Tips For Stress Free Family Photos
Wrangling a big family for photos can be a stressor. Especially when you only have 15 minutes until grand entrance, and your brother-in-law has already wandered to cocktail hour! It’s happened many times before, so I’m writing today to teach you everything you need to know to avoid this headache and take family photos like a pro! I’ll start off by saying proper communication and organization up front is the KEY to painless family photos - but tidiness is my jam friend! So lean on me. :)
1. Spread Your Family Photos Throughout The Day
Nobody likes a mile long grocery list that takes half your day to complete. I much prefer popping into Trader Joe’s for a few things and being on my way. It’s the same with your family photos. Don’t crowd a huge long list into one hour of misery and stress. Plan on taking photos before the ceremony with your immediately family, and finishing the rest after the ceremony during cocktail hour.
More specifically, right after you’re freshly dressed denote time for what I jokingly call “Mother’s day + Father’s day” photos. Take a second to snap that photo of you and your Momma that would be so adorable to post for her on Mother’s day!
This can happen separately if the couple won’t be seeing each other until the ceremony, or right after the first look with both families together. Here’s a break down:
Pre Ceremony Family Photos:
Bride's Family:
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Parents
Bride + Parents + Siblings
Bride + Siblings
Groom's Family:
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Groom + Parents
Groom + Parents + Siblings
Groom + Siblings
2. Instruct Your Officiant To Make An Announcement
You know what they say… it takes at least 3 times for people to remember things. So tell your immediate family to meet at the alter for family photos after the ceremony, tell them again at rehearsal, and then have the officiant tell them one more time to hang tight after the ceremony for photos. ;)
Since you made time for some immediate family portraits earlier in the day, after the ceremony you can focus on the new, married family portrait combinations with the bride and groom together. As a token of my gratitude for being part of the Light Garden community, I'd like to share my proven list for successful family photos with you guys! I have been refining this list for years, and I’ve put it into practice many times. Friend… this is GOLD. It takes about 25 minutes to complete, and you can be on with your day.
Post Ceremony Family Photos:
B/G + Officiate
B/G + Both Parents
B/G + Both Parents + Both Siblings
B/G + Both Siblings
Bride’s Family:
B/G + Grandparents
B/G + Grandparents + Parents + Siblings
B/G + Parents
B/G + Parents + Siblings
B/G + Siblings
Groom’s Family:
B/G + Grandparents
B/G + Grandparents + Parents + Siblings
B/G + Parents
B/G + Parents + Siblings
B/G + Siblings
3. Save Extended Family For Reception
Temping to get all your cousins together for a photo, or perhaps a photo of the whole Christmas crew, but take my advice and save these groupings for the reception. Guests are much happier once they’ve been fed and have enjoyed a drink (or two). I love the relaxed body language a party setting brings for photos like these as well. Often times I’ll get with the DJ to make an announcement saying, “The Smith family to the dance floor for a photo!” It’s way more fun that way verse stressing out all chaotic around the alter wondering where Uncle John went. Once everyone makes their way to the dance floor I’ll stand on a chair and we can get awesome party photos like this one below. Now that’s an extended family photo!
This was a pretty dense blog today, so kudos for sticking through until the end! It’s a lot to think about amidst the million other things happening on a wedding day I know, but if you keep these tips in mind you’ll be in good shape.
Here at Light Garden we are rooted in taking great care of our couples. Taking the reigns on family photos is a big way we can take some of that stress off your shoulders. So if you're reading this blog like, "I'm still totally dreading family photos..." don't worry - we've got you! I know these lists by heart and will remind you about that “Father’s Day” photo you'll grow to love for years to come.
We'll do the family wrangling for you so you can save your brain space for getting through your vows instead!
Cheers and thank you again for being here with us.
