For Brides: How to Organize Family Formals

Formal pictures can take awhile, but they don’t have to. Here are a few quick tips for how to organize family formals on your wedding day:

1. Always work from a list. This is the one time during a wedding that I advocate shooting from a list. Having a specific list of formal shots you would like that includes the first names of family members is key to completing the formals quickly. Because you’ve had time to thoroughly think through this list prior to the wedding day, it also ensures that no one is forgotten.
2. Take all formals with family at the ceremony location. The formals do not have to be taken in the exact spot you were married, but work with your photographer to choose a location as close to that area as possible. If people have to walk any real distance or even get in the car to make it to the formals location, you risk losing them along the way. They may stop by the bar or chat with an old friend. If you allow them to leave the immediate vicinity of the formals, you’ll most likely end up having to track someone down for a picture, which will add to the time it takes to complete this task. Moving around for variety in the backgrounds is something that I reserve for the couple and wedding party. The purpose of the family formals is to document who is present on the wedding day and having a variety of backgrounds isn’t necessary to accomplish this.
3. Start with the largest group first and then excuse the family members who are finished as you work down to smaller groups.
4. Ask a relative or friend that is close to the family to assist with gathering family members for each photo. This person can also remind them to place their purses, glasses, coats and anything else they might be holding aside before it’s their turn for pictures.
5. Make sure everyone involved in the formals has a copy of the list and knows when and where they are expected to be for pictures prior to the wedding day.

Follow these tips for how to organize family photos and everyone will be happy at how quick and efficient the process can be!