while most of your wedding day is about documenting those unplanned moments or those ‘just married’ snuggles, I realize that family photos are just as important. these people are your ride or dies and probably some of the most printed photographs of the day. below are some important tips to help the family portrait part of your wedding day run smoothly!

location

We are talking about light again. Brainstorm ahead of time where you would like your family portraits. Somewhere with natural even light. Think shade, not bright sun, and somewhere with a non-distracting background. Plain walls or greenery usually work great for this.

inform your peeps

Make sure everyone who is in the photo knows where to be and when. There is nothing worse then waiting for dad who is yucking it up with his old work buddy while we are trying to bust through some photos. Dads...gotta love ‘em.

timing

This goes back to what I said about getting your posse ready to go. We only have a limited amount of time to get through all these groups so we can focus on the two of you and your bridal party, so make sure all the ducks are in a row.

tip

Be sure to let your photographer know of any family tensions or special circumstances beforehand so we can avoid any family brawls . . .just kidding . . . kind of ;)

bonus tip

If you are wearing a veil, make sure to inform people standing next to you to put their hand under so they are not yanking your head back every two seconds. Also tell people to not be afraid to get close to you and go ahead and tuck their feet right under your dress.

Here is my standard family shot list for wedding day family portraits. these are the combinations that I always do at every wedding. If you are wanting any other family groupings, let your photographer know. Keep in mind that this will usually add more time, so plan accordingly.

Want an extended family photo? make sure everyone in the group knows the photo is happening and consider saving it for during the reception! are there special people not necessarily involved in the wedding party that you want your photographer to pay close attention to? Let them know that too so we can focus on them and not random 2nd cousin Bill who got an invite and is partying a too hard on the dance floor.

BRIDES FAMILY

Bride w/ Mom

Bride w/ Dad

Bride w/ both parents

Bride w/ each sibling

Bride w/ all siblings

Bride & Groom w/ all siblings

Bride & Groom w/ Bride’s Immediate Family

Bride & Groom w/ Bride’s Parents

Bride & Groom w/ Brides Grandparents

Bride w/ each Grandparent

BOTH FAMILIES

Bride & Groom w/ Both Sets of Parents

Bride & Groom w/ Both Immediate Families

GROOMS FAMILY

Bride & Groom w/ Groom’s Immediate Family

Bride & Groom w/ all siblings

Bride & Groom w/ Groom’s Parents

Groom w/ both parents

Groom w/ Mom

Groom w/ Dad

Groom w/ each sibling

Groom w/ all siblings

Groom w/ each Grandparent

Bride & Groom w/ Grandparents