I absolutely love meeting my couple’s families on the wedding day. Family formals are usually my first interaction with them, so I love to have a game plan for this part of the day. Eight weeks before the wedding, you’ll receive a questionnaire from me that will ask you to list out the family formals you want me to capture. Here is a sample family formal list to help you start preparing what shots you need.

Couple with Side 1 Immediate Family
(Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews)
Couple with Side 1 Parents
Couple with Side 1 Siblings
Partner 1 with Parents
Partner 1 with Parent 1, Partner 1 with Parent 2
Couple with Side 1 Grandparents
Couple with both sets of Parents
Couple with Side 2 Immediate Family
(Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews)
Couple with Side 2 Parents
Couple with Side 2 Siblings
Partner 2 with Parents
Partner 2 with Parent 1, Partner 2 with Parent 2
Couple with Groom’s Grandparents
Couple with all family members if time allows

To ensure plenty of daylight for your romantic portraits, I have to limit the family-formal time. However, for any large family group shots that we don’t accomplish during family formals, we can be sure to capture them at the reception!

Family formals usually happen immediately after the ceremony. That was the standard when I entered the wedding industry, but no one explained why. I am convinced that is because no one has to spend time gathering everyone since they are already there.

Speaking of gatherings, if you are using a wedding planner, it is highly recommended that they help collect family members to make the process go smoothly. If you don’t have a planner, it is best to have a wedding party member or another guest who already knows who these people are responsible for gathering family.

Part of planning means I go in a particular order to get these photos done as quickly and efficiently as possible. I always keep a list on my handy-dandy Apple watch to just read them off. Still, I also have a list for my second shooter so they can call names, and your family members can just step right up to alter, smile, and head to cocktail hour.

When I send the questionnaire, I will ask you to list their names. This step is vital to the organization process. Honestly, it’s challenging to memorize dozens of people’s names the day of. When I have a list already, I can attach a face to that once I meet them and have already memorized their names. Plus, when I am adjusting them to help take the best possible photo, I can address them by name.

Examples:
Bride’s Sibling – Marge
Fathers of the Groom – Rod & Todd
Side 1 Grandmother – Edna

Another question I ask is about divorces or any problematic relationships. This helps with planning, so I don’t put two people near each other who would otherwise not. This question has been a life-saver because everyone’s family dynamic is different. Two divorced parents had a not-so-friendly past, so I separated their picture time. I had to let one parent and step-parent leave the room before the other set could enter. It happens, so since I was aware, it was no issue, and we moved through photos effortlessly.

As I mentioned earlier, family formals usually happen after the ceremony. However, I love getting to family formals after a first look. When couples do a first look, it allows ample time to knock out the wedding party, couples portraits, and family formals. It’s another reason I highly suggest the first look. Right after the ceremony, we can do some quick just-married pictures, and it’s on to party time!

TM Grey Photo is a Wedding and Portrait Photographer, as well as a Private Editor in the New Jersey area. TM Grey Photo focuses on bright and bold stories and genuine smiles. Check out more weddings, portraits, and engagements in the gallery. Want TM Grey Photo to tell your story? Let’s chat.