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Family photos are one of the most special but potentially stressful parts of your wedding day. While it’s wonderful to have generations gathered together looking their best, it can feel overwhelming to organize everyone and get the shots you want.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make family photo sessions smoother and less frustrating, ensuring you can move on to the celebration without a hitch!
Why Family Photos Can Be Stressful
The ceremony is over, and you’re ready to hit the party, but first comes the family photo session. This is often the trickiest part of the day for couples, as it can feel like “herding cats.” With a little preparation and strategy, though, you can make this part of your wedding day painless.
Step 1: Plan the Timing and Location
Why After the Ceremony is Ideal
Most couples opt to have family photos immediately after the ceremony, and here’s why:
Everyone is already in one place.
Hair and makeup are fresh.
Guests haven’t yet scattered to the bar or dance floor.
When to Consider a Different Time
If you have a small family photo list (parents, grandparents, and siblings), taking these pictures before the ceremony might work. However, larger group photos involving aunts, uncles, and cousins are best saved for after the ceremony.
Why? The more people and variables you add, the greater the chance for delays. For example, if Aunt Sally is running late for pre-ceremony photos, it could throw off your entire timeline. After the ceremony, everyone will already be present and ready to go.
Step 2: Create a Detailed Photo List
Preparation is key to a smooth family photo session. Work with your photographer to create a list of photo combinations before the wedding day. You can check out my Example List here!
How to Organize Your List
Start with Large Groups
Example: Full extended family photo with parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Break Down Smaller Groups
After the large group photo, excuse extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins) and focus on grandparents and immediate family.
From there, reduce the group to just parents and siblings.
Prioritize Key Shots
Note which photos are most important to you.
For example, grandparents may not stay late at the reception, so prioritize their photos over extended family or friends.
Family Dynamics
Take family dynamics into account, especially if there are recent divorces or separations. Share these details with your photographer so they can navigate groupings sensitively.
Step 3: Communicate With Everyone Involved
Share the Photo Schedule
Let family members know when and where photos will be taken. About a week before the wedding, send a group email or text to everyone involved.
If the ceremony and reception are at different locations, make sure family members don’t leave before the photos are finished.
Designate Family Helpers
Assign a family member from each side to help your photographer find people on the photo list. Your wedding planner and photographer don’t know everyone, so having a cousin or aunt assist can speed things up.
Step 4: Estimate the Time Needed
Work with your photographer to estimate how long family photos will take based on your list and venue.
Factors that influence timing:
The number of groupings.
The size of the venue and ease of moving groups.
The photographer’s workflow.
Step 5: Be Ready to Adapt
If time runs short, prioritize your must-have photos. For example:
Formal shots with grandparents should take precedence over individual shots with cousins.
Cousin photos can often happen casually during the reception.
Quick Tips for a Smooth Family Photo Session
Prepare a Photo List: Use a worksheet to organize all your groupings. Download mine here!
Share the List: Ensure your photographer, planner, and family helpers have a copy.
Set Expectations: Communicate with family about timing and location beforehand.
Choose Helpers: Designate one person per side of the family to assist.
Be Flexible: Know your priorities and be ready to adjust if time is tight.