I wanted to answer specific questions about how we work as trained, professional photographers.  So, here goes!

It’s a given that we specialize in a combination of candid moments, details, photo-journalistic shots, and timeless portraiture for weddings, but let’s face it–the formal portraits can be a big time-user, but not with us!  We strive to make it a cinch for you and yours!

We get asked all the time the two following questions:

“How long will formals take on our wedding day?” and “Who should be in the formal wedding day portraits?”

I’d like to give you some ideas on how we work with the formal portraits on your wedding day–we want it to be fun, easy, and efficient for you and all who are involved!

How long will formals take?

You will need to factor in several things here:

• Are you doing family formals?
• Are you doing bridal party formals?
• How many people are in the family photos and bridal party photos?
• How many locations are you expecting to use for formal photos?
• Do you want just immediate family or do you want extended family members, too?

(NOTE:  Immediately family includes parents, siblings, and grandparents–then we add in siblings’ spouses and their children.  Extended family includes all of the above plus aunts/uncles, their spouses, cousins, etc.)

Typically our couples do both family and bridal party formals. We tend to shoot approximately 10-15 family groups and  10 bridal party “poses.”

If our couple does NOT see one another before the wedding, here is how we handle the day:

We spend around 60 minutes photographing the separate bridal party and immediate family members of our bride and groom before the wedding and then try to keep it to 30 minutes for family (immediate) and bridal party portraits immediately after the ceremony.  We also do some portraits of the bride and groom at this time after the ceremony, but then we really go for the editorial, romantic portraits once our couple has eaten and gotten some rest!

That’s average – but what suits you?  If you have a large family and want to include aunts, uncles, nephews,  nieces, great grandparents, cousins, in-laws your photos will take a bit longer.  Anticipate adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the formal portrait time if you want to include extended family members.

If our couple DOES DECIDE TO see one another before the wedding (which is perfect for couples who want to buck tradition and get most or all of their formals done before the ceremony), here is how we handle the day:

We go ahead and work with our bride and her side of the bridal party first, then we arrange a “first look” moment for our couple so we can get those wonderful romantic moments together.  We then let our couple have some time alone, and then head right on in and take care of ALL formals (both with and without the groom or bride on both sides of their families), bridal party portraits, and even some of our couple together!  Anything we do not get before the ceremony can be done immediately after the wedding is finished.

REMEMBER that we go over your day a few weeks before to schedule everything and then we even send a wonderful timeline for our couples to share with family and bridal party members–this way, the people you want in your portraits will be there on time and ready to go!

Make sure you let us  know your expectations and we can accommodate those needs for you!

Who will be in the formals?

This is, of course, your decision in the end.  We think about it this way – some shots are “must have” shots.  Others are great if you get them but not necessary and others are unwanted.  Break down your list for your photographer that way.

We provide ALL of our wedding couples with an extensive list of posed portrait suggestions so that they can sit down with families and really chat about what is important.  Now, we are seeing small groups rather than individual shots of everyone.  This also ensures that we can get the images you want, provided that everyone is on time and there when we need them.  NOTE:  This is so important, so please make sure that family members and bridal party people are aware of when they need to be there.  We work as a team!

Here are some examples:

RECOMMENDED “Must Have” Portraits:
Parents and/or Step-Parents (both sides)
Siblings (both sides), their spouses, and their children (nieces and nephews)
Grandparents (both sides)
Full wedding party
All bridesmaids, flower girl and bride
All groomsman, ring bearer, ushers, and groom

IF REQUESTED:
Aunts & Uncles
Cousins
Bride with each bridesmaid
Groom with each groomsman
Bride or groom with each parent individually (is recommended if parents are no longer together or are remarried) Fiance’s of siblings

TYPICALLY NOT RECOMMENDED:
Divorced parents’ dates/boyfriend/girlfriend–anyone who is not engaged/married to parent)
Siblings’ new boyfriends or girlfriends

These are just examples – you can also add to our list.  Just sit down and ask yourselves these questions:  Who is important to you?

More info for you:

1) What people are only in one or two photos? If you finish their photos first they are free to leave.  If you’re doing one shot with 25 of you in it – we get that huge formal first.  Then aunts, uncles and cousins can leave!  Simple, right?

2) After large groups, we work our way through one side then the other. We start with the whole family who is most responsible for the reception – they are going to want to get to the site to host.  We start with the biggest group – grandparents, parents, siblings, their families, etc.  When finished with that photo we move onto any other photos grandparents are in.  (It’s physically taxing for some older family members to move around, so once we get them standing, we get them finished so they can leave.)  We work our way down – parents and siblings, siblings alone, then parents alone.  And then we go from both sets of parents to just the second set of parents then to the big family group on the other side – and repeat!

Just like that family formals are done.  Time for bridal party formals.  Assuming you move to a park or other location here’s my suggested order and why:

Whole bridal party formal – We get it while people are focused- this can be creative, it can be a line of people, it can be anything you want – but don’t get crazy here yet.

Fun wedding party shots – Now we bring everyone back together, get those creative, fun, funny or just plain odd shots you want.  Not everyone wants a running or jumping photo, but those who do are sad if it’s missed so just know what you want!  We also have plenty of ideas based on where your photos are taken!

Once wedding party fun time is over we do your romantic formals.  Bride and groom time should take 15 minutes or so.  This is the photographer’s favorite time at almost every wedding. We love the romance!  Bring on the kissing, dip shots, handholding, laying in each other’s lap, walking in the park.  We also like to come back out at twilight for some quiet, lovely images with our couple, so be ready!

Final thoughts

These thoughts are merely a rough guide as you work through organizing your wedding formal photos. We photographers want your wedding to be your own – a fantastic and fun trip through your family, past, future and your new life together.  If you want 2 hours for romantic formal photos, schedule it (and hire us!)  If you want to include everyone who attended the wedding in a photo at the church just remind us to bring a ladder (or how to get to the balcony in the church).

We are here for you!