When it comes to your wedding day, there are countless moments you’ll want to capture and remember forever. One of the most common ways to do this is through group photos.

Whilst it’s natural to want to include all of your family and friends in these pictures, it’s important to keep in mind that too many group shots can quickly become overwhelming and time-consuming. And, as a documentary-style wedding photographer, I am all about keeping it relaxed and natural as much as we can throughout your wedding day.

That’s why in this post, I will be discussing the benefits of cutting down the group shots at your wedding and how to effectively capture the essence of your day with just a few carefully chosen photos.
So sit back, relax, and let’s minimise group photos at your wedding!

How We Can Minimise Group Photos at Your Wedding

• We Will Keep it Short
• Appointing the Sherlock Holmes of People Gathering
• The Benefit of Combo and Variety Shots 
• Tap Me on the Shoulder for More Personal Shots
• The Beauty of Candid Group Shots

We Will Keep it Short

First of all, who wants to spend hours posing and smiling for countless shots?

Not you, that’s for sure!

I recommend keeping the group photos at your wedding to a maximum of around 5 to 8 groups. Trust me, any more than that and we’ll be cutting into your valuable time. And hey, you will definitely want a chance to relax, have a drink, and munch on some delicious canapes, right?

So, let’s keep things snappy and efficient. We’ll gather your loved ones, capture those important moments, and get you back to enjoying the festivities in no time. No need to stress or feel rushed. We’ve got this under control.

Appointing the Sherlock Holmes of People Gathering

When it comes to rounding up people for group photos at your wedding, you’ll need someone with top detective skills!

That’s right, it’s time to appoint the Sherlock Holmes of people gathering.

This person will have the uncanny ability to sniff out Uncle Bob when he’s disappeared to the bar, locate your university friends who are mingling away, and track down your long-lost cousin who got distracted by the dessert table.

Make sure you send them the shot list ahead of the day so they can read it off their phone or print it out. And make sure to appoint this job to someone who you trust such as a bridesmaid and who knows your guest list well.

The Benefit of Combo and Variety Shots 

When it comes to group photos at your wedding, combination and variety shots are the superheroes. They allow us to capture different combinations of people and showcase the unique dynamics between them. 

For example, if you have a group shot of yourself, your partner and your parents, you can then easily do other combos like just you and your mum, or just your partner and their dad. The benefit is that everyone is already in the same place at once.

Whether it’s the bridal party striking a pose, the grandparents surrounded by grandchildren, or the hilarious university friends pulling a silly face, these shots are guaranteed to add a touch of fun and excitement to your wedding album.

Just make sure not to have too many varieties per group shot, as these can add on a lot of time if you get carried away! I would recommend no more than 2 varieties per group. 

Tap Me on the Shoulder for More Personal Shots

You can always grab me for more informal group photos at your wedding during the reception.

So, we have captured the all-important group family photos. If you still want photos with more friends or non-immediate family we can do that.

Come grab me in the evening and I’ll gladly take any group shots you want – that way we won’t have to cram them into the limited time we have during the day.

It is your wedding album and I am happy to accommodate your needs to ensure it is perfect!

The Beauty of Candid Group Shots

Now, let’s talk about the true magic of candid wedding photography – those unscripted moments of joy and laughter that make your wedding day so special.

These are the moments that can’t be planned or posed, but rather, happen naturally when no one is expecting it. It’s when the bride and groom share a spontaneous kiss, or when the flower girl gets caught up in a fit of giggles.

The first shot is always the formal ‘look at me and smile‘ shot, but if time allows, I will ask each group to talk to each other and be themselves. This results in some great candid group shots, which are always my couples’ favourite prints!

These candid group photos at your wedding capture the raw emotions and genuine connections between loved ones. 

Let’s Create Your Wedding Memories Together

So with that all being said, let’s minimise group photos at your wedding and remember – less is more.

Instead of overwhelming you with countless shots, we will focus on capturing the essence of your day with just a few carefully chosen group photos.

Cheers to short, sweet, and unforgettable memories!