What family photos to take at a wedding - a checklist

What family photos to take at a wedding - a checklist

Weddings are a celebration of love, not just between the couple but among families coming together. Capturing precious moments is essential to preserving the joy and emotion of the day. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to ensure you don’t miss any important family photos on your big day.

1. Immediate Family Portraits

Photo Credit: Haute Weddings for The Kana's

Start with the basics. These are the must-have wedding photoshoot poses with all of your closest family members:

• Bride and Groom with Parents: A classic shot that captures the support and love from both sides. Don’t forget to have photos just of the bride with her family and the groom with his. These images will be a testament to the union of two families.
• Father-Daughter and Mother-Son: These can be emotional and tender, perfect for your wedding album. They highlight the special bond and the bittersweet joy of the day.
• Bride and Groom with Siblings: Include individual and group shots to capture the sibling bond. These photos often bring out the playful and loving dynamics between brothers and sisters.
• Bride and Groom with Grandparents: These photos are often cherished for their sentimental value. Grandparents bring a sense of history and continuity to the wedding day.
• Other immediate family wedding photoshoot poses: Entire family together (both sides), just the boys, just the girls, and bride and groom with their pets. These groupings ensure that every close family relationship is documented.

2. Extended Family Photos

Photo Credit: Kelsie Low for Mr and Mrs Seymour

Don’t forget the extended family! These photos are great for capturing the larger family dynamic:

• Bride and Groom with Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews: Capture the joy and excitement of the extended family by grouping these relatives together for a fun and lively photo.
• Generational Photos: Capture the different generations together, from grandparents to grandchildren. These photos make for the perfect gift or thank you cards, showcasing the legacy of love.
• The Big Group Photo: This one is always fun if you have the space. A tip from photographers for this shot: take the group photo right after the ceremony. It’s a great opportunity to get a fun shot too, with everyone still buzzing from the vows.

3. Other Friends and Family Photoshoot Poses

Photo Credit: Fish and Bear Co for Zino and Patrick

Capture the joy and connection of your special day with these creative and heartwarming poses for friends and family:

• Friends or Family from Overseas: It’s important to make sure those special friends or family members who have made the effort to come from overseas for the wedding get a photo with you. They’ll cherish the time spent with you forever each time they see it! These photos are a wonderful way to honor their journey and presence.
• The Flower Girl and Ring Bearer: You don’t want to forget about these very important little people! It’s the perfect opportunity to do a funny wedding pose. Their innocence and joy add a delightful touch to your wedding album.
• The Wedding Party: Capture the camaraderie and fun of your closest friends. These friends or family members were chosen to be a part of your wedding for a reason. Don’t forget to get a shot with the whole gang, and with each person individually, to commemorate the day.
• Your Pets:  If your furry family members are joining you for the day, make sure to get some adorable shots with them so you can treasure those photos forever.

4. Reception Highlights​

Photo Credit: AH Lovestories for Kanika and Cole

Some of the best photos are the unplanned ones. Make sure you get your photographers to stick around for the party so they can snap your guests having a good time:

• Laughing and Talking: Capture the natural interactions and joy, like during family speeches. Make sure to document the toasts and cheers.
• Hugs and Kisses: These candid moments often become the most treasured. They capture the genuine affection and happiness of the day.
• Silly Faces and Poses: Having sunglasses and other props for your friends and family to enjoy makes for playful shots and add a fun and lighthearted element to your wedding album.
• First Dance and Parent Dances: These special moments are often emotional and make for beautiful full page layouts in your wedding album.
• Sunset Photos: If possible, take advantage of the beautiful lighting that comes with ‘Golden Hour’ (1 hour prior to sunset) it offers the most flattering, soft light, perfect for romantic and dreamy photos.
• Couple with Parents at the End of the Night: A final, reflective shot which will be the perfect way to end your wedding album.

By following this checklist, you’ll ensure that every precious family moment is beautifully documented with these beautiful wedding photoshoot poses. Your next step is to create a beautiful wedding photo album or wedding magazine that you’ll cherish for years to come!