Family and group photos seem like such an easy thing to get at a wedding, right???? They can be if you have a wedding photographer that helps you prepare your family/friends for them, then yes they can be a breeze- but, if you don't do some work before the wedding, it can end up being complete chaos and take so much longer than needed. So, how do you prepare for these moments? Here is my list of tips I suggest to the bride(s), groom(s), family and friends.
1. Make a "shot list" This is absolutely necessary. Give your "must have shot list" to your photographer well before your wedding so that they can tell you if it's realistic or not (your guests want to celebrate but they didn't come to model for an hour for you:). Make it detailed. For example-1. mom, dad, brother, sister, bride and groom. 2. Group shot of bride only with brides entire side of the family present at wedding. 3. Brides, mom in law, sister in law.
2. Discuss a timeline with your photographer. You may be able to fit some photos in prior to the ceremony, so that it doesn't take as much time afterwards when people are wanting to get on with the reception.
3. Always appoint a person who knows most of the people on your shot list to be the person in charge of rounding everyone up, and give them a copy of the list. This person can help by getting people ready for the next photo, so that it can run smooth and as quickly as possible. Also make sure that everyone knows when they are to be present for photos. If you are doing most of them after the ceremony have your officiant announce that such a such photos will take place on the lawn after the ceremony and the rest of you may proceed to the reception (or something along those lines). If you can, let your family members know prior to the wedding that they will be in photos and when/where they will take place (if you have a rehearsal dinner, this a great time to make that announcement).
4. Try and get most of the bridal/groom/wedding party photos done prior to the ceremony. This will save you a lot of time for more family photos after the ceremony.
5. Take the large group photos first. That way, more people can get to the reception sooner.
6. Are your parents divorced? Not talking? Let your photographer know. I always feel bad when I find this out later and I stuck them right next to each other with their arms around each other:)
7. Always plan for photos to take longer than you think. It's best to add a little bit of a cushion to your timeline in case photos don't go exactly as planned and to keep the day less stressful and fun.
Comments