Wedding Group Shot Template
Your day will be full of natural, candid photographs but you may like some group shots too - if so here’s my tips and a form to complete and send me. That way we are all prepared and I can get them done for you quickly and efficiently without taking up too much of your precious time.
Be careful how many you choose
First of all it’s your day and I’m happy to get just what you’d like. Be aware though that many group shots will take time and guests are likely to get bored, so organisation is the key. This includes allocating one or two organisers from your guests who can round the guests up in advance whilst I get the actual pictures taken. Each group shot is around 2-3 minutes on average therefore I’d recommend keeping them to the essential ones, and prioritise the main groups first. Also note that each group may have some variations therefore several photos of the group, for instance the bride and groom party especially. So discuss together and decide who you’d like in them. A helpful way of looking at it is asking yourself will they be printed, go on the wall or in an album, if not maybe leave it out.
No surprises
Once decided - try to stick to the plan and try not to add more on the day as it will all get very rushed. Also be aware that relatives may try to hijack the photographer with unscheduled shots - all taking away from your precious time.
Fun & Creative
I’ll be matching the tone of your wedding and a few creative shots can really make a nice difference from the normal line up. Particularly for the bride and grooms party. Also you may like some fun shots too. If so there is a section in the form for you to add.
The big group shot
OK I’m going to be controversial now and say that the day of the BIG group may be over! It’s difficult to distinguish faces when so many are in the image, and again will you really put in on the mantle piece etc. The time it takes to put the BIG group shot together will eat into your drinks reception time, getting everyone together can take up to 15 minutes at times. If you’d prefer pictures of your guests laughing, joking, having fun with a drink their hand then maybe the group shot should be left out. Once again though, it’s your day and you should decide.
Confetti shot
These are always fun and if required are best done straight away after the ceremony whilst everyone is at hand. Do check with your venue though as some don’t allow it and others have designated areas. Then you need to decide if you’re going to make up a confetti box or rely on your guests to bring their own (many forget). allow 10 - 15 minutes for this shot. If you can’t have confetti for any reason we have other ideas such as high five line up if that’s of interest.
Time to complete the form
The recommended groups can act as a template, or simply add your own order instead, and time depending I’ll get a few variations with each group.