Most couples that ask me to photograph their wedding require some formally arranged photographs. Although the majority want their wedding photography to be unobtrusive and tell the story of the day there will always be a need for certain organised group photographs.
Quite often a wedding will be the only time that a family will have all its members in the same room (or country!) at the same time so it’s a unique opportunity to create a record of that event. You should liaise with your photographer as closely as possible to ensure that the session of formal wedding photographs goes smoothly. Give your photographer the list of groups you want photographed along with the names of those involved. Your photographer will then be able to take your list and put it into running order that will run smoothly on the day.
When to take the formals
The old school way was to take all of the formal shots outside the church. Occasionally this is still the case but with less wedding ceremonies taking place in a church and some church yards not being particularly photogenic it is more likely that the organised groups will take place at the reception venue where time is also less of a factor.
I would advise that the best time to start the formals would be in the early part of your drinks reception. I would usually spend the first 15-20 minutes capturing the newlyweds mingling with their guests before starting to arrange the groups.
How long will we need?
Shooting 8-10 of the usual groups should take no longer than about 20-25 minutes as long as everybody is present. With this in mind it is important that you arrange for a couple of people (one from the groom’s side, one the bride’s) to ’round up’ those involved. Ushers are usually ideal for this.
Who is involved?
Although all families and wedding guest lists differ, as a guide, the core arrangements would include:
- Bride & Groom with Bride’s parents
- Bride & Groom with Groom’s parents
- Bride & Groom with both sets of parents
- Bride & Groom with Bride’s immediate family
- Bride & Groom with Groom’s immediate family
- Bride with bridesmaids
- Groom with ushers
- Bride & Groom with bridesmaids and ushers
Location
Once again, your photographer should be able to find a spot at the church or reception venue that lends itself to photographing the formal wedding photographs. If there is a location that you are particularly fond off then don’t hesitate to suggest it but keep in mind that your photographer will need to take into account the light at the time of day the formals will take place, access and the amount of people in the groups themselves.
Wet Weather Contingency
If you formals are to take place outside (and most do) then it isn’t just the dreaded rain that can cause problems. High winds and biting cold can also mean that shooting outside with your guests could be difficult. This is where you will need to think ahead with your photographer and the venue to put in place a ‘plan B’. I’ve always found it possible to get through most of the formals list indoors but, depending on the venue and the interior spaces they can offer, you may need to be flexible with your formals list.
Lloyd Dobbie is a London based photographer working across the UK and Europe. You can see more of his work here on his website and keep up to date with his latest wedding work by visiting his blog.
