Deborah Chan
Wedding photos are an important part of your big day. They capture the emotions and joy of the occasion and provide memories that you can relive for years to come. When it comes to family portraits, the duration can vary depending on several factors. The number of family members, the size of the groups, and the number of different groupings or combinations can influence the time required. It is recommended to keep formal portraits limited to about 10-15 different groupings, including immediate family, the wedding party, and perhaps some important relatives. A good time estimate for each grouping is 2-5 minutes, depending on the size, with larger groups of 20 or more people taking longer. The location of the photoshoot and the efficiency of the photographer also play a role in the overall time needed. Some couples opt for a first look before the ceremony, which allows for more time with guests after the ceremony and can speed up the family portrait process. On average, 30-60 minutes is considered a reasonable amount of time for family portraits, but it's important to manage expectations and plan a detailed timeline to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for family portraits | 15-20 minutes for small family portrait sessions |
| 25-30 minutes for big family portrait sessions | |
| 45 minutes for couples from prominent families | |
| 10 minutes for a modest wedding party | |
| 25 minutes for a full wedding party | |
| 30 minutes for intimate family groups | |
| 45 minutes to an hour for couples' portrait sessions | |
| 5 minutes for large groups of 20 or more people | |
| Ideal time to begin wedding photography | An hour before the bride is scheduled to get into her dress |
| 30 minutes before the ceremony | |
| During the ceremony | |
| Immediately after the ceremony | |
| Before the first look | |
| After the first look | |
| Before or after the reception | |
| Before the couple enters the wedding venue | |
| After the couple has walked down the aisle |
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What You'll Learn
Family portraits can take 30-60 minutes
Family portraits at weddings can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on various factors. The time taken for family portraits can be influenced by the number of people in the photos, the level of organisation, and the cooperation of the group. It is recommended to keep formal portraits limited to about 15 different groupings, including the wedding party, immediate family, and any other important relatives.
To ensure a smooth and timely process, it is advisable to inform large groups in advance so they are attentive and ready for the photos. Additionally, having a designated person to round up family members and keep them together can be helpful. This can save time and prevent delays caused by searching for missing individuals.
The decision to opt for a first look or traditional timeline can also impact the duration of family portraits. A "first look" allows for more time with guests after the ceremony, as many photos can be taken beforehand. On the other hand, sticking to a traditional timeline means capturing all the desired photos without seeing each other beforehand.
It is worth noting that the time spent on family portraits is time away from the celebration. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between capturing memorable moments and enjoying the event. A detailed timeline, flexibility, and effective communication with the photographer are key to a successful and enjoyable wedding photography experience.
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Group size impacts timing
The number of people in a wedding portrait will impact how long it takes to set up and take the photo. It is important to consider the time taken away from the wedding celebration to take these photos.
A good rule of thumb is to keep formal portraits limited to about 15 different groupings, including the wedding party, immediate family, and possibly a few important relatives. Immediate family portraits typically take about half an hour, while couples' portraits take about 45 minutes to an hour. A modest wedding party consisting of the bride and groom and perhaps one or two bridesmaids and groomsmen would require about 10 minutes to finish a portrait session. A full wedding party portrait session, which may include more than seven or eight bridesmaids and groomsmen on each side, would take around 25 minutes to complete.
For brides and grooms from prominent families, the portrait session will typically last around 45 minutes and may include grandparents, stepparents, and married siblings with children. Larger groups of 20 or more people in one photo can take up to 5 minutes or longer, depending on how they need to be posed and how attentive they are to the photographer. It is recommended to inform large groups in advance that they need to be ready and attentive to ensure the process runs smoothly.
It is also important to consider transportation time if taking photos at multiple locations and to account for potential delays. A great timeline will include time buffers for such "what if" scenarios to ensure the couple remains relaxed during their portrait session.
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Prioritise shots to manage time
To manage time effectively, it's important to prioritise the shots you want to capture on your wedding day. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time and ensure you get the family portraits you want:
Create a Timeline
Before the big day, work with your photographer to create a detailed timeline for your wedding photography. This should include the different shots you want, the locations, and the estimated time needed for each shot. Having a timeline will help you stay organised and ensure you don't miss out on any important moments. It's also a good idea to build in some buffer time to account for any unexpected delays.
Keep Groupings Small and Intimate
Limit the number of formal portraits to around 15 different groupings, including your wedding party, immediate family, and any other important relatives. Keeping the groups small will help reduce the time needed for each shot and ensure you're not spending too much time away from your celebration. If you have divorced parents who can't be in the same room, inform your photographer so they can schedule those family portraits separately.
Inform Large Groups in Advance
For larger group photos involving 20 or more people, inform the group in advance that they need to be attentive and ready for the shot. Large groups can take up to 5 minutes or longer, depending on the posing and everyone's cooperation. By having everyone prepared and ready, you can streamline the process and save time.
Opt for a "First Look"
If you opt for a ""first look" before the ceremony, you can take advantage of this time to capture many of the family portraits. This can include bridal portraits, groom portraits, and even wedding party photos. Doing so will free up more time after the ceremony to enjoy with your guests and reduce the rush of taking all the photos at once.
Designate a "Chaser"
To ensure family members don't wander off, designate a member of the wedding party as the "chaser" responsible for rounding people up for photos. This person can help locate and gather everyone, making the process more efficient and reducing the time spent searching for missing individuals.
Allow for Transportation Time
If you're taking photos at multiple locations, be sure to factor in transportation time. Account for travel between locations and any potential delays that may arise. This will help you stay on schedule and ensure you're not rushing from one location to the next.
By following these tips and prioritising your shots, you can effectively manage your time and capture those precious family portraits on your wedding day.
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First look photos save time
The first look is a modern wedding tradition where the couple meets privately before the ceremony to see each other in their wedding attire for the first time. This moment is captured by the photographer, who will snap pictures of the candid happening, followed by a quick portrait session.
First look photos offer a range of benefits that can save time on your wedding day. By taking the majority of your portraits before the ceremony, you can free up more time in your schedule and attend cocktail hour with your guests without having to arrange a photoshoot. This also means you won't be pulled away from your guests in the middle of the celebration, allowing you to live in the moment and spend uninterrupted time with your partner.
Additionally, first look photos can help reduce stress and create a more relaxed atmosphere for the rest of the day's photos. With more time available, you won't feel rushed, and you'll have the opportunity to capture different lighting throughout the day, making your photos more memorable.
If you opt for a first look, you can also plan to get the majority of your family photos out of the way before the ceremony. This can be especially helpful in ensuring that large groups are attentive and ready for the photos, as they won't be interrupted during the celebration.
While the decision to do a first look is a personal preference, it can be a great way to maximize your time, create a more relaxed atmosphere, and ensure you have a private moment with your partner before the festivities begin.
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Plan for delays and travel time
Planning for delays and travel time is crucial to ensure a smooth and stress-free wedding day. Here are some detailed tips to consider:
Communicate with Your Photographer:
Discuss your expectations and requirements with your photographer in advance. They are professionals and can provide valuable insights into the timing and flow of the day. They may suggest a "suggested formals list" of photo groups, helping to streamline the process. Ask for their estimated timing based on the number of individuals and specific details you want to be captured.
Create a Realistic Timeline:
Construct a timeline that accounts for potential delays. Pad the timeline and overestimate the time needed for each activity to avoid rushing or missing out on important moments. Allow for extra time when getting dressed and prepared for the ceremony, especially for the bride. Consider unexpected factors, such as traffic or transportation delays between locations, and build that into your schedule.
Group Management:
Designate a bridesmaid or groomsman as the "chaser" to gather people for photos. Inform large groups in advance that they need to be attentive and ready for their turn, reducing the time spent waiting or searching for individuals. If you have divorced parents who cannot be in the same room, inform your photographer so they can schedule those family portraits separately, avoiding any awkward interactions.
Emergency Preparedness:
Prepare an emergency kit at least three months before the wedding. This kit should address minor issues like aches, pains, or wardrobe malfunctions, ensuring you're ready for any surprises without interrupting the party.
Flexibility is Key:
Stay flexible and allow your photographer to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. Understand that things may not always go according to plan, and that's okay! A good photographer will capture the happy, genuine moments, even if they deviate from the timeline.
Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy your special day and create lasting memories. By planning for delays and travel time, you'll be able to navigate any challenges with ease and focus on celebrating with your loved ones.
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Frequently asked questions
Family portraits at a wedding usually take around 30 minutes. However, this can vary depending on the number of people in the photos and the types of portraits you want.
It is recommended to keep formal portraits limited to about 15 different groupings, including your wedding party, immediate family, and any other important relatives.
Family portraits are usually taken immediately after the ceremony, before people wander off to the bar or reception. If you are doing a "first look", you can also take family portraits before the ceremony.
To ensure family portraits run smoothly, it is important to manage your expectations and prioritize certain shots. It is also a good idea to inform large groups in advance that they need to be attentive and ready for the photos.
It is ideal to allow at least one hour per partner for getting ready, including time for hair and makeup. You should also consider adding some buffer time to your timeline in case of any unexpected delays.
