5 Steps to Make Wedding Group Photos Quick and Easy
Every wedding couple knows that group photos are an essential part of the big day, but they can also be a distraction from the party, time-consuming, and often frustrating ordeal. From working out how many groups you need and who should be in them, to how long wedding group photos will take and when to schedule them in. Here, we provide a quick guide on how to make the wedding group shots as quick, easy, and pain-free as possible. So, without further ado, let's walk through the 5 steps that will make your wedding group photos a breeze for you, your family, and friends.
1. Plan Ahead
The key to quick and easy wedding group photos starts with planning. Draft a list of the group shots you'd like to have, including family members, friends, and wedding party members. For each group, write down the names of the people involved and share this list with your photographer. Planning ahead will ensure you don't forget any essential group combinations and will help your photographer click through them efficiently.
Pro Tip: There's such a thing as too many groups! A Royal Wedding, as huge as it is, has no more than five posed group photos, so include more people in fewer combinations to make the process smoother!
2. Assign a Photo Assistant
Enlist the help of a trustworthy friend or family member to act as your photo assistant. They will be responsible for working with the photographer and gathering and organising the people needed for each shot. This person should be familiar with your guests and not afraid to take charge, as they'll be instrumental in keeping the group shots moving swiftly.
Pro Tip: Introduce your photo assistant to the photographer before the wedding day, so they can work together seamlessly and more efficiently. Make sure they're provided with a list of the group photos and who needs to be in them.
3. Prioritise the Oldest or Youngest First
When organising the sequence for your group photos, it's a wise idea to prioritise the oldest guests first. Elderly relatives may get tired more easily or have mobility issues, so getting their photos done at the start can save them discomfort. Also, don't forget the kids! Youngsters, who can get a bit restless, are often more manageable at the start of the event. Once their part is done, they can return to the festivities or relax. This simple strategy ensures everyone's comfort while keeping the process efficient.
Pro Tip: Arrange seating for older guests near the photo location so they can easily move in and out, and avoid standing for long periods.
4. Keep It Simple and Fun
When it comes to posing your wedding group, go for simple, or fun. Let your photographer guide the group into a natural arrangement. It's much easier and faster to have simple poses that everyone can adjust to quickly than trying to orchestrate a complicated or overly creative setup. If you want something a little quirky, ask everyone to come up with a quick fun/silly pose and get both a 'formal' and an 'informal' shot in one sitting.
Pro Tip: For the ultimate in fun, organise your groups to run in, do a quick, fun pose and then run out - the action in between makes for some amazing candids!
5. Schedule a Specific Time
Set aside a dedicated portion of your wedding day for group photos. Ideally, this should be done either right after the ceremony (or confetti) or during cocktail hour (when guests are mingling and enjoying drinks and canapes). Alert your guests for when the group photos will be taken ahead of time, so they know to be available and ready at the right moment.
Pro Tip: Schedule a little extra time for your group photos to account for any unforeseen delays or issues.
And there you have it! By following these 5 steps, you can make your wedding group shots a quick, easy, and pain-free experience for everyone involved. Remember, your wedding day should be filled with joy, fun and party - including those captured in your amazing group photos!
