FAMILY PHOTOS ON A WEDDING DAY IN 30 MINUTES!

March 16th, 2018

FAMILY PHOTOS ON A WEDDING DAY IN 30 MINUTES.

Here’s 5 tips to ensure it happens stress less!

Most couples are very stressed during this part of their day.  There is always some element of crazy going on, not to mention any drama if there are special family circumstances. That is why I prepared five easy steps to navigate your family portrait time successfully and stress less.

1. LOCATION

Finding location for your Family photos is very important. It also depends how many family members are there. But be sure to have at least two locations. One in the case of rain and one outside. If it is possible I always go and see the location before to know exactly where the photos will be taken. So maybe you should ask your photographer to do the same. At the end you don’t want to much confusion with your family members.

2. TIMING

Family portraits should take place immediately following your ceremony.  Have the officiant or DJ announce the location and timing prior to releasing your guests to cocktail hour.  This is important, before guests disperse.   Trust me, you don’t want to gather people while they are at cocktail hour.

3. LIST OF COMBINATIONS

I try to add list of Family combination on my timeline together with the bride and groom before the wedding day. Be sure to specifying the groups of people you would like for formal photos.  Further below is a list of typical combinations on a wedding day.

IMMEDIATE FAMILY

* Ideal Time Allotment – 20-40 minutes

* Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Afternoon
* Ideal Location -Venue Lobby, Venue Garden, Beach, Park, Off-site Location

* Advice – Immediate Family Photos should take another 15 minutes. It’s important to have additional images with your parents, grandparents, and siblings beyond the basic formal (mentioned in the section below).

Plan on 3 minutes per group on average.  For example, if you have 10 groups, schedule in a 30 minute time slot.

We all know how much weddings mean to the immediate family, and we want to make sure we’re capturing enough pictures with them.

FORMALS (EXTENDED FAMILY, IMMEDIATE FAMILY, AND FRIENDS)

*Ideal Time Allotment – 35-60 minutes
*Ideal Time of the Day – Morning or Afternoon (Post Ceremony)
*Ideal Location – Ceremony Site

Advice – Formals should take around 35 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size of your family and the number of guests.

Plan on 3 minutes per group on average.  For example, if you have 10 groups, schedule in a 30 minute time slot.

Some couples have decided that they want a picture with all guests while others have decided that they only want pictures with select VIPs to save time. We recommend something in between.

We also recommend being very organized, with a list of groups and helpers from each side of the family to help round people up.

4. DELEGATION

The key to a stress-free family portrait session is delegation.   You know that bossy person in your family?  Put that talent to good use.  Ask that person (one for each side of the family) to gather all people involved in these portraits.  A bridal attendant works as well.

5. ORGANIZATION

Your designated family member should have everyone in queue according to your list.  If we are at the ceremony site, they may simply sit in the seating area until they are called upon.