Your Guide to Group Photos
Group photos are the small part of the day when we do the "formal" portraits with your family and friends. While many people say they aren't fussed about doing them at all I always urge you to do some, if not for yourselves then for family who want that photo on the wall. They're also the photos I always see in wedding albums because it's nice to look back and point out who each person was to your family in years to come, just like you enjoyed looking through old family albums when you were young! Here's a list of the most commonly asked-for photos as a starting point.
Most requested group photos
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Everyone
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The Newlyweds, and one side of the family
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The Newlyweds, and the other side of the family
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The Newlyweds, and one set of parents
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The Newlyweds, and the other set of parents
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The Newlyweds and grandparents
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The Newlyweds and friends
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The Newlyweds and each side of the wedding party
Why only ten?
As a guide, I always estimate that each group photo takes 5 minutes to set up. When the groups are small, it's a lot faster, but when they're large groups with different people in each, it can take longer. As we only have about two hours between the ceremony and the wedding breakfast, an hour is a large chunk of time when you could be enjoying some drinks with your friends and family.
Of course, if you want more than ten group photos, that's no problem at all, it's your wedding day! Just be aware of the above and plan your day accordingly.
Best approach
Once you've sent me your list, I'll put them into an order so that people aren't constantly stepping in and out. I'll prioritise kids and any members of the family with mobility issues, so make sure you tell me who those people are when you're writing your list. It's also handy to know people's full names, not just Auntie Mary, so that there's no confusion when I'm calling out names.
I almost always do group photos immediately after the confetti photo, as everyone is in one place, and no one has found the bar yet! Some people suggest you delegate a bridesmaid or groomsman
to round people up, but from my experience, this doesn't work. They often get distracted chatting to other guests, so I find it easier to shout. That said, I'm only small, and when my voice hits top volume, it just cuts out! So a loud person to stand next to me and shout would be appreciated (teachers are brilliant if you have any coming).
Sometimes guests cut in and say, "Can we just have a quick photo with..." If it's one you do really want, let me know, and we'll add it in. Otherwise, feel free to blame me and say that because of time constraints, you can't do it right now. I'm always happy to do less formal group portraits later on.
Do they have to look boring?
No! I like to try and get people involved, and the more laughs the better. Sometimes I'll tell people to hug the person next to them, or tell everyone to stare at the person who is most likely to be blind drunk by 9 pm. I'll read the crowd and see what works best. It doesn't always work, but I'll do my best to get some laughs.
Here are some group photos from the past that have worked well.
