You just said your I DO’s, sealed it with a kiss, walked back down the aisle, hugged all your bridesmaids, signed your marriage license, and now it’s OFFICIAL…You’re married!!!!!!

Next up, formal family photo time!  There are 3 keys to success in this department: A Helper, a List, and a Plan! Years of experience and directing countless post-ceremony formal family photos have proven that these 3 things will ensure everything runs smoothly, efficiently, and stress-free.

This is our number one tip. Having a helper will be extremely important for keeping things as organized and stress-free as possible. Delegate someone to be your photographer’s right-hand man for the often hectic formal family photos. The helper’s job will be to have your list, round up people, get them organized, and be ready to jump in the photo when it’s their turn.

Luckily, if you are working with our team, your lead coordinator from ABC will be your helper! If not, pick someone who knows a majority of the people who will be in the photos. This will make rallying everyone up much easier. Communicate that the goal is to make this portion of the day as quick, smooth, and painless as possible for everyone involved. Believe us, people are often distracted catching up or getting antsy to get to the cocktail hour, and start celebrating during this time!

Time is of the essence. The more time you spend taking photos the less time we spend enjoying your special day with all the people you love!

First Tip: We highly recommend doing formal family photos right after the ceremony. Everyone is will already be gathered in one location, you’ll have their attention, and your arch or ceremony spot will make for the perfect backdrop.

Second Tip: Have your delegator (or ABC coordinator) organize people before they are needed for their photo so that when it’s their turn they can jump right in! If they are ready to go you can knock out the list in no time and everyone can get back to the party!

Third Tip: Use the microphone from the ceremony to call out names (if possible)! It will also show everyone you mean business. Using the mic will get everyone’s attention and make rallying people up much easier.

Make a physical list! Having one will make this portion of the day move as quickly and easily as possible. Do yourself, your photographer, and your delegated helper a favor and make one.

Who is on the list is completely up to you! Here is an idea of what your list may look like. It covers the most common immediate family combinations. There are endless variations which include extended family on both sides, solo photos with special family members, family friends, different friend groups, etc…

We highly recommend starting with a big group picture or family photos first. You are more likely to “lose” your guests before the Wedding Party.

PRO TIP: Try to organize the list so that it starts with big groups like the entire family and you can just take people away to make your desired combinations.

Keep in mind the more photos the more time, try and be sensible (trust us, you will be pretty over it by the end). However, these are YOUR photos so be sure to include all the ones you want with the people you want. Remember, if you forgot someone or come up with a combination of people you want on the spot just tell your photographer and coordinator, the list is just a guideline.

*** SEE OUR BLOG ON PHOTO ON CREATING A PHOTO SHOT LIST FOR MORE TIPS ****

Now you know our 3 keys to successful formal family photos! With a plan, a list, and a helper this formal family photo portion of your day will be quick and painless so you can get on with celebrating your special day!

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