The “Family formals” are the formal portraits the couple will take with their families on their wedding day! These portraits are the ones everyone will want to print, and because they are so treasured, they are one of most important parts to coordinate for us wedding photographers.
Weddings are like big family reunions! Not only do they bring relatives together, but they are also the best way to sparkle new relationships and unite two families who were previously strangers!
Coordinating family photos with many different family members doesn’t have to be a complicated part of the day ! Your wedding photographer will help you create a plan for your photos, capture these moments and ensure the day runs as smoothly as possible. So here are some considerations I give my lovely couples so your family formal portraits go incredibly well (and everyone smiles like they mean it) !
Making the Perfect Family Photo List
It’s very important to plan your wedding family photos in advance of your big day.
I recommend that my couples focus to immediate family members which will keep it short and sweet. The key is to keep them quick with a max number of 18-20 combinations, of course I am up for adding extra groups if time allows !
Additional groupings or extended family groups are better done during cocktail hour, specially since extended family isn’t usually there prior to the ceremony.
Time to make the list! Start by filling out your own photographer’s template. I personally send it to my couples in their welcome guide , as well as in their final questionnaire one month to two months before the big day.
Your photographer will ask you to either make a list or choose from a list of specific groupings, such as parents, parents + siblings and so on.
Inclusive Family Photo list
As many of my wedding couples are celebrating a more inclusive marriage, I have created this inclusive shot list. You can borrow some ideas or terms from here.
Here is an Inclusive shot list for immediate family wedding photos:
First spouse’s Side
- Spouse 1 with Each Parent Separately
- Spouse 1 with both parents
- Add Spouse 2
- Add Spouse’1 Siblings
- Add Sibling’s Spouses and children / Special others
- Add Grandparents
- Couple with Spouse’s 1 grandparents
Second spouse’s side
- Spouse 2 with Each Parent Separately
- Spouse 2 with both parents
- Add Spouse 2
- Add Spouse 1’s siblings
- Add Sibling’s Spouses and children / Special others
- Add Grandparents
- Couple with Spouse’s 2 grandparents
Other combinations
- Wedding couple with both sets of Parents
- Each Spouse with their siblings
- Each Spouse with their grandparents
After this, you will want to make a separate list with the names of the main relatives as follows:
Spouse 1:
Spouse 2:
Spouse 1’s Parents Names:
Spouse 2’s Parents Names:
Spouse 1’s Siblings:
Spouse 2’s Siblings:
Traditional Bride and Groom Family Photo List
While this wedding shot list uses the terms “Bride and Groom’ and “Mom and Dad” please note that we understand these terms may only apply to traditional heteronormative norms, and we also have a list focused on more inclusive terms. You can also replace the terms as you see fit for your couple.
If you scroll a little more you will find my fully inclusive Family shot list.
Bride’s Side
- Bride with Mom
- Bride with Dad
- Bride with both parents
- Add Groom
- Add Bride’s Siblings
- Add Sibling’s Spouses and children / / Special others
- Add Grandparents
- Bride and groom with bride’s grandparents
Groom’s side
- Groom with mom
- Groom with dad
- Groom with both parents
- Add Bride
- Add Groom’s Siblings
- Add Sibling’s Spouses and children / / Special others
- Add Grandparents
- Bride and groom with groom’s grandparents
Other combinations
- Bride and Groom with both sets of Parents
- Groom with siblings
- Bride with siblings
- Bride with her grandparents
- Groom with his grandparents
After this, you will want to make a separate list with the names of the main relatives as follows:
Bride:
Groom:
Bride’s Parents Names:
Grooms’s Parents Names:
Bride’s Siblings:
Groom’s Siblings:
It is also important to make your photographer aware of any special situations such as divorces, deaths, blended families or any sensitive issues. You can also include any special groupings, such as godparents, or witnesses in this combination.
Next you will want to work with your photographer to create a schedule for your day thinking of when the family photos will take place. You and the photographer will discuss the plan together and make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to when and where the photos will be taken. This will help to ensure that there is enough time to capture all the photos you want !
The Timing for Family Wedding Photos
Timing is super important on your wedding day, so your photographer will help you build out a great wedding day timeline and allow for buffers of time so your day doesn’t feel rushed!
If you need more information on building a wedding day timeline, you may also find these resources helpful which include a downloadable template: Planning Your Wedding Day Timeline and A Breakdown Of The Wedding Day
In general, photographers will allow 30 mins for approximately 18 family photo combinations. (like the example shown above). For extended family photos, 30 more minutes should be added on. I like to adopt a relaxed approach even for classic portraits, so we leave room for playful kids or different fun photos in between.
Family wedding portraits are normally designated a time before the ceremony if you are having a first look, or immediately after the wedding ceremony when you have a more traditional wedding timeline.
Family Photos On The wedding day
On the day of your wedding, your photographer will work quickly through your family photo shot list by adding and switching family members in and out. The whole process will go quicker and smoother if you let everyone know what is expected of them ahead of time. Be clear about where the photos will be taken and what time they need to arrive. (Pro Tip: Tell them 15 mins before the actual time). Inform them that the photographer has the shot list and will be calling everyone when ready. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no surprises on the day of the wedding.
It is also a great idea to assign a trusted family member or friend to act as a point person for family photos. This person can help to gather family members and keep everyone on track, which will help to avoid confusion and delays. Having this designated person would be particularly helpful for extended family portraits.
Remember that your wedding day is meant to be a fun and enjoyable experience. Try to relax and have fun with your favorite people, and don’t worry too much about getting the perfect shot – your photographer will take care of that.
I will always say “yes” to use extra seconds to hug and love on your family members, we would love to capture you when you say hi to your grandma !
Wedding family photos can serve as a reminder of the love that ties your family together, the joy that surrounded you on your wedding day and the special moments you’ve shared together. With these tips in mind, taking family photos at your wedding will be a smooth, stress-free experience.
If you are looking for a photographer that believes the focus of the day should be on you and your most favorite people, with photos that reflect the love, joy and candid moments of togetherness then please get in touch, I would love to hear from you!
