Group shots and how to avoid them taking to long.

Keep the list to a minimum

I suggest having around 8-10 group shots.

This takes around 20-30 mins depending on how many people are needed for the photo.  

Example group shots:

1. Couple and immediate family

2. Couple & parents

3. Couple & immediate family

4. Couple & parents

5. Wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen)

6. Friends

Make a list of group shots with names before the wedding

This prep saves a lot of time, and also means you can think about who you want to be in photos before the wedding, which means you don’t have to worry on the day, or possibly forget someone (like I know I would!)

If you’ve booked me to shoot your wedding, I will always ask for a list of group shots and names before the wedding.

Let family members know the plan

If you’re in agreement with keeping the group shots to a minimum, I’d recommend having a chat with family to explain to them how the group shots will work before the wedding, so that there isn’t any stress on the day when mums start pulling second cousins into photos.

Having a winter wedding?

If you’re having a winter wedding, it’s a good idea to either have an earlier ceremony, or get some group shots done before the ceremony. I quite often do the bridesmaid and groomsmen shots before the Ceremony if your wedding is between November – February, just so we can get some lovely natural light images, and it also takes the pressure off trying to get lots of group shots photographed after the ceremony, as it gets dark earlier. Of course, the other alternative is to have night time photos – but this can take a bit longer as your photographer will have to set up off camera flash.