Spoiler. Group Photos Are Really Important
When planning a wedding, some couples don’t like the idea of having lots of group photos taken. I can relate to that. We had the same thoughts when planning our wedding day. I’ve been to many weddings, which involve standing around waiting for pictures. One of my concerns was missing out on the fizz and canapés. Our opinion changed after meeting with our photographer. He explained why group shots are essential. And then it made sense. Looking back through our album, I can’t imagine those photos not existing. There’s one photo of my wife’s late grandmother, holding onto my wife’s arm, beaming with pride. It’s a photo we’ll always treasure. So even if you prefer modern, reporting style photography, which many people do. Traditional group pictures are equally important for documenting the event. This blog explains why group shots are crucial to the wedding album and offers advice on planning to capture them.
01.
Everybody Lives Busy Lives
Weddings are so special. For one day in the hectic diary that is ‘life’, you are surrounded by the people you love—family and friends all under one roof. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a snapshot of this unique occasion.
The photos are essential documents in family history and your story. Think about the generations ahead. You may have children or grandchildren. Imagine looking through the album with them, remembering the guests you shared your special day with. Some may no longer be with you, but they are precious memories.
Many family selfies are ruined by half of Dad’s head missing out of the shot, Aunty Margaret blinking, or a dodgy flash that gives your brother evil red eyes. Seize the chance to get your loved ones in a photo captured by a professional photographer.
02.
The Family Portrait
Have you ever looked back at old family wedding photos? My parents never fail to make me laugh. My dad’s long, wavy locks in the 70s. My uncle looks like Rodney from Only Fools and Horses, with his lanky legs and a tank top. There are people in it whom I only met as a small child, but who have since passed away. And some whom I never got to meet. But they are a significant part of my parents’ lives. Part of my family tree. That’s why the short time needed to get your loved ones lined up on the day is so significant. You are recording your family portrait at that point in your life.
I understand that families come in all shapes and sizes. Perhaps your parents aren’t together anymore. In that instance, consider your extended family and step-relations and how that will impact the group shots. It will save the awkwardness of standing people together who don’t want to be next to each other, avoid any drama or ill feelings, and save the photographer some embarrassment!
Don’t think you must have photos taken with every family member, either. One large group shot works well for bigger families. Remember, it’s your day, and you will look back at them, so you have who you want in each picture.
03.
Friends Reunited
Group shots aren’t just about family. Friends can get in on the action, too.
Your guests could include University friends. Pals, you only see each other once a year because of hectic schedules and different locations. But when you see each other, it’s like being back at University again. The wedding is the perfect time to get a group reunion photo. Before the Jaeger bombs start in the evening reception, “for old times’ sake”. And before the photo stream of alcohol-induced selfies is underway.
Consider the classic groom with male friends shot, or a photo of the bride with her friends. You can combine classic shots with more informal ones if you like.
Some of your guests might be good friends with whom you went to school. You could have a replica school photograph taken. Compare it with the one captured a decade or more ago. You’re always guaranteed a laugh.
Think about group photos the photographer would not know about, such as friends, work colleagues, and close family friends. Don’t worry if all the pictures aren’t completed within the time allowed between the ceremony and reception. There is always time to take more photos after the wedding breakfast. You may also feel that the list covers everyone special, and that the best use of your photographer’s time is to capture all your guests naturally in candid shots instead of group photos. It’s all a balance!
04.
Plan, Plan, Plan Group Photos
Planning is key. Reduces the risk of missing someone. And save time during the day.
It’s a good idea to list the photos you’ll want. A good photographer will have a checklist containing classic group shot combinations. Look at the portfolio on your photographer’s website. See the classic combinations. If they are not already listed, add your own suggestions.
It doesn’t have to be a huge list. I suggest adding 6-10 more to the list below, but if all else fails, consider a table dash after you make your entrance to the wedding breakfast. That way, you can guarantee a photo with every single person and group.
Add these considerations to your checklist if you’d like formal family shots immediately after the ceremony, informal photos with friends at the drinks reception, or a combination of formal and informal group shots. The photographer can factor in the different locations into the day’s timing. I do not recommend doing photos immediately after the ceremony. You need time with your guests, so have a drink and a canapé and relax a little before any photos.
05.
You Can’t Beat A Good Ol’ Fashioned List For Group Photos
Print out the checklist and give the best man and the ushers the responsibility of rounding everyone up. With the instructions to let people know their shot is coming up. Avoids guests delaying things because of a toilet break. Or because they’re queuing at the bar.
I’ve put together a basic list as a starting point. Every family dynamic is different, so feel free to chop and change as you wish: bride/bride, groom/groom, etc. This is often how I like to shoot the group photos. The initial set of photos is quick, and then it’s a case of swapping people around, as they are often close by.
My rule of thumb is always to capture the “bridal party” initially. The bridal party would include all variations of partners, parents, brothers, sisters, groomspeople, bridesmaids, grandparents, and little ones. The list shown here usually takes around 20 minutes to complete.
Generic Group Gendered Shot List – Feel Free To Adjust As Required.
The list below is gendered. If your party has mixed genders/gender-neutral, use this as a base for your own list of photos.
- The bride, parents and any siblings
- The bride and siblings
- The bride, groom and her parents
- The bride and her parents
- The bride and mother
- The bride and father
- The bride, groom and both sets of parents
- The groom, parents and any siblings
- The groom and siblings
- The bride, groom and his parents
- The groom and his parents
- The groom and mother
- The groom and father
- The bride and groom with their grandparents
- The bride, groom and the bride’s grandparents
- The bride, groom and the groom’s grandparents
- The bride and groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, page boys and flower girls
- The bride and groom, bridesmaids, and flower girls
- The bride, groom, and bridesmaids
- The bride, bridesmaids, and the flower girls
- The bride and bridesmaids
- The bride and each of the bridesmaids
- The bride and groom, groomsmen and the page boys
- The bride and groom and groomsmen,
- The groom, groomsmen, and page boys
- The groom and groomsmen
- The groom with each of the groomsmen – add additional if more than 1 best man
- The bride, groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, flower girls and page boys
- The bride, groom, and entire wedding party—it’s great to do this directly after throwing confetti before drinks are served!
06.
Research and Create Group Photos
A good photographer will have researched the venue before your big day. They’ll have some ideas for different backdrop options. You must talk these ideas through with them before the day.
Remember, the more fun the photos are, the more relaxed people will be about having their picture taken. You can create some magical images that will make you smile when you look back in years to come.
Group photos don’t have to be classic lineups. As crucial as those photos are, you can also get creative. There are some incredible bridal party photos out there!
Group Photos or No Group Photos: A Summary
In the grand scheme of the whole day, these photos will take up only a short amount of time—if planned well, of course.
Your wedding marks a new chapter in your life. On the day, you’ll make unforgettable memories with the people you love. Capture these moments and document who was there.
Let your wedding album tell your story to future generations.
