It’s very important to mark the day with your family and friends, and to some this means taking a series of formal group shots.
As a mummy and daddy’s girl, and a bit of a traditionalist, when it came to my wedding day I wanted to ensure I had photos of my family, so I could remember the moment and ensure I had photos of us all looking our best.
Whilst it’s important to recognise this, it’s also important to remember that there’s only so much time between the end of the ceremony and everyone being called through for food, and you want to balance that time with photos, chatting, drinking, cuddling and spending time with your loved ones!
Tips
When coming up with a list of your formal groups, start off with your family, as they are the priority.
I’d recommend no more than 13-15 formal group shots. In the evening I can take lots more, but with all the photos that NEED to be taken during the ceremony-sit down for food period, we need to use that time wisely.
Before your big day I will ask you for a list of formal groups, this is to ensure there’s a plan in place to keep us on track, so we don’t get lost in the myriad of groups and other people’s suggestions. Ultimately its to ensure you get to enjoy your day and I’m able to photograph all I need to.
If you have family members with accessibility issues make sure you list their photos together so they don’t have to keep coming back and fore.
Example of a list
- Immediate family – Bride, Groom, Mum, Dad, Sister, Brother (your kids if any)
- Siblings – Bride, Groom, Brother and Sister (Inc Step, half, etc.)
- Parents – Bride, Groom, Mum and Dad (Inc Step, partners etc.)
- Extended family – Bride, Groom, Mum, Dad, Sister, Brother, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins
- Bridal Party – Bride, Groom, Bestman, Bridesmaids and Ushers
- Bridesmaids – Bride, Bridesmaids and Flowergirls
- Groomsmen – Groom, Bestman, Ushers and Pageboys
- Bride and her friends
- Groom and his friends
All families are different so don’t worry about that, just make sure you put people in the photos that you’d be happy to see together.