The Art Of Group Wedding Photos: Finding The Perfect Size

Group wedding shots are an important part of the day, capturing memories with loved ones. However, they can be time-consuming and stressful, so planning is key. The number of groups in a wedding shot can vary, but most photographers recommend keeping it between 6 and 12 groups, with a maximum of 15. This ensures the couple can get back to the party and not spend their reception posing for photos. It is also a good idea to have helpers to round up guests and keep things running smoothly.

How to plan wedding group shots

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and the same goes for planning wedding photos. Group shots are an important part of the day, but they can be time-consuming and, if not planned properly, frustrating. Here are some tips to help you plan your wedding group shots:

Keep the number of group shots down

While it's tempting to want to capture a photo with every combination of guests, this will take up a lot of time on your big day. It's recommended to keep the number of group shots to a maximum of 10–15, or even fewer if you're short on time. This will allow you to get back to your guests and enjoy the reception.

Allow enough time for each shot

For groups of six people or fewer, allow three minutes to gather everyone, arrange them, and take the photo. For larger groups, allow five minutes. A photo with everyone at the wedding can take 10–15 minutes to organise, so make sure to factor this into your schedule. It's also a good idea to allow some extra time for any unexpected delays.

Decide who will be included in each shot

It's important to be specific about who will be included in each shot to avoid any confusion on the day. This will also help your photographer understand family dynamics and ensure that no one is missed. Write down the names of the people in each shot and share this list with your photographer in advance.

Allocate people to help round others up

Choose someone who is responsible and has a loud, clear voice to help gather people for the group shots. It's often helpful if this person is a family member or part of the wedding party, as they are more likely to know the guests.

Talk to your family in advance

Discuss the group shots with your family beforehand to avoid any conflicts or issues on the day. This will also give you the opportunity to add any additional shots they may want.

Streamline the shot list

Arrange the order of the shots to make the best use of time. Start with larger family shots, especially if they include older family members who may not want to be standing around for too long. Gradually work your way down to smaller groups, ending with the wedding party for a more fun and relaxed shot.

Choose the right location

Select a location for the group shots that has good lighting. Avoid standing in front of bins or in direct sunlight, which can cause unflattering shadows. If you have your heart set on a particular spot, discuss it with your photographer, as they may be able to suggest a better time of day to take the photos.

Have a reserve list

In addition to your main list, create a reserve list of people you would like photos with but who can be more spontaneous or informal. These could be relatives who have travelled from far away or friends with new babies.

Be creative

Group shots don't have to be static and traditional. Feel free to add some movement or do something different with the location or setup. Just make sure to discuss any creative ideas with your photographer in advance so they can plan accordingly.

How to pose for wedding group shots

Planning and posing for wedding group shots can be stressful, but with a bit of preparation, you can ensure you get the photos you want and keep things running smoothly. Here are some tips on how to pose for wedding group shots:

Planning and Preparation:

• Keep the number of group shots small: Aim for around 6-10 groups to prevent the photo session from taking up too much time.
• Allow enough time for each shot: For groups of 6 or fewer people, allocate 3 minutes, and for larger groups, allow 5 minutes. A photo with everyone at the wedding can take 10-15 minutes to organize.
• Decide on the specific groups and who will be in each shot: Create a list of the different combinations of family and friends you want to be included. This will help ensure that no one is missed and that the process runs smoothly.
• Allocate people to help round others up: Choose responsible individuals who are familiar with the guests to assist in gathering people for the group shots. This will save time and ensure everyone is where they need to be.
• Talk to your parents and close family members beforehand: Discuss with them the groups they would like to be included in to avoid any last-minute surprises or conflicts.
• Streamline the shot list: Arrange the order of the shots to make logical transitions and minimize the movement of individuals between groups. Start with larger family shots and work your way down to smaller groups.
• Let your photographer guide you: Discuss your preferences with your photographer, but also take their lighting and location suggestions into account to ensure the best results.
• Have a reserve list: Include additional groups or individuals you would like to photograph if time permits. This can include more informal or spontaneous shots.
• Be flexible: While it's good to have a plan, be prepared to make adjustments on the day if needed.

Posing Tips:

• Keep it natural: While it's important to have some posed shots, don't be afraid to mix in some candid, natural moments as well.
• Hands and pockets: Ensure everyone knows what to do with their hands. For men, tucking in shirts and removing items from pockets can help. Suggest putting hands in pockets or around a partner's waist. For women, putting down handbags is often a good idea.
• Avoid stretching clothing: Refrain from putting arms around both adjacent people as it can stretch shirts and jackets and look messy.
• No sunglasses or glasses: Ask individuals to remove sunglasses and, if possible, regular glasses to avoid glare and reflections.
• Multiple rows for large groups: For groups with more than 10 people, consider having multiple rows or using chairs to ensure everyone is visible.
• Be prepared for children: Accept that young children may not want to stand still or smile on cue. Have someone they know stand next to the photographer to call their names and make silly faces to capture their attention.
• Make use of a balcony or height: If you're taking a shot with a large number of people, the photographer may need to get to a higher location to capture everyone.

Who to include in wedding group shots

Deciding who to include in your wedding group shots can be a tricky task, especially if you have a large family or group of friends. Here are some tips to help you decide who to include and how to organise your shots:

Keep it Small

It's important to keep the number of group shots to a minimum to avoid eating up too much time on your special day. Most photographers recommend keeping it to around 6-10 groups, with a maximum of 15 suggested by some. This will ensure you have more time to enjoy your reception and reduce the risk of group shots becoming a frustrating experience.

Immediate Family and Wedding Party

Focus on including your immediate family and wedding party in the group shots. This includes parents, siblings, grandparents, and significant others. If you have step-parents or blended families, you may want to include separate shots with them as well.

Special Friends or Extended Family

If there are any special friends or extended family members you want to include, feel free to add them to the list. This could be grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or close friends. However, be mindful of the time it takes to organise each shot and try to combine groups where possible to speed up the process.

Discuss with Your Photographer

Your photographer will be able to provide guidance on how to organise the groups and which combinations will work best. Discuss your preferences with them well before the wedding day, and provide them with a list of the people you want to include, along with their full names. This will help them to visualise the dynamics and ensure a smooth process on the day.

Allocate Helpers

Designate one or two people to help round up guests for the group shots. Ideally, choose someone who is responsible, has a loud voice, and knows most of the guests. This will ensure the process runs smoothly and reduce the risk of guests wandering off or taking too long to assemble.

Be Mindful of Children

Children may not enjoy standing still for photos, so it's important to be mindful of their presence in the group shots. Consider having someone they know stand next to the photographer to call their names and make silly faces to help capture their attention.

Plan the Timing

Allow enough time for each shot, especially if you have large groups. For groups of 6 or fewer, allocate 3 minutes, and for larger groups, allow for 5 minutes. If you want a shot with all your guests, this can take up to 10-15 minutes to organise, so plan accordingly.

Remember, the key to successful wedding group shots is to keep them efficient, well-organised, and focused on your nearest and dearest. By following these tips, you'll be able to capture those special moments with your loved ones without taking too much time away from your wedding celebrations.

When to take wedding group shots

The timing of your wedding group shots is important to ensure that you capture the right moments and people. Here are some tips to help you plan when to take your wedding group shots:

Before the Ceremony

Wedding party photos can take place before the ceremony if the couple opts for a "first look". This is when the couple sees each other for the first time in their wedding attire, providing an opportunity for candid photos and a private moment before the ceremony.

Right After the Ceremony

The time immediately after the ceremony is ideal for capturing the wedding party in action. The family and wedding party are usually the first to greet the couple as they exit, making for beautiful, spontaneous photos. This is also a good time to capture a group shot with all your guests, as they are already assembled.

During Cocktail Hour or Canapes

Group shots can be taken during the cocktail hour or while canapes are being served. This is a good time to gather specific groups, such as older family members, as they may not want to stand around for too long.

Before the Wedding Breakfast

This is a popular time for couple portraits, but it can also work for group shots, especially if you want to include the wedding party.

Sunset

Sunset provides a gorgeous, golden backdrop for photos. Sneak away for a few minutes between courses or speeches to capture this magical light.

Throughout the Reception

There are many special moments throughout the reception that can be captured, such as the bridal party entrance, the couple's first dance, and interactions with guests.

Advantages of Planning Group Shots in Advance

Planning your group shots in advance has several benefits. It ensures that you get photos with all the important people in your life and helps you stay organised on your wedding day. It also allows your photographer to advise on any potential challenges and gives them time to familiarise themselves with the groups and individuals to be photographed.

Tips for Efficient Group Shot Planning

• Keep the number of group shots to a minimum (6-10 is ideal, but don't exceed 15).
• Allow enough time for each shot, especially for larger groups.
• Be specific about who is included in each shot to avoid confusion and family dynamics issues.
• Allocate helpers to round up guests for the group shots. Choose responsible individuals who are familiar with most of the guests.
• Discuss with your parents in advance to manage expectations and avoid last-minute additions.
• Streamline the order of shots to make the best use of time and avoid losing people. Start with larger groups and work your way down to smaller combinations.
• Provide your photographer with a clear list of groups and individuals to be photographed.
• Be flexible and adapt to unexpected moments or delays.

How to organise large group shots

Large group shots are a key part of any wedding day, but they can be stressful and time-consuming if not organised properly. Here are some tips to help make sure your large group shots go smoothly:

Planning

First, decide how many group shots you want and which groups to include. A good rule of thumb is to keep it to a maximum of 10–15 groups, including combinations. This will ensure that this part of the day doesn't eat up too much time and become frustrating for you and your guests. It's also a good idea to prioritise the most important shots, such as immediate family and the bridal party, so that you can make sure to get those done first.

You should also allow enough time for each shot, keeping in mind that larger groups will take longer. For groups of six people or fewer, allow three minutes, and for larger groups, allow five minutes. A photo with everyone at the wedding can take 10–15 minutes to organise, so it's a good idea to plan for this in advance and let your photographer know.

Communication

Communication is key when it comes to organising large group shots. Make sure to communicate your shot list to your photographer in advance, so they can help guide you on the day and ensure that everyone is where they need to be. It's also a good idea to have a few helpers on the day who can round up guests and make sure they are ready when needed. These helpers should be responsible and ideally know most of the guests.

Timing

The timing of your large group shots is important. It's best to do them earlier in the day, such as right after the ceremony when you have everyone's attention, or during canapes. Avoid doing them just before a sit-down meal, as this can be stressful for your catering team if it takes longer than expected.

Location

When choosing a location for your large group shots, consider the light and the background. Your photographer will be able to guide you on this, but generally, you'll want to avoid harsh sunlight that can cause squinting and unflattering shadows. If you have a specific location in mind, your photographer may be able to suggest the best time of day to take the photos there.

Flexibility

Finally, remember to be flexible. Things may not always go according to plan, and that's okay! Go with the flow and enjoy the process. Your group shots will capture the joy and love of your wedding day, so try to relax and have fun with it.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your large group shots are well-organised and run smoothly, allowing you to create beautiful memories of your special day.

Frequently asked questions