Three Tips for Great Family Portraits & Family Formals Shot List | Dallas Wedding Photographer
“The thing I’m most excited for on my wedding day is all the family photos!” – No Bride Ever.
It’s true. Typically, couples aren’t super excited about their family photos. I understand! It might feel like a lot to organize. But I promise, there are ways of making them be fun and go smoothly so that you and your family get all the images you want and will treasure without the headache of tracking people down or coming up with endless combinations.
Today, I’m sharing three tips on family formals, as well as a sample shot list that just might make things a little bit easier.
Tip One: Plan Ahead! Provide your photographer with a detailed list of the family photos that are important to you. Discuss these with your fiancé (and mother and mother-in-law) in advance so that on the wedding day, your photographer can run through the list and allow you to have more time to enjoy your wedding day. Send out a copy of this list and a timeline to your family members so they know when to be where. That way, your planner or photographer won’t be spending valuable time tracking down family members.
Tip Two: Consider Extended Family. If you’re close to your extended family or if it’s very important to your parents, it’s worth considering having extended family photos taken. However, if you or your parents don’t feel strongly about them, there’s no rule that says you must take them, and no extended family photos means getting to your reception more quickly.
Tip Three: Timing. If you are doing a first look, family photos will likely happen prior to your ceremony. If you are not doing a first look, family photos will happen immediately following your ceremony. Extended family photos typically happen right after the ceremony. If you’re taking family photos after the ceremony, be sure to have your officiant announce who needs to stay put so that your family doesn’t head out to cocktail hour too soon!
