No shot missed!
It's one of the only days of your life that you'll have everyone special to you together in one place and you are bound to want to have photographs to remember them all. This could be a major recipe for stress making sure you remember to grab a photograph with everyone when you should just be enjoying your day. Time is pressing, Uncle's and Aunt's are gravitating to the bar, Nieces and Nephews are restless to play or nap and the logistics could be a nightmare!
This is why I work with every couple to create a wedding guest shot list for your day. I'll take charge organising the groupings in the best possible order and you and your new bride or groom can simply relax as I create photos you and your guests will treasure forever.
But where do you start? How do you create a manageable list that won't eat in to your day too much, is sympathetic to any family dynamics and will keep guests happy?
It's a good idea to think about photo's you are likely to frame or include in your wedding album, groupings that are genuinely important to you and not just simply expected, images that you'd be really disappointed not to have and most importantly, how much time you want to spend on group portraits when you all could be enjoying your reception.
The big group shot
My number one ask is to capture a big group shot of everyone at your ceremony. It's best done right after your ceremony, gathering everyone close together with the couple in the foreground. Don't be surprised if I climb up on a ladder to get this one!
The A-team
Or those in "uniform"!
Usually you'll want pictures of those most involved in the wedding. I suggest a shot of any bridesmaids, maids/men of honour, groomsmen, best men/woman, ring bearers, flower-girls/boys/lads/lasses- basically anyone who's had a special outfit bought to be part of your wedding party!
Once we've got you as a couple with all the troops, we can then break this down in to two smaller groups- you and yours and theirs and theirs!
Family
It's always lovely to photograph the newly coupled with each side of the family. This can be just immediate family (think parents, siblings, grandparents) or absolutely everyone on your side- aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and all the partners.
I'd recommend bigger groupings as guests are quick to want to wander off for refreshments and this way you will miss nobody!
If it's important to you, this is a good time for smaller groupings too- just grandparents, just siblings and their families, whatever you treasure.
Friends
Of course you're likely to have your closet friends in "uniform" as part of the bridal or grooms parties, but there's often times that couples are so popular they have close friendship groups as honoured guests.
Each of you gather your besties and get a group shot full of fun that celebrates the bond you share and the support they have for you on your big day!
How to make your list
When you are creating your list it's worth baring in mind that your photographer will need to allow 2-3 minutes per grouping in order to gather people, arrange them and light them correctly, so if time is of the essence go for minimal big groups! I personally like to spend a bit more time on the A-team shots, plus at least 10-15 minutes on couple portraits, so you can see how easily time may run away!
Example list
ALL SHOTS INCLUDE THE NEW COUPLE UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.
- Everyone
- Partner One's family
- Partner Two's family
- Grandparents
- Parents
- Bridesmaids & Groomsmen
- Just Partner One & Bridesmaids or Groomsmen
- Just Partner Two & Bridesmaids or Groomsmen
- Partner One's friends
- Partner Two's friends
Don't see someone important to you on this list? That's ok! I always organise a catch up ahead of your ceremony so we can plan your essentials so no one you treasure is missed!
Do you want to get wedding ready?
Get in touch now if you want to know more about how I will capture your special day with joy.
