How to Survive Wedding Family Formal Photos: The Ultimate Guide
Alright, brides and grooms-to-be, let’s talk about one of the most crucial parts of your wedding day: the family formal photos. We all know how important those photos are, but let’s be real—they can be chaotic without proper planning and guidance. Don’t worry, though! I’ve got some tried-and-true wedding planning tips on how to survive family formal portraits and navigate this part of the day with ease and grace. Ready to survive and thrive during your family formal photos? Let’s dive in!
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Plan Ahead!
Firstly, the key to smooth family formal photos is all in the planning. This isn’t just about picking the perfect spot (though that helps, too). It’s about having a clear, detailed plan. Here’s how to do it:
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Keep It Intimate
Stick to immediate family as much as possible. The bigger the group, the more chaotic things tend to get. Trust me on this one! Keep in mind, we can always get a photo with others or with everyone at the reception out on the dance floor if you’d like. Be sure to communicate with your wedding photographer and planner in advance if that’s something you’re interested in, so they can help make it happen.
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Make 2 Critical Lists
Create a list for family groupings for both sides of the family, including first and last names. You can combine them into one big list if you’d like. This way, no one gets left out, and we keep things moving quickly. Send this list to your photographer ahead of time so they’re in the loop.
My approach is to guide my couples through this process far in advance of their wedding, so they don’t have to worry about a thing during the wedding festivities. How, you ask? I send all of my couples a wedding day questionnaire that asks all sorts of important questions to ensure I am able to serve them with excellence—including organizing and leading family formal photos with ease. One of the sections on this questionnaire is entirely devoted to family formal photos. In this section, I give examples of family groupings to help make things simple and straightforward. Here it is in case it’s helpful to you as you plan your family formal portrait lists:
Recommended Family Groupings:
- Bride and Groom with each set of parents
- Bride with mom and dad (together and separately)
- Groom with mom and dad (together and separately)
- Bride and Groom with bride’s parents, siblings, spouses, and children
- Bride and Groom with groom’s parents, siblings, spouses, and children
- Bride with siblings
- Groom with siblings
- Bride and Groom with her grandparents
- Bride and Groom with his grandparents
You can use this list as a guide in creating and sharing your own family formal portrait groupings.
Communicate Early
Before the wedding, tell all family members involved where they need to be and when. This avoids any last-minute confusion and ensures everyone is ready when it’s their turn.
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Timing is Everything
Family formal photos are best done right after the ceremony, while everyone is still in one place and looking fabulous. Plus, the excitement is still fresh, making for even more beautiful photos. Make sure to allocate enough time in your timeline for this part of the day. A little buffer time can go a long way!
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Designate a Helper
Have a trusted friend or family member (someone who knows most of the people involved) help corral everyone. This person can assist in gathering family members and making sure no one wanders off. It’s a huge help and keeps things running smoothly.
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Hire a Fast Photographer (Like Me!)
Speed is of the essence during family formal photos. You want someone who can work quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality. That’s where I come in! With years of experience and a knack for capturing those perfect moments, I promise to get you through family formal photos with minimal stress and maximum joy.
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Stay Calm and Enjoy the Moment
Finally, remember to take a deep breath and enjoy this special time with your loved ones. Family formal photos are a chance to celebrate the people who mean the most to you. Relax, smile, and know that you’ve planned everything to perfection.
Your Family Formal Photos Will Be A Breeze
So, there you have it! With a bit of planning, clear communication, and a speedy, experienced photographer, your family formal photos will be a breeze.
If you’re ready to have all of your closest family members and precious moments captured without the chaos, and you’re searching for the perfect wedding photographer in the greater St. Louis area, please check out some of the weddings I’ve shot and reach out so we can schedule a time to chat. I’d be absolutely honored to capture your Missouri wedding celebration.
Love,
Emily
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