Hi there,

Thank you so much for stopping by on my blog! I wanted to share family formals list that I have been using for years on a wedding day. I always share this list with my clients, so they can edit and add their own combinations if they would like. This is basic list and you can add more combinations to the list. The longer your list the more time you will need for family formal photos on your wedding day. From my experience people like more simple and shorter list so they can enjoy their wedding party instead of taking photos for an hour or more.

Getting people where they need to be for the photos is by far the most time consuming part of group shots! Please plan for about 1-4 minutes per photo for shots with fewer than 14 people, about 5-8 minutes per photo for shots with more than 14 people. It always takes some time to gather people together and pose them so that everyone can be seen, etc. 

Before the wedding day, please inform the people you want in formal photos where and when they will be needed for pictures. Pre-assign a family member or friend who knows the people to be in the pictures to round them up for the photos. 

Family Formals Photo List (please include names)  

Bride + Groom 

Bride and Groom together 

Bride alone

Groom alone

Groom's Family + Bride's Family - together one photo

Bride's Family 

Bride with her parents

Bride with dad 

Bride with mom 

Parents + bride and groom

Siblings + bride and groom

Parents and siblings + bride and groom

Grandparents bride and groom ( this can be done during reception )

Groom's Family 

Groom with his parents

Groom with dad 

Groom with mom 

Parents + bride and groom

Siblings + bride and groom

Parents and siblings + bride and groom

Grandparents bride and groom ( this can be done during reception )

 Bridal Party 

 Bride and groom with entire bridal party 

Bride with bridesmaids 

Groom with groomsmen

Bride with mom and grandmother 

Groom with his father and grandfather

Extras: 

Bride & groom with flower girl

Bride & groom with ring bearer 

I find that the best time for college group photos or extended family photos during the reception. Ask your dj to announce to gather these groups on the dance floor, and your photographer will capture these photos for you.

Happy Wedding Planning!