask all of your aunts, uncles and cousins to stick around, this would take forever. Not to mention, it’s very difficult to round up that many people. I recommend sticking to a small group such as your parents, siblings (and spouses) and grandparents.
5. Start with young kids and elderly relatives first, so they can leave if needed.
6. It also makes the most sense to begin with the larger groups and then work down to the smaller groups. Then those people can head over to cocktail hour and enjoy drinks once they are done with pictures.
7. Consider the different combinations you may want with certain people – for example, a photo with just your siblings and then another photo including spouses/significant others and kids.
8. You might want to ask your parents to review the list ahead of time to make sure you didn’t overlook anyone.
9. Give a copy of your list to your photographer and wedding planner before the wedding.
10. Designate someone in your family or bridal party to help round people up. It’s best to ask someone who knows who everyone is.
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Photography by Ivory and Bliss Photography