Wedding Day Family Portraits – How to Prepare for a Stress Free, Fun and Quick Session

Wedding day family portraits are a very small part of your schedule, but these photos are often some of the most important and cherished from your entire day. Your whole family is together and looking great! When’s the last time that happened? Let’s face it, these photos aren’t exactly the most fun part of your day either and there’s usually a cocktail hour that guests are eager to get to!   Here are 7 ways to make these photos stress free, fun and quick!

1. It’s becoming more and more common to do photos before the ceremony. If you’re doing a first look why not schedule in time for the rest! That way you and your family can enjoy the entire cocktail hour!
2. If a first look isn’t for you, consider not doing a receiving line as your guests exit after your ceremony. A receiving line is a great way to say a quick hello to your guests, but it chews up a TON of time and often cuts into family formals pushing the schedule back for the rest of the day.
3. Communicate with your family! Let them know they’re needed following the ceremony for portraits. Searching for family members isn’t how you want to spend your time.
4. Prepare for this time of the day! We ask each couple to provide a list of family formals they would like long before the wedding rolls around. We print out several copies of the list, one for us and a few to hand out to family members. It’s a great way to keep them in the loop.
5. Weather permitting, take these photos outside! There’s nothing more flattering than natural light.
6. Do large group photos at the reception instead. Have the DJ call for specific groups of people you’d like photographed. The result is often a more natural and relaxed photo you’re sure to love.
7. Have your photographer call and organize your family. My assistant has a copy of the list and is organizing the next grouping while I’m shooting. It’s efficient and stress free for the bride and groom.