How to Make Your Family Photo List for Your Wedding Day
Can I be real with you for a moment? Family photos during a wedding can be seriously stressful! I mean, your photographer’s on a time crunch, your parents are busy with guests, the little ones might be cranky from missed naps, and you and your new husband (so exciting to say that!) are ready to party at the reception.Emotions can really run high during this part of the day for many reasons. But don’t worry, making a family photo list for your wedding day can help ease the tension and give you all some special pictures to cherish. What’s a family photo shot list?
A family photo shot list is a lineup of all the different family groups you want your photographer to take pictures of on your wedding day.
While your photographer might not need a list for pictures of your close friends or the bride and groom, they might not know your family well.
So, having a family photo shot list is important to:
- Make sure you get pictures with all the important people.
- Avoid missing anyone. You wouldn’t want to miss a photo with Grandma just because the photographer doesn’t recognize her!
How can you create a family photo shot list for your wedding?
Creating your family photo list might feel overwhelming at first. But as you think about which groups to include, ask yourself:
- Which photos will you want to display in your album?
- Which groups truly matter to you, not just to meet expectations?
- Will you be sad if certain groups are left out?
- How much time can you spare for family photos?
- What matters more: taking many family photos or enjoying time with friends and family at your reception?
Recommended Family Photo Shot List for Your Wedding Day
When you factor in getting everyone together, arranging the pose, fixing your dress, and taking multiple shots for each group to make sure everyone looks good, you can anticipate around three minutes per group photo.
PARTNER 1’S SIDE
- Partner 1 with mom
- Partner 1 with dad
- Partner 1 with both parents
- both parents alone
- Partner 1 & 2 with bride’s parents
- Partner 1 & 2 with immediate family (partner 1’s parents, siblings)
- Partner 1 & 2 with immediate family + (siblings’ spouses and children)
- Partner 1 & 2 with maternal grandparents
- Partner 1 & 2 with paternal grandparents
PARTNER 2’S SIDE
- Partner 2 with mom
- Partner 2 with dad
- Partner 2 with both parents
- Both parents alone
- Partner 2 & 1 with parents
- Partner 2 & 1 with immediate family (partner 2’s parents, siblings)
- Partner 2 & 1 with immediate family + (siblings’ spouses and children)
- Partner 2 & 1 with groom’s maternal grandparents
- Partner 2 & 1 with paternal grandparents
BOTH SIDES
- Partner 1 & 2 with both sets of parents
- Partner 1 & 2 with both sets of immediate families
If there’s something you want that isn’t listed here, don’t stress! Feel free to modify the list as necessary. My suggestion is to stick to around 15 groupings and focus on immediate family and grandparents. This way, you can wrap up family photos in about an hour and fully enjoy your reception! You can always take pictures with extended family during the reception. Remember, it’s YOUR big day, after all.
Families vary widely. Some are traditional, while others include step-relations or friends who feel like family. No matter your family type, they’ve surely influenced you significantly. Show your appreciation by allocating time for family photos.
