Weddings are momentous occasions designed to be spent with those dearest to you. Whether that be friends or family, it inevitably results in crowds of people, all eager to leave the party with a photo to remember the event by!

It comes as no surprise that the logistics of organising these group photos can be tricky. In fact, when I talk to couples to plan their weddings, this question almost always comes up: how do we get group photos done as quickly as possible and ensure we don’t miss anyone?

In the following blog post, I’ll break down the steps you can take before and on the big day, to make your group photos as pain free as possible - the way they should be. 

MAKE A LIST

This should be the first step in anyone's process when attempting to plan group wedding photos. Providing your wedding photographer with a list of all the group dynamics you want to capture on the day will ensure that you walk away with the images you envisaged, plus any spontaneous group photos that are bound to be taken alongside these. 

The list doesn’t have to be extensive. In general, I recommend no more than 10 group combinations - just make sure to include the essential group photos so that no one is missed. I always aim to include the following, as a minimum: 

the couple with each set of parents

the couple with both sets of parents

the couple with immediate family members

the couple with extended family members

the bride with bridesmaids and maid of honour

the bride with groomsmen and best man

the groom with groomsmen and best man

the groom with bridesmaids and maid of honour

the couple with the entire wedding party

Photos taken outside of this immediate list are a bonus. On the other hand, if you find yourself with a longer list, consider having the photos taken during different parts of the day. For example, bridesmaid and groomsmen photos can be taken before the ceremony, whereas family and friends can be photographed after the ceremony. 

During our group photos, it’s important that you keep to the plan. I ask my clients for the list of group photos a month in advance of the wedding and try my best to stick to it. It’s inevitable that other members of your family and or friends will ask us to take different combinations, but remember this will take up the time you could be spending with your guests.

APPOINT AN ORGANISER

Appoint a wedding group photos coordinator from within your wedding party. For instance, a maid of honour or best man - someone with a thorough knowledge of both families involved. As your wedding photographer, I won’t really know your guests - despite having a list of all of their names in front of me. By appointing someone to organise everyone during this time, they can spot and round up individuals for their group photos and have the next group waiting after. This whole process can be done in a short amount of time, meaning more time at the bar!

TELL YOUR GUESTS IN ADVANCE

Let your guests know in advance if you’re planning on having them in a group photo. If people know they will be expected to stand for a group photo immediately after the ceremony, then there is less chance of them going awol at a crucial moment. Discussing group photos in advance with your close friends and family can also help put together your list, you never know who might want a precious photo that you hadn’t previously thought of. 

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Depending on your wedding venue, this may be a no-brainer. However, it’s still worth giving some thought. Keep the location close to wedding guests, as this can be a real-time saver and reduces the risk of anyone getting lost en route. Thought should also go into guests that have restricted mobility, difficulty walking, and or standing. These individuals may require a unique location, which facilitates their access requirements. 

GROUP PHOTOS DON'T HAVE TO BE STATIC

Whilst it’s easy to find a spot that works and stick to it, not all your photos have to be done this way. It’s worth suggesting a mix of dynamic images as well, to capture interactions and emotions. 

Whilst grandparents may not be up for doing anything too active, you can do something a little different to capture the energy of the day. Non-static images could be as simple as adding some movement to the images, in the form of walking, jumping, or holding a pose. Ultimately, what you choose to do will be up to you, however as your photographer, I will likely make some suggestions. 

A fantastic group photo doesn’t always require everyone to look into the camera. Taking images in this fashion will add a genuine and candid feel, where individual characters can begin to be seen. It is often these photographs that make the social feeds and printers. 

These images can be over in as little as 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to celebrate with your guests and enjoy a canapé or two. 

PLAN FOR THE WEATHER

For many, the thought of rain on their wedding day would be a nightmare. Whilst you may not want to think of this possibility, it’s important to have a plan B for group photos. Have a designated indoor room or sheltered area where images can be taken if required. Alternatively, offer your guests a decent supply of clear umbrellas, which can result in some quirky and fun moments!