Groups shots needn’t be the part of your wedding that you dread!
Here are my top tips on how to make your group shots fun, relaxed and memorable thanks to tonnes of creative wedding photography experience!
You may be reading this and picturing the group shots as the traditional and awkward part of your wedding with endless Chandler Bing smiles, whilst your photographer takes endless family photos. But after reading my top tips for how to get the best group shots on your wedding day, you will be looking forward to it, I guarantee!
Top Tips on How To Get The Best Group Shots – Creative Wedding Photography UK!
After such a long period spent separated from our family members through the Covid-19 pandemic, I believe that our association to wedding group shots has changed. Going from slight dread to anticipation to be close to the ones we love. No matter what may have gone on within the family in the past, these photos will be passed down from generation to generation. What I know for sure, is that we will never take hugs or standing close to those with love for granted again and wedding group shots are a great excuse to document those who mean the most to you in the world!
MAKE A LIST!
This could seem like a super obvious point, but it’s so important to get all of the thinking out of the way before the day sweeps you off your feet and you suddenly can’t remember everyone’s names! I ask my couples to provide the first names of the people in each shot rather than ‘Mum’ and ‘Dad’ as your guests are also swept up in adrenaline and excitement and I’m sure Mum forgets she is Mum and will only answer to Debra! This calls for lots of laughs when I pronounce a name wrong or you forget who I’m even shouting as you only call them by their nickname usually!
SPEED THINGS UP!
In larger venues, the group shot part of the day has been drawn out after close family members chose to ‘check in’ and go and have a look at their hotel room right after the ceremony! Yep! It’s happened! Give the main members of both sides of your family a heads up a few days before the wedding, perhaps send a group message a few days before the wedding with the approximate time for when the group shots will be starting.
APPOINT A HELPER AND TELL THEM IN ADVANCE!
The official term for this role is ‘chief family member usher’, I promise! Choosing someone who knows many members on both sides helps speeds things up! They can take a copy of my list and be preparing the next group of guests whilst I snap away.
RELAX AND ENJOY BEING CLOSE TO THE ONES YOU LOVE
Speaking specifically about the way my creative wedding photography uk works, the group shots take up a small amount of time in the grand scheme of things so enjoy it! Yes, there might be a friend you’re dying to go and speak to or a canape you’ve been dreaming about trying, but trust in the process and it will go faster than you think!
EMBRACE THE HUGS, I’LL KEEP SHOOTING!
You might find that Dad wants a little chat or Grandma wants a cuddle, so please do enjoy those moments, and I will snap away! Moments like this result in gorgeous and natural images which you will treasure forever! Creative Wedding Photography
SQUAD GOALS! LET’S GET AWAY FROM IT ALL!
This is an option for the couples who are up for creating an epic image and we take the bridal party off for some fun! Think squad goals, think amazing backdrop, think walking!
GET CREATIVE WITH HEIGHT!
Crane, ladder or a high wall can create the right hight for a full wedding party group shot! The large group shot isn’t for everyone and it does take some co-ordination! It’s worth having a chat between you both to see if it’s something you would like to do!
SARAH’S FAVOURITE GROUP SHOT MEMORY
This has to be when Cristina and Ed had their secret wedding at St Pancras in London and only their witnesses knew about the wedding. There was such an amazingly light energy amongst the group that they even suggested a jumping group shot photo which included quite a long run up! It felt like I was photographing true freedom and happiness which can be unusual to experience during the group shot part of the day.
Fancy more tips for making the most out of your wedding photography? Check out How to Get the Best Confetti Photo! Creative Wedding Photography
