Ah, group photos. The part of the wedding day that can often be referred to as ‘herding cats’! At the first wedding I photographed, I was handed a double sided A4 sheet with endless group photo variations to capture. Underneath the blazing July sun, we spent far too long making our way through that list – I can imagine the couple regretted this decision and their guests were just waiting for it to all be over! That was a big learning curve for me!
Despite that experience, I still truly believe group photos are an important part of the day. How often are you all together with everyone you love? These photos will truly stand the test of time, they will be memories for you and your family to treasure for years to come.
So, how do you make group photos at a wedding bearable, efficient, and maybe even fun? Here are my top tips for getting them done without stress.
1. Plan Ahead
Before the big day, sit down and write a list of the group shots you actually want. Prioritise the key people – immediate family, wedding party, grandparents – and be realistic about how many you need. I usually recommend no more than 10 different groupings so that we can focus on the most significant ones and get through them nice and quickly, so you can go back to enjoying your day asap.
2. Assign a ‘Photo Wrangler’
Every wedding needs a trusty ‘photo wrangler’ – someone who knows the key guests and can help round them up. This could be a sibling, or a friend who knows who is who (and maybe has a fairly loud voice to rally up the troops!). This saves so much time compared to me shouting names into the void.
3. Keep It Snappy
Nobody wants to spend an hour standing in a line while their champagne goes flat. I keep group shots quick and efficient – I aim for around 3-5 minutes per photo. The best way to do this? Have a clear order and let people know when they’re needed, so they’re not wandering off to the bar or the loo when their moment comes.
4. Make It Fun
Who says group photos have to be stiff and formal? I always encourage some movement – hugs, cheers, maybe even a spontaneous confetti throw. If you’ve got a fun-loving bunch, I’m always going to encourage a silly shot at the end. These often end up being favourites! And this also guarantees genuine expressions, not a line up of your guests staring dead-pan at the camera.
5. Pick the Right Spot
A good backdrop makes all the difference. Ideally, you want somewhere with nice light (shade is best for even skin tones) and enough space for everyone to fit comfortably. Bonus points if it’s close to the drinks reception so guests don’t feel too far from the fun. I always take my time to scout the best spot out on a wedding day, but feel free to let me know if there is somewhere specific you would like to do them.
6. Do Them Early
The longer you wait, the harder it is to gather people (especially after they’ve discovered the bar). I usually aim to do group photos soon after the ceremony or at the start of the reception to keep energy levels high and ensure everyone still looks fresh.
7. Trust Your Photographer
I know how to manage group photos efficiently, so trust the process! If I’m going to suggest moving to a better-lit area or rearranging people for the best composition, go with it. I’m not just being fussy – I genuinely want to make you all look your best!
8. Limit Requests on the Day
There’s always that one guest who wants “just one more” photo with their 17 cousins. If you allow endless extra requests, you’ll never make it to your own party. Let guests know that candid and reception photos will be happening later, so they don’t feel left out. I’m always happy to grab more informal group photos later in the day – so just grab me on the dance floor for a photo with your work buddies who arrived in the evening for a boogie!
9. Relax and Enjoy It
At the end of the day, group photos are about capturing the people who matter most to you. A few deep breaths, some genuine smiles, and the promise of some bubbly and a canapé at the end can make the whole process much more enjoyable.
So, there you have it – group photos don’t have to be a painful part of the wedding day! With a little planning and a relaxed attitude, you can get beautiful shots and still make it back to the party in good time. Cheers to that!
Looking for a photographer who’s going to make group photos fun, quick and easy? Get in touch!
