A guide to group photos
Group photos are usually the part of the day that couples enjoy the least! You’ve just exchanged your vows, had your first kiss, maybe been covered in confetti on the way out, and now you’ve got to stand there for 20 minutes having everybody asking how long until the bar opens! This is your opportunity to have those all important photos with your family and loved ones, and although feels like a lifetime, doesn’t take that long… promise…
How long do group photos take?
Personally, I usually recommend 10-12 max group shots. This gives enough different shots to include everyone you want but also doesn’t eat into your time for your couples photos.
Top tip: Give your wedding photographer a list of the groups you’d like photos of, and their names. This will help keep the shots focused and easy to fly through.
When/where shall we do them?
The most convenient time to do the group photos straight after the ceremony! This means that Great Aunt Margaret hasn’t had chance to wander off to the bar just yet! Everyone will be close by so it’s easy to round everybody up!
As for where.. Well, that’s entirely up to you! Does your venue have a stunning view, gorgeous lake, some sort of beautiful back drop? Usually group photos are taken with that in the background to make your photos that little bit more pleasing on the eye!
Top tip: Nominate someone on both sides of the bridal party to help your photographer organise the photos. Your photographer won’t necessarily know who everyone is so by giving the 2 nominated people a copy of the group shots, they’ll be able to find everyone quickly.
Who should be included?
Whoever you like! I would recommend a photos of the bridal party, immediate family and then extended family. But really there are no rules! It’s your day!!
Top tip: Keep things fun! Mix it up a bit by having some serious photos with the parents and close family, but also some fun & creative photos with your bridal party!! Be it smoke bombs, or posing like the Kardashians!
Drone shots
Drone photography can give a different perspective on the group photos and it’s also a bit less formal and a bit of fun! You can get creative with this, like getting all your guests in the shape of a heart!
Top tip: if your photographer is a certified drone pilot like myself, make sure you let them know that you’re interested in having drone group photos as this will be weather dependent.
