Wedding Family Formals List

Picture this: It’s your wedding day, and instead of frantically tracking down Uncle Bob or waiting for Grandma to finish chatting, everyone knows exactly where they need to be and when. Having a pre-planned, well-communicated Wedding Family Formals List keeps things moving so you can get back to celebrating!

Here’s how to make Family Wedding Formals seamless:

• Create a clear list ahead of time (I’ll give you a sample in a sec!)
• Communicate with your family so they know when and where to be
• Trust your photographer—we’ve got the master list and will handle the wrangling
• Keep it to immediate family during formal portraits (we can grab extended family shots later at the reception!)

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The Best Time for Wedding Family Formals

If you’re doing a First Look:

• The best time for family formals is one hour before the ceremony while everyone is fresh, dressed, and present!
• This allows you to enjoy cocktail hour with guests after the ceremony instead of being stuck taking photos.

If you’re NOT doing a First Look:

• Immediate family formals can be done right after the ceremony at the altar or another beautiful nearby spot.
• Extended family photos can be taken at the reception when people are more relaxed and mingling.

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Sample Family Formals Shot List

Here’s a great starting point for organizing your must-have shots:

Before the Ceremony (if doing a First Look)

✅ Bride + Groom + Bride’s Parents
✅ Bride + Groom + Groom’s Parents
✅ Bride + Groom + Both Sets of Parents
✅ Bride + Groom + Siblings (each side separately and together)
✅ Bride + Groom + Grandparents (each side separately and together)
✅ Bride + Groom + Nieces/Nephews (if applicable)

Immediately After the Ceremony (if no First Look or for large families)

✅ Bride + Groom + Immediate Family (parents, siblings, grandparents)
✅ Bride + Groom + Both Families Together
✅ Large Group Family Photos (extended family, cousins, etc.)

At the Reception (if needed)

✅ Bride + Groom + Extended Family & Friends
✅ Any Additional Combinations Requested

Pro Tip: Keep your must-have formal photos to 15-20 groupings max to avoid delays and stress. We can always grab extra shots at the reception!

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How to Get Everyone to Cooperate during family portraits

1. Give Your VIPs a Heads-Up
Let parents, siblings, and grandparents know in advance when and where they need to be. A simple group text or email a few days before does wonders!

2. Make It Official
Ask your officiant to make a quick announcement after the ceremony for immediate family to stay put for photos. This prevents people from wandering off!

3. Designate a Family Helper
Have a sibling, cousin, or wedding party member help gather people—it speeds things up and keeps the vibe fun.

4. Keep It Light & Fun
Your photographer (that’s me!) will use clear direction and a little humor to keep things moving. No stiff, awkward posing here!

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Tips for Complicated or Large Families

If you have divorced parents:

• Let me know any sensitivities ahead of time so we can plan smooth transitions.
• Decide if you’d like separate photos with each parent or a group shot together.

If you have step-parents or blended families:

• Consider separate photos with each side.
• If everyone is comfortable, we can do one big happy group!

If your family is huge:

• Stick to immediate family for formal portraits.
• Plan extended family groupings for the reception when people are more relaxed and available.

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Final Thoughts on wedding formal pictures

Wedding days move fast, but having a solid plan for family formals makes all the difference. With a well-thought-out list, clear communication, and a little cooperation, you’ll get gorgeous family portraits without the stress.

And remember—this part of the day is all about celebrating your people. I’ll be there to make sure it’s smooth, fun, and (most importantly) captured beautifully.

Got questions? Let’s chat! I’d love to help you craft the perfect plan for your wedding day.

hugs,
Ashley
Renee Ash Photography

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