May 19th 2023 | Wedding photography
From catching the bridal party on their way to the wedding venue and family portraits, wedding photography is all about capturing beautiful moments. Every wedding is different, with its own unique essence and story. While couples dream of having a fairy tale wedding, they also want photographs that will tell a unique story and bring back cherished memories. What’s more, couples look forward to sharing these photos with friends and family to celebrate the joyous occasion with them.
That being said, it is vital that couples make smart decisions when it comes to group photographs. Group photos are an important part of wedding photography as they help tell the wedding story. The photographer captures these images throughout the day, from getting ready through the ceremony till post-reception celebrations. These group photos can later be used for album design or as keepsakes from the big day. Here’s how you can choose group photo ideas that work for your wedding:
North Wales and Cheshire Wedding Photographer
Before the wedding, it's important to choose a photographer who captures your wedding day in the way you envisioned. Create a shot list of the group photos you want to take and communicate with your photographer to discuss any specific details or ideas. It helps to prepare your wedding party ahead of time with a timeline and instructions so everyone is on the same page. This will help ensure everyone is comfortable and has time to enjoy the day without being rushed. Additionally, make sure to give yourself enough time for the group photos on your wedding day. This will allow for ample time to capture each person's unique personality and natural smiles. Also, ask your photographer for advice on how best to capture the moment. They can help guide you through different shooting angles and backgrounds, as well as offer helpful suggestions for poses and expressions. Overall, planning ahead of time will make sure that your wedding day is filled with beautiful group photos that capture everyone's spirit and unique personalities.
Here's my list of suggested group shots:
Big group shot of everyone (weather dependent)
B&G & kids
B&G & brides parents
B&G, brides parents & siblings
Bride & her Grandparents
B&G, both sets parents, sibling, partners & kids
B&G & grooms parents
B&G, grooms parents & siblings
Groom & his Grandparents
B&G & bridal party (bridesmaids, flower girls, best man, ushers, page boys)
Bride, bridesmaids & flower girls
Groom, best man, ushers & page boys
Other people important in your lives (very close friend groups etc.)
I recommend that you try and keep your group photographs to 15 groups or less if possible, because it will be more manageable on the day and we can get them wrapped up in no time. You and your guests will not want to be standing around for hours on end, whilst we photograph group after group and you will have more time to enjoy your wedding day with your guests!
It's also key to remember that I will be taking candids throughout the day too and always make a conscious effort to snap everyone at least once. So don't worry about anyone being left out! You can grab me at any point during the day for a quick photograph with a group that you may have forgotten about earlier on, or that are only there for the evening reception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any tips for keeping a large group organized and on schedule during a photo session?
If you're looking to keep a large group of people organized and on schedule during a photo session, there are some key tips that you should keep in mind.
First and foremost, make sure you have a plan and timeline for the session. This will be hugely important for keeping everyone on task and focused. Discuss the order of photos with your photographer ahead of time so that you know what to expect.
Assign a "group leader" who will help keep track of everyone during the session, making sure that everyone is on time. Limiting the number of people in each photo can also be helpful; too many people can make it difficult to get everyone in one shot. Additionally, don't forget to take breaks! Have snacks and drinks on hand to keep everyone energized throughout the session. These little touches can go a long way in helping your photo session run smoothly.
Conclusion
When planning the wedding, make sure that you get enough group photos of family and friends. After all, it is a special day for everyone and you don’t want anyone to feel left out. Additionally, group photos are great for scrapbooking and creating timeless memories. Use the tips above to make sure that your group photos are everything you hoped for!
If you need help with organising your North Wales wedding photography, don't hesitate to get in touch. I would be more than happy to chat with you about your specific needs and give you some tips.
Get in touch!