12/12/10
Although the formal photo session is often the least interesting part of your wedding day, it is important to capture images of your close family members and the special people in your lives. After all, there’s no guarantee that candid photos of Grandma on the dance floor will turn out!
Most photographers are happy to work with a list of important family / formal photos, but it’s always best to check with your photographer first and discuss how s/he prefers to handle this part of the day. The photo list can be a great guide for your photographer, but it can also hamper their creativity.
Use the following checklist as a guideline only and edit it to your own specific needs:
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Bride’s Side
Bride with Mother
Bride with Father
Bride with Mother + Father
Bride with Siblings (individually and/or as a group)
Bride with Mother, Father and Siblings
Bride with Mother, Father, Siblings, Their Spouses and Children
Bride with Grandparents
Groom’s Side
Groom with Mother
Groom with Father
Groom with Mother + Father
Groom with Siblings (individually and/or as a group)
Groom with Mother, Father and Siblings
Groom with Mother, Father, Siblings and Their Spouses and Children
Groom with Grandparents
Both Sides
Bride, Groom and Bride’s Parents
Bride, Groom and Groom’s Parents
Bride, Groom and Both Sets of Parents
Bride, Groom and Bride’s Grandparents
Bride, Groom and Groom’s Grandparents
Bride, Groom and Bride’s Siblings
Bride, Groom and Groom’s Siblings
Bride, Groom and All Siblings
Bride, Groom and Bride’s Entire Family
Bride, Groom and Groom’s Entire Family
Bride, Groom and Both Families Combined
Clinton Family Wedding Photo
Wedding Party (often handled before or after family photos)
Bride with Bridesmaids (individually and as a group)
Groom with Groomsmen (individually and as a group)
Bride with Groomsmen
Groom with Bridesmaids
Bride, Groom, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Bride, Groom and Flower Girl(s)
Bride, Groom and Ring Bearer(s)
Bride, Groom and all Children in Wedding Party
Entire Wedding Party (including Children)
Other
Extended relatives (special aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.)
Family generation photos (eg. Bride with Mother and Grandmother)
Special friends or groups of friends
Godparents
Mentors
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Tips to keep in mind:
- The longer your list, the longer the photo session will take. Ensure that your wedding planner or coordinator is aware of this list so s/he can build it into your wedding day itinerary.
- Always inform your photographer and wedding coordinator if there are any sensitive situations in your respective families, such as divorced parents, step-parents, recently deceased family members, etc.
Jennifer