group wedding photos – to have or not to have?
In my opinion group wedding photos are soooo important, an absolute must on your big day!! When else do you manage to gather all of your nearest and dearest in their absolute bestest clobber!? Literally never!!
Just weddings and funerals!! (and funeral group shots? Not really a vibe!!).
The thing is, they don’t have to be stressful! And they certainly don’t need to take up valuable champagne-sipping, canape-nibbling time! In fact, let’s try and make them as fun as possible!!
Here are my top tips for avoiding the stress and smashing out the absolute best group photos!!
don’t go overboard!
I would suggest having between 8 and 10 group photos. Going over and above just means it takes up more of your valuable time, as let’s face it, you guys (being that you are the most important people of the day) will be in most, if not, all of the photos!
Bear in mind, that each group wedding photo takes around 3 minutes to organise. So times that by 10 groups and you have a reasonable 30 minutes, which is totally doable!!
I am often asked by my couples, who they should include. As a guide, I would suggest the following;
- Whole group photo
- Couple + groom’s immediate family
- Couple + groom’s parents
- Couple + groom’s parents + grandparents
- Couple + bride’s immediate family
- Couple + bride’s parents
- Couple + bride’s parents + grandparents
- Couple + groomsmen
- Couple + bridesmaids + flower girls
- Couple + whole wedding party (groomsmen + bridesmaids/flower girls)
And, if there are additional friend combinations that you would like included, just let me know as I can do these later on in the day, in a less formal style.
Make a list!!
I ask each and every one of my couples to provide me with a list of the important group wedding photos a few weeks before the wedding. So I, on the day, am fully prepared and know exactly who to include. Of course, you can add more as the night goes on and the drinks flow, but, I do insist on this list in advance, that way we can’t possibly forget anyone!!
Delegate a rounder-upper!
(Winner, winner if it’s someone who isn’t shy and doesn’t mind shouting!!)
I always ask my couples if they can think of someone who would be a rounder-upper!! That guy/gal is my bestie for the day!!
People wander off!! They get chatting, start queuing for a drink, disappear to the loo. So I need a wingman!! Someone that can find those stragglers and gather them up for me, whilst I stay put, taking the actual photos!!
I like to use an Usher if you have one, (they always need a job!!) but they ideally need to know people from both sides of the family, or like I said, have a loud, shouty voice!! Either works well!!
I’ll always share my group list so we all have something to work from and tick off, plus I do ask for family/friend names, so we can all shout for “VALERIE” when we need her!!
(And this is me!!! feeling like I’m actually herding cats!! Everyday life!!)
Read the crowd
The traditional face-the-camera line-ups are what most people expect from their group photos. But I also like to have a bit of fun, if I can, and most of my couples expect that really!! If I feel the group may be up for a few “fun” shots, I’m there!!
So, let’s strike a pose! Let’s get the smoke grenades involved! Or we could even go strictly ‘editorial’ and seat people ‘Vogue‘ styleeee!!
Winter weddings
Winter weddings are absolutely B E A U T I F U L!!!! I love them!! The moody skies, the rolling fog, the faux-fur wraps, the cosy fires!! I’m there baby!! Book me IN!!!!!!
But, they do come with time issues!!
Obviously, we are working with a limited amount of daylight! So, I would recommend either having the earliest ceremony, to allow for group and couple photos afterward. Or, let’s do the group photos before the ceremony!! Then the couple shots afterward??
It’s all about using the best available light, in every scenario.
I prefer to use natural light whenever possible. Obvs this doesn’t work for those all-important dance floor shots, but group and couple shots need that natural light baby!!
I’m hoping this blog post has been handy and it helps you to nail your group wedding photos. If you are interested in more helpful hints and tips check out my blog here.
If you’re looking for an informal wedding photographer, hit me up – I would love to chat!
