Who to include in your Group and Family Wedding Photos
When it comes to capturing Group and Family wedding photos, it’s essential to create a shot list that includes all the important groupings. Here are some traditional family wedding photo groupings to consider:
Couple Alone Together: Start with the newlyweds. Capture intimate moments between the bride and groom, showcasing their love and happiness.
Couple with All Parents: Include both sets of parents (bride’s and groom’s) in a photo. This is a heartwarming moment that celebrates the union of families.
Couple with Both Immediate Families: Gather immediate family members (parents, siblings, and grandparents) for a group shot. This photo represents the closest bonds.
Couple with Siblings: If you have siblings, take a photo with them. Include brothers, sisters, and any siblings-in-law.
Couple with Grandparents: Grandparents play a special role in weddings. Capture their joy and wisdom in a photo.
Couple with Extended Family: If you want to include aunts, uncles, and cousins, consider a big group photo with both sides of the family. Communicate this plan with everyone beforehand.
Sometimes couples also want to have some of these photos individually with their families, parents and siblings.
To make it easier we have created a sample list for you to start with. Because each group is different it is important that you customize this you your own family/group to ensure you get the photos you want.
We usually write the list by shortening Bride to “B” and Groom to “G” or we’ll use the couple’s first initial, for example, Anna will be “A” and Matt will be “M”. You may also include the names of who you want in the photos instead of their “role” for example B&G w. Sarah, Jack, and Tom. The goal is to make the list easy to read out and for people to know who we’re calling. If there are multiple “Tom’s” it might be easier to say “Grandpa” and identify who you’re talking about.
The final list could look something like this:
Sample Group/Family Photo list:
Brides side:
B w. Mom
B w. Dad
B w. Mom & Dad
B&G w. Brides Parents
B&G w. Brides Immediate Family (Parents, Siblings & Grandparents)
B&G w. Brides Grandparents (Jane & Jack)
B&G w. Brides Siblings
B&G w. Brides Extended Family (Immediate Family + 3 Aunts & 2 Cousins)
Grooms side:
G w. Mom
G w. Dad
G w. Mom & Dad (Olof & Sofia)
B&G w. Grooms Parents
B&G w. Grooms Immediate Family (Parents, Siblings & Grandparents)
B&G w. Grooms Grandparents
B&G w. Grooms Siblings
B&G w. Grooms Extended Family (Immediate Family + 3 Aunts & 2 Cousins)
Wedding Party:
B w. All Bridesmaids
B w. Each Individual Bridesmaids (5)
G w. All Groomsmen
G w. Each Individual Groomsmen (5)
B&G w. Full Wedding Party
B&G w. All kids (Ringbarer & Flowergirl)
Friend Groups (Not a priority but would be fun to have)
B w. Collage Friends
G w. Football Group
Remember, efficiency is key during photo sessions. Discuss with your photographer whether you’d like group photos before or after the ceremony. Also, let them know who to look for by including their photos in the shot list. And don’t forget to have a conversation about anyone you’d prefer not to include in the photos.
Read our other tips: 4 Steps to Amazing Family Formals and Group Pictures on your Wedding Day