Below are three great options to picking your perfect formal portrait option based on your family!
Option One – Both Sets of Parents Together
Partner I – newlyweds, parents, siblings with families, grandparents
Partner I – newlyweds, parents, siblings
Partner I – newlyweds, parents
Partner I & II – newlyweds, both sets of parents
Partner II – newlyweds, parents
Partner II – newlyweds, parents, siblings
Partner II – newlyweds, parents, siblings with families, grandparents
Wedding Party
Partner I – partner I, partner I’s party
Partner II – partner II, partner II’s party
Newlyweds
Option Two – One Set of Parents Together
Partner I – newlyweds, parents, siblings with families, grandparents
Partner I – newlyweds, parents, siblings
Partner I – newlyweds, parents
Partner I & II – newlyweds, both sets of parents, step-parents (optional)
Partner II – newlyweds, parent I with step-parent
Partner II – newlyweds, parent II with step-parent
Partner II – newlyweds, parents, step-parents, siblings
Partner II – newlyweds, parents, step-parents, siblings with families, grandparents
Wedding Party
PI – partner I, partner I’s party
PII – partner II, partner II’s party
Newlyweds
Option Three – Both Sets of Parents Separated
Partner I – newlyweds, parents, step-parents, siblings with families, grandparents
Partner I – newlyweds, parents, step-parents, siblings
Partner I – newlyweds, parent I with step-parent
Partner I – newlyweds, parent II with step-parent
Partner I & II – newlyweds, both sets of parents, step-parents (optional)
Partner II – newlyweds, parent I with step-parent
Partner II – newlyweds, parent II with step-parent
Partner II – newlyweds, parents, step-parents, siblings
Partner II – newlyweds, parents, step-parents, siblings with families, grandparents
Wedding Party
PI – partner I, partner I’s party
PII – partner II, partner II’s party
Newlyweds
Creating the perfect formal portrait list can feel like a daunting task on your wedding checklist, but with our tips below your checklist can be created in a snap!
1. Parents: Every family situation is different, even between you and your spouse. When first creating your list, consider if your parents are still together or separated and if they would prefer to be or not to be in photos together. Understanding their personal feelings will ensure a smooth flow from the start.
2. Streamline!: Think about the most important pictures that you would like print and keep that in mind. For example, would you print photos without the two of you – most likely not. To streamline your list, condense down to images you would want to see every day in your home. Also consider no more than three to four formal portrait options for each side.
3. Extended Family: Immediate family is typically only included for formal portraits, however we can always take group portraits during the reception if a less formal portrait is desired. Do include any extended family though that you are close with!
4. Large Family Portraits: For groups of eight or more, it may take a little bit longer than just your immediate family. While we would love to rush everyone up quickly to take the photo, realistically grandma or grandpa may need a little more time getting up and we always want to ensure we can see everyone in the photo – you would be surprised how many times family members like to hide in the back! Budget 8-10 minutes for each large grouping.
5. Wedding Party: The silly, go with the flow group that will be with you the entire day! With groups of five or more on each side, i.e. ten plus, we recommend adding on an additional 30 minutes to your getting ready time to knock out each parties side so that the only remaining photo left is the entire group. Groupings of each side along with the entire group is the best way to capture many fun moments. If wanting individual portraits with each bridesmaid or groomsmen, we recommend adding on an additional 30 minutes to the getting ready time as well to not take away from newlywed portraits.
6. Newlywed Portraits: Our favorite! I am completely biased and this is by far my favorite moment of the entire day. Having ‘that moment’ when you realize your fiancé is officially now your husband or wife is so incredible – and incredible for us to capture! It may also be the first and only time you are alone throughout your whole wedding day. So take the time during your formal portrait hour to budget enough time for the two of you – as it is your day!
Ps. number 7. don’t forget to consider which side of the family goes first based on who may have the older grandparent or parent.