How to Achieve Stress Free Wedding Day Family Photos

September 25, 2021

Wedding Day Family Photos Free of Stress!

Amidst florals, sweet treats, and newlywed kisses, achieving stress free wedding day family photos often gets lost in the shuffle in a wedding planning to do list. Time and time again, we find this is often a point of confusion. When we bring the question to our couples, it’s often assumed that those most important will need to be where they need to be and when. However, that’s not usually the case.

To mitigate the common challenges, we share the same tips with our couples during each planning process. Though we are great secret keepers, we want to be generous with these ones 😉 In an effort to help all engaged couples, we are here! So below, we are going to share those same top 4 tips with all of you.

Top 4 Tips for Wedding Day Family Photos

1.) Drama, Drama, Drama!

With many loved ones comes many different dynamics. As beautiful as weddings are, we are all still human. In each family there can be certain sensitive dynamics. There can be tension among certain loved ones. To ensure any family tensions don’t get in the way of your big day, make your wedding vendors aware of any specific dynamics to be sensitive about. Doing this in writing before your wedding day provides clear, same page communication for all. This way, you don’t have to worry about Aunt Sue and Stepmother Jane. That’s for us to navigate! All you have to do is sit back and enjoy your gorgeous day.

**photographers tip: if you have parents who will not be photographed together, try putting all the men on one side and women on the other. This way you still have all the parents in the same photos without any of the eye rolling.

Fort Myers wedding family portrait

2.) Communication is Key!

Let family and cherished friends know before the wedding day if you want them to be included in any photos. As we shared above, loved ones are often so sweetly humble. So when it comes to being in special photos, they may have no idea this is desired! Be sure to let every loved one know that they will be needed on the wedding day for those special shots. Along with this, be sure to also include when family photos will be done, and where to be. These questions are best worked out with your wedding photographer and planner, as things like a first look, sunset time, and more will steer the timing of group photos. When you share this information with your loved ones, we recommend doing so in written form, like via email, so they can refer back to it whenever needed. For an example of a wedding photo shot list, we love this article from WeddingWire: A Wedding Family Portrait Checklist for Your Photographer

3.) Go Big After “I do”

An easy way to be sure those needed are where they need to be for photos is to tackle the biggest group photo immediately after the ceremony. This way, it’s a guarantee everyone that needs to be there is there and ready. Psss, we often joke here that the faster everyone cooperates the sooner they can partake in the open bar! 😂

wedding family photo

4.) Largest to Smallest

Organize photo shot lists with the biggest groups in mind first. From there, you will wiggle down the shots to solely the bride’s side, followed by the grooms side. You will share these lists with your photographer and planner, as well as all loved ones involved. Being sure everyone is communicated with with the same list ensures the least amount of confusion possible. It also helps others stay on track. If Aunt Nicole sees Uncle Bob walking to cocktail hour but she knows he is on the photo list, she can help be sure he stays put.

**photographer’s tip: make your list with kids and the elderly right after the large group photo. These two sets have the least patience and will tend to wear down the quickest.

Fort Myers wedding bridal party

Simply put, communication and planning ahead with your wedding photographer and family will save the day! We can’t wait to hear what extra special guests we will be photographing on your big day.

Looking for some more wedding planning tips? Head this way: Twisting Traditions: How To Personalize Wedding Traditions to Best Fit You

Written by Social Curator: Kelsey Pfleiderer

How to Achieve Stress Free Wedding Day Family Photos

Wedding Day Family Photos Free of Stress!