GROUP PHOTOS AT WEDDINGS: HOW, HOW MANY, WHY PREPARE?
When it comes to wedding photography, group photos are an essential part of capturing the day’s most cherished memories. Whether it’s the family portrait, your bridal party lineup, or a big group shot with all your guests, these photos are ones you’ll treasure forever. However, many couples underestimate the time and coordination needed to make them happen smoothly.
Here’s why planning your group photos ahead of time—both in terms of who’s included and how many shots you’ll take—can make a huge difference on your wedding day.
HOW TO PLAN GROUP PHOTOS WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Your wedding day will be busy, emotional, and full of moving parts. The last thing you want to be doing is deciding on the spot who should be in which group photo or scrambling to find Uncle John when it’s time for the family portrait. That’s why it’s critical to work with your photographer ahead of time to create a group photo list.
Key tips for planning group photos:
Make a prioritized list: Decide on the most important groups to photograph (e.g., immediate family, bridal party, grandparents, etc.).
Keep it concise: Limit the total number of group photos to around 8–10. Each setup can take 3–5 minutes, and long lists can eat into your timeline.
Assign a helper: Designate a trusted friend or family member who knows everyone to help gather people for each shot.
Your photographer will appreciate this preparation, as it allows them to focus on capturing great images instead of wrangling guests or improvising on the spot.
HOW MANY GROUP PHOTOS IS TOO MANY?
While it’s tempting to want a picture with every combination of family members, friends, and extended relatives, it’s important to remember that wedding timelines are tight. It’s best to prioritize quality over quantity.
Why stick to 10 or fewer group shots?
Time management: Each group photo requires gathering people, posing them, and ensuring everyone looks their best. Even small delays can quickly add up.
Energy levels: Standing in one place for too long can tire you out and detract from your overall enjoyment of the day.
Maximizing variety: By keeping group shots efficient, you leave more time for creative portraits, candid moments, and shots of the décor, venue, and party.
WHY PREPARE IN ADVANCE?
Preparation is key to stress-free group photos. Without a plan, it’s easy to run into common issues like missing guests, rushed photos, or running out of time altogether. Here’s why advance planning matters:
Smooth scheduling: Your photographer can incorporate group photos into your timeline, ensuring there’s enough time without cutting into the fun parts of the day.
Avoid last-minute decisions: On the wedding day, emotions run high, and schedules can be hectic. Having a clear plan means you won’t have to think on the spot or risk forgetting someone important.
Better results: With a plan in place, your photographer can focus on lighting, posing, and composition—leading to polished, professional results.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Group photos are a meaningful part of your wedding album, but they don’t have to dominate the day. By planning ahead with your photographer, limiting the number of group shots, and prioritizing the people who matter most, you can ensure that this part of the day goes smoothly and efficiently.
When you look back on your wedding photos, you’ll be grateful for the care and preparation that went into making each shot feel effortless and timeless. So, start early, stay organized, and let your photographer guide you through the process!
If you’re looking for a photographer who can help you plan and capture your group shots with ease, reach out—I’d love to work with you!