As a vibrant and easygoing wedding photographer, I’ll be upfront: group photos are hands down the trickiest part of any wedding day for me. There’s a bit of a creativity cap, couples start to fidget after a while, and sometimes it feels like wrangling cats in the dark. But hey, when else are all your favorite people in one place? Personally, my family album is a collage of wonky selfies and hilariously embarrassing shots.

Now, let’s talk about group photos. They might not steal the show on your big day, but they’re the ones that end up on your parents’ mantel, bringing back laughs and memories for years to come. And let’s face it, they become even more precious if, heaven forbid, someone’s no longer with us. Group photos are your chance to capture those special connections. So, here are my top tips to make them as breezy as possible:

Make Time:

Every couple dreams of those fun, candid shots, and I’m all for it. But let’s be real, those moments need a bit of stage direction too. Allocate enough time for both candid snaps and group photos. Each group usually takes around 3-5 minutes, so if you’re planning six, that’s about 30 minutes.

Kids & Grandparents First:

Start with the little ones and the elders—they’ve got shorter attention spans and tire easily.

Keep Them Intimate:

Less is more when it comes to group sizes. Smaller groups mean less herding and more smiling.

Keep it Casual & Give Space:

Let’s keep things laid-back. I’ve been in situations where we’re trying to cram a crowd into a space meant for a handful. Think about the available space, and don’t fret if Aunt Sally’s holding her drink. The important thing is capturing the moment.

Get Them Done Early:

I always suggest knocking out the group shots either at the ceremony venue or early in the drinks reception. Get them out of the way so you can relax and enjoy the party.

Delegate:

Extend the ushers’ duties to post-ceremony photo gathering. They know your guests better than I do!

Make a List:

A little organization goes a long way. Have a list ready to ensure nobody gets missed and time is used efficiently.

Mix It Up:

Split the group photos across different parts of the day. Reserve the bulk for the drinks reception, but sprinkle in some casual shots between speeches and dances.

And there you have it! If you’re after a fun, hassle-free wedding photographer, drop me a message. Let’s capture those memories together!