No matter how quirky or unconventional you want your big day to be, capturing family wedding photos is a must. It is a significant part because these are memories that you will want to have forever! With so many family members living far apart, a wedding is one of the rare times everyone gathers together. So, it is the perfect chance to snap some great photos of everyone looking their best!
When you think about your wedding group photos, you probably imagine lots of candid shots filled with laughter and hugs. You can see the faces of your friends and some beautiful, relaxed portraits of you as a couple. And maybe you could even picture catching a moment when your dad gets a bit emotional during the speeches. In short, family photos are a must when it comes to what wedding photos should be taken.
If you want to make these shots more personal and authentic, we have included some ideas for family wedding pictures. You can still have special photographs—you just need to organise everything properly!
Go for The Traditional Family Wedding Photos
Like it or not, every wedding requires at least one group family photo to commemorate the union of two families. This is what we call the traditional photo of the entire family on the day of the celebration. Even though you might not be really a fan of these staged wedding group photos, you should not omit them. Shots like these ensure everyone is included, and later, all the members can get a copy. It is a classic memory of a bridal family portrait.
When it comes to taking family wedding photos, the best spots tend to be outdoors. Ideally, you want to be in the shade, or if it is a cloudy day, facing the sun can work nicely, too. When it comes to the background, keep it simple and neutral. Maybe a pretty alleyway, some steps at your venue, or even just some greenery. The focus should be on the people, so you do not need to stress too much over what is behind them. It will likely be blurry anyway! However, it still needs to be pretty.
Include Your Family in The Getting Ready Part
If you plan to have a getting-ready part during your celebration, ensure to include your family members in it. In general, the bride’s mother is always present when she prepares for the big ceremony. However, you can also consider asking your siblings and close cousins to be present as well. It will be a great opportunity to commemorate some candid moments with them before the wedding craziness begins.
Moreover, photographers really enjoy involving the bride’s closest people, like the maid of honour and her mom. It is a way to create a real romantic story of the entire celebration. Namely, it is a chance for some beautiful, genuine moments that capture the essence of your special day. So, if you have thought about including a getting ready part, family wedding photos might be another reason to go for it!
Include The Groom’s Family in The Getting Ready Part
Prep-time photos are not just for the bride! It is also a great opportunity to capture special moments with the groom, like that sweet scene of his dad, uncle, or grandpa helping him with his tie. Those candid family shots are really meaningful!
Even though the spotlight is usually on the bride, ensure the groom gets enough photo opportunities with his party as well. Everyone wants to be included in the wedding equally and have some great memories of those special moments.
Have a First Look with Your Family Members
Traditionally, the first look happens between the bride and the groom. However, you do not always have to follow the norms. It is your wedding day, meaning you get to choose to do whatever you find suitable. You can go for a first look with several family members or only with the dad. Many brides want to include their father in this part and capture some emotional moments before the ceremony begins.
Some brides decide to have a first look with their parents and the groom as well. It will take some more time, but if you want those precious memories, you can surely squeeze in an extra photo session. Just have an exact agenda for each moment so everyone is prepared for the photoshoots.
Don’t Forget About The Children in Your Family
Remember to include the tiny humans in your wedding group photos as well. The youngest guests at your celebration will surely provide you with the most adorable photography outcomes. There is really nothing lovelier than having kids at the bridal photo session. The photographer will definitely snap all those cute moments, like tiny bowties and just kids being their silly selves.
But make sure you do not force the young ones to pose. They do not really understand the concept of posing, meaning you might achieve the opposite effect if you tend to get them to do something special for the family wedding photos. Just let them be themselves, and include yourselves in that combination.
Simple Candid Moments with Family Members
Every family has its share of inside jokes, and weddings are no exception! Photographers enjoy snapping pictures of these funny moments, whether they are big or small, during your special day. If there are certain jokes you want your photographer to be aware of, make sure to give them a heads-up in advance!
You will cherish those sincere moments forever, so talk to your photographer in advance about these photo opportunities. You do not need anything staged—just a person with a camera at the right time and place.
Taking family wedding photos is not a piece of cake for sure. You do not want to waste a lot of time on traditional poses, but you also want to have beautiful memories of all of them. That is why you have creative options that will allow you to achieve both. Hopefully, our suggestions will help you get inspired for these photoshoots.
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