Let’s be real, planning a wedding is hard. The last thing you want to do is get your pictures back and not find photos of you with loved ones that you really wanted. But, family is family, and depending on the size, it can be hard to think of everyone in the moment. That is why I have put together 4 tips to make family photos during your wedding a breeze!

1. Make a List

Trust me on this, having all of the different groups listed out beforehand and given to your photographer is a BIG help in ensuring we get all of the different groups and combinations, and no one is left out. A couple of weeks before your wedding, make a list of everyone who needs to be in family photos, and the different groups you want the pictures of. Example: Mom, Dad, Bride, Groom. Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, Bride, Groom, etc.

2. Have your Officiant or another family member call out groups

This is super helpful in the moment! Give your Officiant, or a trusted family member or friend, the list of all of the photos you want, and put them in charge of calling out who needs to jump in the photo. This is especially helpful if you are in a time crunch for your photographer to get all of the pretty pictures you want.

3. Communicate with your family beforehand

Make sure everyone you want photos of, knows they need to be in the photos, and where to go for them! Oftentimes, we can be in the throws of family photos before we realize Grandpa Joe is nowhere to be found. Nine times out of ten, he had no idea he needed to be there! Let all of your family members know where to report after the ceremony (or even just to hang out and not rush into the reception area) so that you’re not having to hunt them down later.

4. Hire a Photographer that knows what they’re doing

Out of all the tips I have, this is going to be the best tip for you to make sure your wedding photos go smoothly. Having an experienced photographer there to help the process just makes EVERYONE’S life so much easier. I pride myself on staying calm and organized during family photos even when chaos ensues. Find a photographer you trust to do their job and it will make your wedding day go so much easier.