Cornish Maine Wedding Photographer // Dos & Don'ts of Family Formals
As a wedding photographer, the family formal portion of the day can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. Capturing these precious moments with loved ones requires careful planning and execution. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable family formal session, I've curated a list of dos and don'ts that will help couples and their families make the most of this essential part of their wedding day.
The Dos
1. Do Create a List Ahead of Time: I actually start this with my couples by discussing their wants and giving them a mock list to give them an idea of what their list can look like. Compile a list of the family groupings you want to capture. This ensures that no important combinations are overlooked in the whirlwind of the day.
2. Do Take Timing into Consideration: Allocate approximately 3 minutes for each family grouping. This ensures that we capture the necessary shots efficiently without feeling rushed or encroaching on other parts of the day's schedule.
3. Do Include Family Formals in Your Wedding Timeline: Incorporate a dedicated time slot for family formals into your wedding day timeline. This ensures that ample time is allocated for these important photographs.
The Don'ts
1. Don't Overwhelm Your List: Keep the list of family groupings concise. A lengthy list can elongate the family formal session and detract from the overall enjoyment of the day.
2. Don't Deviate from the Plan: While minor adjustments are natural, straying too far from the prearranged list can disrupt the flow of the session. Sticking to the plan ensures a smooth and efficient process. With that said, if your favorite uncle makes a surprise visit to your wedding and you want a picture of him, I will happily take a minute to do so.
3. Don't Stress About Missed Groupings: If an overlooked grouping surfaces, it's perfectly fine. Simply let me know, and if possible, capture the missed combination at a later point during the event.
The family formal session is a poignant part of the wedding day, allowing couples to create timeless memories with their loved ones. By adhering to these dos and don'ts, couples can ensure that this segment of the day is both seamless and enjoyable. With careful planning, efficient execution, and a touch of flexibility, the family formal session can be a cherished and stress-free experience for all involved.
