Wedding Photography Tips: How much time do I need for my family photos?

Family photos are some of the most important photos from your wedding.  They can also be the a huge stressor for couples getting pulled in a million directions, so let’s plan the heck out of it!  I have a basic outline below; please copy this format on your form.  Allow three minutes per photo and five minutes per photo for groups of ten or more.  

The order of the photos is also important- please trust the process so that no one is missed!
 

Large groups first:

Bride and Groom with both sets of parents (Moira + Johnny, Jocelyn + Roland)

Bride and Groom with Bride’s Parents (Moira + Johnny)

Bride and Groom with Bride’s Parents (Moira + Johnny) and Bride’s siblings (David + Alexis)

Bride and Groom with Groom’s Parents (Jocelyn + Roland)

Bride and Groom with Groom’s Parents (Jocelyn + Roland and Groom’s sibling (Twyla)

Then to Bride’s side: 

Bride with Parents (Moira + Johnny) and siblings (David + Alexis)

Bride with Parents (Moira + Johnny)

Bride with Moira

Bride with Johnny

Bride with siblings (David + Alexis)

Bride with Grandparents (Patrick + Stevie, Dan + Catherine)

(( Bride’s side is totally done (yay!) and family may depart to cocktail hour ))

Groom’s side:

Groom with Parents (Jocelyn + Roland) and sibling (Twyla)

Groom with Parents (Jocelyn + Roland)

Groom with Jocelyn

Groom with Roland

Groom with Twyla

Groom with Grandparents (Chris + Annie, Ted + Jennifer)

Please note that 50 minutes should be set aside for this particular session.  I know it sounds like a lot, but it’s better to be aware and plan accordingly than to lose out on your time for bridal party photos, or even your couples’ photos, which usually end up getting the squeeze.  Which is no fun for anyone!