How to Navigate Family Photos

Family photos might not be the part of your wedding day that ends up on Pinterest, but they just might become the images you treasure the most years from now.

When I look back at my own family photos, some of the last beautiful portraits we have with my Grandma were taken at my sister, Lisa’s wedding. I remember going to Kohls, my Grandma’s favorite store and helping her pick out the perfect spring dress to wear. At the time, it felt like a small moment. Looking back now, it’s one of those memories that means so much more than I ever realized it would.

Those are the kinds of moments wedding family photos preserve.

After photographing hundreds of weddings, I’ve learned that family photos don’t have to feel chaotic or stressful. With a little planning, they can be one of the smoothest parts of your wedding day while still getting you to cocktail hour as quickly as possible.

Here are a few of my favorite tips for making family photos easy, organized, and meaningful.

Create a Family Photo List Ahead of Time

Family photos are the one part of the wedding day where we work directly off a shot list.

Why? Because we want to make sure nobody gets forgotten and everyone feels loved and cared for.

As a Watson Bride, you’ll automatically receive a starter family photo shot list four months before your wedding. You don’t have to start from scratch. Simply check off what applies to your family and add anything unique you would like us to capture. It makes the entire process so much easier.

Remind Everyone Three Times in Three Different Ways

Your family wants to be there. Sometimes they just forget about family photos in all the excitement post ceremony.

Totally normal! The ceremony is over, hugs are happening everywhere, and cocktail hour is calling everyone’s name. The best way to keep family photos running smoothly is to remind everyone multiple times before the wedding.

Here are a few great reminders to use:

• Include a family photo reminder with your wedding invitation.
• Have your parents send a text during the week of the wedding.
• Mention it briefly at your rehearsal dinner so everyone knows the plan.
• Ask your officiant or pastor to make an announcement immediately following the ceremony.

When everyone knows where to go and when to be there, family photos move quickly and everyone gets to cocktail hour sooner. : )

Plan the Right Amount of Time

One of the biggest questions couples ask is: “How long do family photos actually take?”

Here’s what I typically recommend:

• 20 minutes for immediate family photos (including grandparents)
• 30 minutes if you’d like to include extended family

Because we’ve already planned your list in advance, we move efficiently while still making sure everyone looks their best.

It’s Complicated- Family Dynamics

Every family looks different.

Some families include divorce, remarriages, loss, strained relationships, or sensitive situations that aren’t obvious to someone meeting everyone for the first time. Please tell us.

Inside your family photo questionnaire, there’s space to let us know about anything you’d like us to be aware of.

Those notes stay private, but they help us navigate family photos with kindness, sensitivity, and confidence.

Our job isn’t just organizing people. It’s to love people well.

The more we know ahead of time, the more naturally we can guide everyone through the process while helping your family feel comfortable and cared for.

Final Thoughts

Family photos aren’t the most glamorous part of your wedding day, but they are some of the most meaningful.

With a thoughtful plan, a great list, and a few well-timed reminders, they become one of the easiest parts of the day.

And years from now, when those photos become some of your family’s most treasured keepsakes, you’ll be so glad you took the time to make them happen.

I hope this post has been helpful to you and as always, thanks for following along!

Much Love,

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A post shared by Rachael Watson Photography- Chicagoland Wedding Photographer (@rachaelwatsonphotography)