How to Capture the Perfect Wedding Family Photos: A Guide for Stress-Free Memories
Hey there! Planning your wedding can be a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and endless details, right? But trust me, one of the most precious things you’ll cherish years down the line are those family photos. I know, I know—wedding family photos might seem a bit formal or even a tad boring when you’re deep in the throes of planning the big day. But let’s be real, these photos will be the ones that your mum and grandparents will print and leave on top of their mantelpiece.
So, let’s dive into how to make sure your wedding family photo session goes off without a hitch. We’re talking timing, location, and even the tricky dynamics of getting everyone together. Ready? Let’s get started!
Step 1: When Should You Have Your Wedding Family Photo Session?
Timing is everything, especially when it comes to wedding family photos. Picture this: The ceremony’s over, everyone’s on a high, and you’ve just said “I do.” This is the perfect moment to gather everyone together for photos while the excitement is still fresh.
I usually recommend scheduling the family photos right after the ceremony. Why? Well, everyone’s already in one place, and the energy is high. Sure, you can let guests mingle for a few minutes, but don’t let them wander too far. You don’t want to be waiting around while Uncle Bob heads off to the bar or your cousin disappears to the bathroom.
A quick tip—avoid scheduling family photos after the reception starts. From my experience, this can turn into a bit of a circus. By that time, some guests might have had one too many drinks, others might be out smoking, and getting everyone together can be like herding cats. Trust me, it’s best to get those key photos done early when everyone’s still focused and present.
Step 2: Where Should You Take Your Wedding Family Photos?
Choosing the right location for your family photos can make a world of difference. Ideally, you’ll want to use natural light, so outdoor spots are usually best. But hey, we all know how unpredictable weather can be, so have a backup plan just in case.
If the sun’s shining, find a spot outside the ceremony venue with some shade. This will help avoid harsh shadows and keep everyone looking their best. But if the weather isn’t cooperating, don’t sweat it. You can move things indoors—just make sure to clear some space and create a clean, simple backdrop.
One thing to avoid? Wet lawns! Even if the rain has stopped, the ground might still be soggy, and the last thing you want is for your guests (especially those in high heels) to sink into the grass. Keep it classy, keep it safe.
Step 3: How Long Will Your Wedding Family Photo Session Last?
This really depends on how many group photos you want to take. On average, I’d say you’ll need about 20 to 40 minutes to capture all the key family shots. If you’re having a big wedding with lots of out-of-town guests, you might want to budget a bit more time.
From my experience, the longest family photo session I’ve ever done was about 45 minutes for a wedding with 200 guests. Yep, that’s a lot of people, but with some planning and patience, we got through it. The key is to stay organized and keep things moving smoothly.
Step 4: How to Organize Your Wedding Family Photo Session
Alright, so you’ve got the timing and location sorted—now let’s talk about the flow of the session. Typically, I start with a big group photo that includes all your guests. This is usually the trickiest part because it involves coordinating a lot of people at once, but it’s worth it for that one epic shot.
After the group photo, we move on to immediate family—parents, siblings, grandparents—and then to the bridal party. From there, we can capture extended family members like aunts, uncles, and cousins. If there’s time, we can also grab some shots with special friends or colleagues.
And here’s a little secret: When it comes to group photos, make sure that we have a running list of the family conbinations you would like to have, this is a great moment to include extended family and those that might leave a bit earlier (the oldies).
Step 5: Who Should Be in Your Wedding Family Photos?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this, but I can give you a classic list to start with. Remember, this is your day, so feel free to add or remove groups as you see fit.
You and your partner with each set of parents
You and your partner with both sets of parents
You and your partner with grandparents
You and your partner with siblings (and their partners/kids)
You and your partner with the bridal party
You and your partner with extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins)
You and your partner with special friends
The key here is communication. Talk with your photographer (aka MOI!) ahead of time, and let them know which groups are a must-have for your wedding album. This will help the session run smoothly and ensure no one important is left out.
Making the Most of Your Wedding Family Photos
So, there you have it—a foolproof guide to capturing those all-important wedding family photos. It might seem like just another item on your wedding checklist, but trust me, these photos will be the ones you look back on with a smile (and maybe a tear or two) for years to come.
Remember, the key to a successful photo session is timing, location, and keeping things organized. And above all, have fun with it! After all, these are the people who’ve supported you and your partner on your journey to this day, and these photos will be a beautiful reminder of that love and support.
So, are you ready to get in front of the camera? Let’s make those memories last a lifetime!
