Family Formals
Made Easy
Family formals made easy
Family formals are a staple for many wedding days. Whether they’re something you’re looking forward to or just a part of the schedule you want to get through quickly, the key is keeping them efficient and stress-free. They don’t need to derail your day or take up too much time—you just need a clear plan.
Here’s how I help make them as smooth as possible.
Why a shot list matters
A shot list isn’t just about keeping things organised; it’s about making sure you get the photos you care about without overcomplicating things. A little prep now can save time and reduce stress on the day.
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple process I recommend:
- Write down you and your partner’s names. Starting simple—this one’s easy.
- List the names of family members you want in photos. Don’t worry about groupings yet—just focus on who’s important to you.
- Make notes about any special considerations. For example, are there grandparents who’d prefer to sit, or young children who might need to be in and out quickly? Jot these down so we can plan accordingly.
- Start grouping names into photos. Once you’ve got the names, think about the groupings you want. I’ll share some tips below to keep this part straightforward.
My approach to keeping it simple
Every wedding and family is different, so the approach will vary, but here are some general principles I’ve found work well:
Make your list alone. It’s your day so consider the groups you want on your day.
Keep the list focused. It’s easy for family formals to balloon into dozens of groupings. To keep things efficient, prioritise close family members—parents, grandparents, and siblings. Extended family like aunts, uncles, and cousins can be added if time allows, or we can capture those moments more casually later at the reception.
Combine groups where possible. For example, instead of separate photos with your parents and then grandparents, combine them into one group shot. Fewer photos mean less time standing around for everyone.
Consider the time required. Each group photo takes roughly 3–5 minutes. So, if you have 10 groupings, expect to spend at least 30 minutes on family formals.
If your list grows to 20 groups, you’re looking at about an hour. Plus the time needed to gather everyone for the photos.
This is worth considering if you want to make it to your drinks reception or spend more time with your guests.
Don’t feel like you need every combination. It’s okay to skip overly specific groupings like “parents with siblings only” if it’s not important to you. Most people just want to celebrate with you, they won’t miss a combination photo.
Start with elders and children. Get their photos done first to make it easier on them.
Give everyone a heads-up. Let your family know when and where the formals are happening so no one goes missing when we’re ready to start.
Nominate two trusted people. Ideally two people knowledgeable of each side to shepard the people to the photo location and to call out the names and prepare the next group.
HEADING
Every wedding and family is different, so the approach will vary, but here are some general principles I’ve found work well:
Make your list alone. It’s your day so consider the groups you want on your day.
Keep the list focused. It’s easy for family formals to balloon into dozens of groupings. To keep things efficient, prioritise close family members—parents, grandparents, and siblings. Extended family like aunts, uncles, and cousins can be added if time allows, or we can capture those moments more casually later at the reception.
Combine groups where possible. For example, instead of separate photos with your parents and then grandparents, combine them into one group shot. Fewer photos mean less time standing around for everyone.
Consider the time required. Each group photo takes roughly 3–5 minutes. So, if you have 10 groupings, expect to spend at least 30 minutes on family formals.
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