Family Photos at your Wedding
Family photos are a significant part of your wedding day, capturing cherished moments with your loved ones. However, organizing and managing these photos can sometimes be stressful. With so many loved ones to include, varying personalities to consider, and tight timelines to adhere to, it’s easy for this part of your wedding day to become overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. With proper planning, clear communication, and a few strategic tips, you can ensure your family photos are a smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free part of your celebration. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the process and create lasting memories without the hassle.
1. Provide Your Photographer with a Shot List at Least a Month Before the Wedding
Keep Your Wedding Family Photo Shot List Short and Concise
When creating your shot list, work with your photographer to keep it short and concise. An overly long list can extend the photo session and cause unnecessary stress. Ask your photographer how much time they designate for family photos and how many groupings you can accommodate within that time frame. Adjust your list accordingly to fit within the allotted period.
Designate Immediate Family Only on Your Wedding Family Photo Shot List
We recommend focusing the shot list on immediate family members only. This approach simplifies the process and ensures you get the most crucial photos without delays. If you have extended family who wants or expects to be in a photo, consider arranging one full group photo to include everyone. This way, you can capture the essence of your family without overwhelming the schedule.
2. Have a Designated Time and Meeting Point and Instruct Family
Clear Communication
Establish a specific time and location for family photos and clearly communicate this information to your family members ahead of time. This can be done through invitations, emails, or even a dedicated wedding website. Ensure everyone knows where to be and when to be there to avoid delays and confusion on the wedding day. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Use Signage or Announcements
Consider using signage at your venue or making announcements during the reception to remind family members of the designated photo session time and location. For example, if the family photos are scheduled right after the ceremony, place a sign near the ceremony exit or have your officiant make a brief announcement. This helps gather everyone quickly and keeps the timeline on track.
Coordinate with Your Wedding Planner or Coordinator
If you have a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, involve them in the process. They can help manage the timing and logistics, ensuring that family members are where they need to be. They can also assist with making announcements and keeping the schedule on track. Having a professional handle these details allows you to focus on enjoying your day without worrying about the logistics.
3. Have a Family Wrangler
Designate a Family Member
A family wrangler is someone who knows your family well and can help gather everyone for the portraits. While a second shooter can assist, having a designated family member can speed up the process as they are familiar with who is who. This person should be organized, reliable, and assertive enough to ensure everyone is present and ready for their photos.
Rally the Troops
Choose someone reliable who can rally the troops and ensure everyone is present for their respective photos. Ideally, this person should have a take-charge attitude and a loud voice to effectively gather people and keep things moving. They should also have a copy of the shot list and know the sequence of groupings. This way, they can help direct family members to where they need to be and keep the process running smoothly.
Provide Clear Instructions and The Family Photo Wedding Shot List
Give your family wrangler clear instructions and make sure they understand the importance of their role. They should know the timeline, the location for the photos, and have a copy of the shot list. If possible, introduce them to your photographer before the wedding day so they can coordinate and work together efficiently. Clear communication and preparation will help ensure everything runs smoothly.
4. Consider Any Special Circumstances
Accommodate Certain Family Members
If you have a grandmother in a wheelchair or a toddler with a short attention span, consider their needs when planning the photo session. It might be better to go to them for the formal family photos rather than making them wait for an extended period. This approach ensures that everyone is comfortable and reduces the risk of restlessness or frustration.
Prioritize Special Individuals
Keep these individuals at the top of your shot list so their portraits are taken first. This ensures that they are included in the most important photos and minimizes any inconvenience for them. Share this information with your photographer well before the wedding day to ensure they are aware and can plan accordingly. This consideration will help make the photo session more efficient and enjoyable for everyone.
Plan for Flexibility
Be prepared to adjust the plan if needed. For example, if a young child is having a meltdown or an older family member needs a break, be flexible and work around their needs. Your photographer can help you adapt and find the best way to capture these important moments without causing unnecessary stress.
5. Inform Your Photographer of Any Family Tension or Loss
Sensitivity and Awareness
If there is a divorce in the family, certain members who don’t get along, or a recent loss, inform your photographer. This knowledge allows them to be sensitive to these dynamics and avoid potentially awkward situations. For example, they can ensure that divorced parents are not placed next to each other in group photos, or they can handle delicate situations with care and respect.
Plan for Separate Photos
If necessary, plan for separate photos with certain family members to avoid uncomfortable interactions. Your photographer can help coordinate these arrangements discreetly. For instance, you might have separate photos with each parent if they are divorced and do not get along. This approach helps maintain a positive atmosphere and ensures that everyone feels comfortable.
6. Share Your Family Photo Shot List with Important Family Members Prior to the Wedding
Avoid Tension and Drama
Sharing the shot list with key family members ahead of time helps avoid tension and unnecessary drama on the wedding day. For instance, if your mother-in-law wants a photograph with every member of her family, discussing this in advance can save time and prevent misunderstandings. This approach helps manage expectations and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Set Expectations
Set clear expectations with your family members about the importance of being on time and ready for their photos. Explain how their cooperation helps make the process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Clear communication and setting expectations will help ensure that everyone is prepared and ready to participate.
ARE YOU A BRIDE PLANNING YOUR WEDDING?
If you answered YES, I would love to help! I pride myself in over-delivering in customer service, and am here to help you with anything you might need!
or feel free to email me at hello@alexlasota.com. Happy Planning!
Family Photos at your Wedding
Family photos are a significant part of your wedding day, capturing cherished moments with your loved ones. However, organizing and managing these photos can sometimes be stressful. With so many loved ones to include, varying personalities to consider, and tight timelines to adhere to, it’s easy for this part of your wedding day to become overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. With proper planning, clear communication, and a few strategic tips, you can ensure your family photos are a smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free part of your celebration. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the process and create lasting memories without the hassle.
1. Provide Your Photographer with a Shot List at Least a Month Before the Wedding
Keep Your Wedding Family Photo Shot List Short and Concise
When creating your shot list, work with your photographer to keep it short and concise. An overly long list can extend the photo session and cause unnecessary stress. Ask your photographer how much time they designate for family photos and how many groupings you can accommodate within that time frame. Adjust your list accordingly to fit within the allotted period.
Designate Immediate Family Only on Your Wedding Family Photo Shot List
We recommend focusing the shot list on immediate family members only. This approach simplifies the process and ensures you get the most crucial photos without delays. If you have extended family who wants or expects to be in a photo, consider arranging one full group photo to include everyone. This way, you can capture the essence of your family without overwhelming the schedule.
2. Have a Designated Time and Meeting Point and Instruct Family
Clear Communication
Establish a specific time and location for family photos and clearly communicate this information to your family members ahead of time. This can be done through invitations, emails, or even a dedicated wedding website. Ensure everyone knows where to be and when to be there to avoid delays and confusion on the wedding day. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Use Signage or Announcements
Consider using signage at your venue or making announcements during the reception to remind family members of the designated photo session time and location. For example, if the family photos are scheduled right after the ceremony, place a sign near the ceremony exit or have your officiant make a brief announcement. This helps gather everyone quickly and keeps the timeline on track.
Coordinate with Your Wedding Planner or Coordinator
If you have a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, involve them in the process. They can help manage the timing and logistics, ensuring that family members are where they need to be. They can also assist with making announcements and keeping the schedule on track. Having a professional handle these details allows you to focus on enjoying your day without worrying about the logistics.
3. Have a Family Wrangler
Designate a Family Member
A family wrangler is someone who knows your family well and can help gather everyone for the portraits. While a second shooter can assist, having a designated family member can speed up the process as they are familiar with who is who. This person should be organized, reliable, and assertive enough to ensure everyone is present and ready for their photos.
Rally the Troops
Choose someone reliable who can rally the troops and ensure everyone is present for their respective photos. Ideally, this person should have a take-charge attitude and a loud voice to effectively gather people and keep things moving. They should also have a copy of the shot list and know the sequence of groupings. This way, they can help direct family members to where they need to be and keep the process running smoothly.
Provide Clear Instructions and The Family Photo Wedding Shot List
Give your family wrangler clear instructions and make sure they understand the importance of their role. They should know the timeline, the location for the photos, and have a copy of the shot list. If possible, introduce them to your photographer before the wedding day so they can coordinate and work together efficiently. Clear communication and preparation will help ensure everything runs smoothly.
4. Consider Any Special Circumstances
Accommodate Certain Family Members
If you have a grandmother in a wheelchair or a toddler with a short attention span, consider their needs when planning the photo session. It might be better to go to them for the formal family photos rather than making them wait for an extended period. This approach ensures that everyone is comfortable and reduces the risk of restlessness or frustration.
Prioritize Special Individuals
Keep these individuals at the top of your shot list so their portraits are taken first. This ensures that they are included in the most important photos and minimizes any inconvenience for them. Share this information with your photographer well before the wedding day to ensure they are aware and can plan accordingly. This consideration will help make the photo session more efficient and enjoyable for everyone.
Plan for Flexibility
Be prepared to adjust the plan if needed. For example, if a young child is having a meltdown or an older family member needs a break, be flexible and work around their needs. Your photographer can help you adapt and find the best way to capture these important moments without causing unnecessary stress.
5. Inform Your Photographer of Any Family Tension or Loss
Sensitivity and Awareness
If there is a divorce in the family, certain members who don’t get along, or a recent loss, inform your photographer. This knowledge allows them to be sensitive to these dynamics and avoid potentially awkward situations. For example, they can ensure that divorced parents are not placed next to each other in group photos, or they can handle delicate situations with care and respect.
Plan for Separate Photos
If necessary, plan for separate photos with certain family members to avoid uncomfortable interactions. Your photographer can help coordinate these arrangements discreetly. For instance, you might have separate photos with each parent if they are divorced and do not get along. This approach helps maintain a positive atmosphere and ensures that everyone feels comfortable.
6. Share Your Family Photo Shot List with Important Family Members Prior to the Wedding
Avoid Tension and Drama
Sharing the shot list with key family members ahead of time helps avoid tension and unnecessary drama on the wedding day. For instance, if your mother-in-law wants a photograph with every member of her family, discussing this in advance can save time and prevent misunderstandings. This approach helps manage expectations and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Set Expectations
Set clear expectations with your family members about the importance of being on time and ready for their photos. Explain how their cooperation helps make the process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Clear communication and setting expectations will help ensure that everyone is prepared and ready to participate.
ARE YOU A BRIDE PLANNING YOUR WEDDING?
If you answered YES, I would love to help! I pride myself in over-delivering in customer service, and am here to help you with anything you might need!
or feel free to email me at hello@alexlasota.com. Happy Planning!
