group of bridesmaids standing close together smiling and laughing with each other

Stress-free wedding group photos

It’s a part of your day that probably won’t be a highlight but I can confidently say that it can be enjoyable, fun and quick! Having photographed over 100 weddings I’ve seen enough group photos scenarios that you would want to avoid. It doesn’t need to be frustrating and it doesn’t need to feel laborious. So follow this guide to stress-free wedding group photos and I promise it’ll add to the smooth running of your day.

bride groom and parents enjoying a joke during their group photo

1. be prepared

We would all end up falling at the first hurdle if we didn’t know how many group shots we were going to have. And who was going to be in them. I’m all for being relaxed and going with the flow but as the old adage goes…fail to plan and plan to fail! To make sure we all know where we’re at I send out a pre wedding questionnaire before your wedding. This will ask for the list of group photos and exactly who is going to be in them. I print this out and bring it with me on the day so you won’t need to remember them all.

two grooms and two bridesmaids looking at each other smiling

2. time of day

To make sure you keep to a smooth timeline (see my blog post on this) I recommend doing the group photos fairly soon after the ceremony. This way people don’t have too much time to disperse, especially where it’s a larger wedding.

group of bridesmaids standing close together smiling and laughing with each other

3. larger group shots first

Typically the more ‘fun’ group shots are with your closest family/wedding party and friends. Once we’ve managed to gather people together for the larger group shots this normally means everyone is present for the smaller ones too.

4. nominate one or two people gatherers

This will be a life saver. For me and for you. It can be a best man, bridesmaid, friend – just someone who knows who’s who. Having people ready nearby will save a heap of time.

two brides and their bridesmaids pulling faces for their group photo

5. keep it under 10

Obviously you can have as many group photos as you’d like. However to avoid eating into your reception drinks time I’d advise around 8 group photos as a guide. The more you have the more stressful it can be. More people to gather… more strained smiles to maintain.

6. enjoy them

You will be with your nearest and dearest (especially for your bridal/groom party photos) so we can have lots of fun with these shots. This can involve going for a quick walk (literally some steps forward and back). You’ll be amazed at the difference it can makes to your group photos.

bride and bridesmaids walking towards the camera with windmill in background

Hopefully this list will help a little when thinking about your group photos. With a bit of planning and help on the day we can nail this part of your wedding and get back to the bubbly and socialising!