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  • Writer's pictureMakenzi Starr

Wedding Family Photos Guide

Most couples will say that wedding family photos were the most stressful part of their wedding day.

Trying to gather everyone, make them stand still, and smile can be tricky.


But it doesn't have to be!

Here is a guide that will make your wedding family photos a breeze.


Let's get started!

Wedding Family Photo
Starr Photo & Video

Prepare Beforehand

Everyone has an idea of what wedding family and group photos should look like.

But it is your day! You decide what you want. You may not know what you want, so talk with your wedding photographer beforehand to make a gameplan for the day of. Then once it is planned out, don't worry about it.


Here are things to chat with your wedding photographer about:

  • Any family-sensitive situations like divorce or deaths in the family. Anyone who wouldn't want to stand next to someone else.

  • Grandparents or elderly friends who may not be able to stand for long periods of time.

  • Talk about if there are kids on the guest list that you want to take photos with.

  • What family shots are important to you?

  • What group shots do you want?

  • What order do you want to do your photos in?

  • At what times do you want to do certain photos?


Your photographer should give you recommendations based on your family situation and what you want. At the end, you should have an exact family shot list the photographer can follow.


Bride and Groom with their wedding party
Starr Photo & Video


Tips and Tricks

  • Have an exact Family and Group shot list.

  • Do kids and elderly people as soon as possible.

  • Have chairs ready for elderly people who can't stand for long periods.

  • Think of it like an upside-down pyramid. Do the largest groups first and then whittle down to the smaller groups.

  • Do some of the group and family photos before the ceremony.

  • Have a designated person help the photographer. This helps cause most likely the photographer won't know who all the people are.


Bride with all her bridesmaids
Starr Photo & Video

Example Wedding Family Photo List


Before Ceremony

  • Bride with Bridesmaids

  • Bride with Immediate Family

  • Bride with Parents

  • Bride with Siblings

  • Grooms with Groomsmen

  • Groom with Immediate Family

  • Groom with Parents

  • Groom with Siblings


After Ceremony

*Everything is with both the bride and groom

  • Big Group Photo

  • Big Group Photo, everyone Cheering

  • Everyone on Bride's side

  • Everyone on Groom's side

  • Grandparents

  • Nieces and Nephews

  • Bride and Groom's Parents

  • Bride's Immediate Family

  • Bride's Parents

  • Brides's Siblings

  • Groom's Parents

  • Groom's Siblings

  • All Groomsmen & Bridesmaids

  • Anything fun will all Groomsmen & Bridesmaids


Groom with all his groomsmen.
Starr Photo & Video

Stick to the Plan

You've prepared. So now, during the wedding day stick to the plan you have made with the photographer. This way not an uncle or mother-in-law feels like they have to take charge. That is when the tears start to come out, if there are too many people yelling instructions. Trust your photographer and let them be the voice of command.


Conclusion

It may be overwhelming now, but you can do it! :)

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