Flowing Family Formals

Some of the most important photos of the whole day!

-The ones you really want to pass down to family.

-Whats going to go on the wall at grandmas house.

-What you and your family will really look back on.

Things that can make Family photos run late/feel uncomfortable

• Family dynamics/drama

• People leaving when they still have photos to take

• Multiple people in the crowd that want other photos

• Not enough time

TIPS for flowing family formal photos

1.Review my questionnaire I send 4 months prior to the wedding.

2.Write out your own list to put in the questionnaire.

3.Ask important family members if there are any variations they want PRIOR TO THE WEDDING.

Mom and her God daughter, all of your uncles, or all of the cousins together, etc…

These are important variations and should be noted if wanted. Just be sure to buffer enough time in for these after the ceremony or you can have your photographer take these during the reception. But you will need to have a family member or bridal party member grab the subjects in the photo for your photographer. It can get harder the later in the evening to get family together. Often drinks are flowing and attention spans are not there like they will be right after the ceremony. If huge groupings are SUPER IMPORTANT you should get them done with right after the ceremony. 

4.If you have a rehearsal dinner remind your family the night before to walk back to the ceremony right after they walk down the aisle for photos.

5.Have a family member/bridal party member hand out small pieces of paper to people who need to stay after the ceremony for photos. The paper will say something like “Please do not leave or talk to other wedding guests until after the family photos are done. Please stay up front near the ceremony space so we can get photos done in a timely manner.”

6.Most family formals can take up to 30 minutes to take. Please talk with your photographer to see the amount of time they think it will take for your specific family!

7.Having a day of coordinator or a wedding planner helps relieve the stress of family photos as well! They can help get people ready for their turn and gather family members!

The post Flowing Family Formals appeared first on Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer.