How to Create the Ultimate Family Formal Photo List

Weddings can be one of the best times to get group pictures with all of your loved ones. So that you can best enjoy your wedding day - getting to dinner and dancing sooner, or just helping grandma get off her feet, creating an organized list will truly be a godsend on your wedding day! Before creating a list- talk with your significant other and discuss what is important to YOU and both of you.

Before formals - it is important that the people you want photographed are aware of this. You can send them a text, group email, or whatever before the wedding day so that they are prepared. Not everyone knows what is “normal" or “expected” on a wedding day. And at some point before or after the ceremony make sure to have some announcement directing the family members and loved ones on where to go or stay. Again - helping everyone stay organized!

I always encourage to do the biggest groups first and work our way down in groupings. This way grandma or the little ones are in the pictures right away and don’t have to be there the entire time. I encourage you to keep this minimal for formals and do what fits YOUR family, as everyone is unique and wonderful.

Key points:

• Keep the two of you in all the photos to minimize constant shuffling

• Keep the list to your core basics with your immediate family.

  • If you do want extended family photos during family formals, I recommend doing 1 large group photo instead of multiple groupings.

  • You can get extended group photos of great aunts and uncles during dinner.

  • Adding a huge list after the ceremony can cause extra unnecessary stress.

• Know what your venue expectations are

  • some churches/locations have a hard cut off time.

  • If you have a list of 42 combinations and we only have 20 minutes after the ceremony to sign the license and get through all the combinations - it will not happen

• Go with your gut.

  • If you want a certain group combination, add it to the list. Your photographer is here for you.

  • If you personally don’t want a certain family photo - you do not have to take it!

• Let people know they are needed for photos!

  • Not everyone knows family formals are a thing - tell them if they are included and where to go!

Example List:

• Couple with grandparents

• Couple with little ones (flower girl and ring bearer)

• Couple with spouse A immediate family

• Couple with spouse A parents

• Couple with both parents

• Couple with spouse B parents

• Couple with Spouse B immediate family