Family Wedding Photos are a cherished part of any wedding day. They are the images that will be treasured for generations, capturing loved ones together to celebrate a special union. However, the process of taking these photos can sometimes become a source of stress on an otherwise joyful day. Without a solid plan, family photos can eat into your precious time, causing unnecessary delays and frustration.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! With a little preparation and organization, family wedding photos can be a breeze. The key to a smooth and enjoyable experience lies in creating a family photo list. This guide will walk you through how to make your family wedding photo list, ensuring you capture all the important combinations without any stress.
Family photo combinations for your wedding day
The Importance of a Family Photo Questionnaire
To streamline the family photo process, many photographers, including myself, utilize a pre-wedding questionnaire. This questionnaire, typically sent out a month or two before your big day, gathers essential information to ensure everything runs smoothly. Beyond emergency contacts and vendor details, it includes a crucial section: your family formal photo list.
This is your opportunity to detail every family photo combination you desire. To expedite the process on your wedding day, provide the first name and relationship of each person involved in each shot. Instead of vague directions, your photographer can call individuals by name, making the experience more personal and efficient for everyone. This approach not only saves time but also makes family members feel more valued and part of the celebration.
While candid wedding photos capture the spontaneity and fun of the day, formal family photos hold a special place. They are often the photos parents and grandparents eagerly anticipate, envisioning them framed and displayed for years to come.
Tips for taking family photos on your wedding day
Time Management and Prioritization
When planning your wedding day timeline, it’s crucial to be realistic about the time needed for family photos. Each family photo combination generally takes between 60 to 90 seconds to organize and photograph. Allocating approximately 15 to 20 minutes after the ceremony for these photos is a good starting point. In fact, if your wedding day schedule allows, consider taking family photos before the ceremony. This can free up time later and allow you to join your cocktail hour sooner.
Due to time constraints on wedding days, it’s generally recommended to limit your formal family photo list to immediate family members. This typically includes parents, grandparents, siblings, and their spouses and children, if applicable. Think about who are the key family members you envision being prominently displayed in framed photos.
For couples with larger families or those wishing to include extended family, consider capturing extended family or larger group photos at the reception. Often, extended family members naturally gravitate towards cocktail hour, making it easier to gather them there and saving valuable time during the formal photo session. If you have specific requests for photos with cousins or a favorite aunt, communicate these wishes to them in advance of the wedding day to ensure their availability.
Example family photo list for your wedding day
Example Family Wedding Photo Checklist
Here’s a sample checklist to guide you in creating your own family wedding photo list:
Partner A’s Family Photo List:
- Partner A with Mom
- Partner A with Dad
- Partner A with Mom and Dad
- Partner A with Siblings
- Partner A with Siblings and their Spouses/Children (if applicable)
- Partner A with Grandparents (Maternal)
- Partner A with Grandparents (Paternal)
- Partner A with Entire Immediate Family (Partner A’s Parents, Siblings, Grandparents)
- Partner A’s Parents Together
Partner B’s Family Photo List:
- Partner B with Mom
- Partner B with Dad
- Partner B with Mom and Dad
- Partner B with Siblings
- Partner B with Siblings and their Spouses/Children (if applicable)
- Partner B with Grandparents (Maternal)
- Partner B with Grandparents (Paternal)
- Partner B with Entire Immediate Family (Partner B’s Parents, Siblings, Grandparents)
- Partner B’s Parents Together
Combined Family Photos:
- Couple with Partner A’s Parents
- Couple with Partner A’s Parents and Siblings
- Couple with Partner A’s Siblings
- Couple with Partner A’s Grandparents
- Couple with Partner B’s Parents
- Couple with Partner B’s Parents and Siblings
- Couple with Partner B’s Siblings
- Couple with Partner B’s Grandparents
- Couple with Both Sets of Parents
- Couple with Entire Immediate Families (Both Sides)
This list serves as a template and can be adjusted to fit your specific family dynamics. Remember, additional, less formal group photos can be taken during cocktail hour or the reception. Simply communicate your desired groupings to your photographer, and they will be happy to capture those moments.
How to Make your family photo list for your wedding day
By creating a thoughtful and organized family wedding photo list, you can ensure that this part of your wedding day is efficient, enjoyable, and results in beautiful, timeless photos that you and your family will cherish forever. Planning ahead truly is the key to stress-free family wedding photos!
