FORMAL FAMILY PORTRAITS
Formal family portraits are some of the most meaningful images from a wedding day. They're the photos you get to look back on and cherish those who spent the day celebrating with you. They're the photos full of loved ones that might not be with us forever, making them even more special to hold on to and even pass down for generations long after the celebration has ended. While family photos are incredibly important, they’re also one of the most common sources of stress on a wedding day if they aren’t planned with intention.
With a little preparation and clear communication between family and your photographer, family photos can run smoothly, efficiently, and even enjoyably. Here’s how to ensure your family portraits feel effortless on your wedding day.
PLAN AHEAD
The most stress-free wedding days are always the most thoughtfully planned ones. Ahead of your wedding day it is so important that you create or work with your photographer to create a clear family photo list. Having a family photo list is crucial for a smooth flowing day. The family photo portion of a wedding day is often the culprit for a delayed timeline. Having this list prepared in advance eliminates guesswork and keeps portraits moving efficiently, so no one is standing around wondering what comes next. This also ensures you get the photos you request because truthfully, even for a seasoned photographer, working with that many people can get hectic quickly which may result in some missed important shots. While creating your family photo list, be sure to include detailed information on who will be joining you in each photo.
These details should include:
The First and Last Names of immediate family members
Any extended family you’d like photographed
Special groupings that matter most to you
Below is an example of how a family photo list should look when planned out for your wedding day.
Couple + Bride’s Parents
Couple + Bride’s Parents + Siblings
Couple + Bride’s Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Couple + Bride’s Grandparents
Bride + Parents
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Siblings
Bride + Grandparents
Couple + Groom’s Parents
Couple + Groom’s Parents + Siblings
Couple + Groom’s Parents + Siblings + Grandparents
Couple + Groom’s Grandparents
Groom + Parents
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Groom + Siblings
Groom + Grandparents
Couple + All Bride’s Family
Couple + All Groom’s Family
Couple + Both Immediate Families
EARLY ARRIVAL
Ask your families to arrive EARLIER than scheduled! One of the biggest delays during family portraits is waiting for people to arrive. To avoid this, let family members know they should be present earlier than the official portrait time, the sweet spot is approximately 15 minutes before the requested start time.
This buffer allows time for any last minute touch-ups, bathroom breaks, organizing head count, and over all feeling relaxed and unrushed. When family knows where to be and when, the entire process feels more relaxed—and your timeline stays intact.
FAMILY DYNAMICs
Communicate family dynamics with your photographer! This is such an important piece when scheduling and creating a calm, stress free experience during family photos. Every family is unique and has their own way of working, but your photographer might not know that. Be sure to inform your photographer of any dynamics that may affect your groupings for portraits.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO RELAY INCLUDES
- Divorced Parents
- Step Family
- Sensitive Relationships
- Deceased loved ones you'd like honored
- Must Have Groupings
- Special Needs for Family Members
- "Please Avoid" Groupings
Sharing this information ahead of time allows your photographer to guide portraits with care, discretion, and respect—creating a comfortable experience for everyone involved.
ASSIGN AN ASSISTANT
One of the simplest (and most effective) ways to keep family portraits stress-free is assigning a trusted person such as a sibling, close friend, or planner to help gather family members. Assigning a point person to help gather family members during your formal family portraits makes the process so much easier. This person should be someone who is there for all the family groupings and have a comfortable standing with majority of those groupings. Don't be afraid to pick someone who isn't afraid to speak up.
THIS PERSONS DUTIES MIGHT INCLUDE:
- Round people up when it’s time
- Can move quickly to grab missing family members if needed
- Help take a head count
- Ensure no one wanders off mid-portraits
- Assists members who may need extra help
PRE CEREMONY PORTRAITS
With the help of your photographer, you can plan on completing majority if not all of your family portraits on your wedding before the ceremony even takes place. Your timeline can be customized so that after your ceremony, you won't have to worry about organized photos for all of your family members. It is possible but you could be risking a tight timeline. By adding in a first look (read my previous blog post on First Looks HERE) prior to your ceremony, this could free up some time to make completing family photos before the ceremony possible.
If your timeline allows, completing family portraits before the ceremony can be extremely beneficial.
THESE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Fewer time constraints later in the day
- Family can enjoy cocktail hour sooner
- Less pressure immediately following the ceremony
- When family portraits are already complete, the rest of the day flows more freely—and you get to stay present instead of being pulled away.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Trust the process and stay present. Once the planning is done, allow yourself to let go. Trust your photographer, your timeline, and the people supporting you. Family portraits don’t need to feel rushed or chaotic—in fact, they can be a calm pause in the middle of an emotional day.
When everyone knows the plan, shows up on time, and works together, family photos become what they’re meant to be: a meaningful moment shared with the people who helped shape your story. If you ever find yourself needing a little assistance, don't worry and lean on the loved ones surrounding you. We're all there to make your day as special and enjoyable as possible.
