The Secret to Quick, Stress-Free Family Portraits on Your Wedding Day

Brides, one of my favorite moments of the wedding day is the family formals! Weddings are often the only time all of my extended family is gathered in one place, so it's the perfect opportunity for those cherished family portraits. Family formals usually happen right after the ceremony, and while this is an exciting moment, it can also be a little hectic. But don’t worry—I’ve got a few tips to make this part of your day go as smoothly and quickly as possible!

1. Make a List of Family Groupings

Before your wedding day, take some time to list out all the family members you want included in the family photos. This includes both your side and your fiancé's side of the family. Once you have the list, think about family combinations that you'd like to capture—parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. Not only will this ensure you don’t miss any important family members, but it will also help us move through the photos more efficiently. Having a well-organized list allows us to call out each combination and keeps things moving smoothly, so your family can get back to the celebration sooner.

2. Communicate with Your Family in Advance

Once you have your groupings, notify your family ahead of time about the family photos. Let them know they’ll need to be ready right after the ceremony. This will help avoid the classic wedding scenario where a family member has wandered off to grab a drink or, worse, disappeared to find their car! A little preemptive heads-up can save a lot of time and hassle on the big day.

3. Designate a Meeting Spot

Designate a central meeting location for your family right after the ceremony. I typically suggest keeping everyone in the ceremony area until it's time for the family formals. Having a specific location for family members to gather makes it easier to get them all together quickly. This plan will help keep everyone organized and will make the photo process much faster.

I hope these tips help make your family formals a breeze! I love working with each of my couples to create a timeline that suits their needs and ensures every moment is captured beautifully. If you found this post helpful, you might also enjoy reading Your Wedding Day Timeline for more tips on planning your big day.