Imagine that you just got married, all of your wedding guests are leaving, and you are trying to round everyone up for family photos.  You’re panicking, this is your wedding day, you shouldn’t be running around trying to direct people. You should be laughing with your new husband, talking about the future.  People are getting hangry, and they want to go to the reception.

But what if I told you this could be so much less chaotic?  It can, and it involves three, maybe four steps.

Make a List

Make a “shot list.”  We ask our clients give us a list of 10-15 combinations of people they want for family pictures with the names.  Having first names (and maybe last names) on this list is crucial, because 90% of people won’t respond when you call their title, “Mother of the Groom,” or “Father of the Bride.”

Arrange a “People Herder”

Try to tell your guests before the wedding (the rehearsal dinner is a great place for this), that they need to stick around for photos after Mass.  Assign a trusty bridesmaid and groomsman (it actually can be anyone, just someone from the bride’s side, and someone from the groom’s side), to make sure everyone is there after Mass.

Communicate with your photographer!

Please give me the list at least a week before the wedding!  This way I can go through it and arrange it to go as fast as possible.  Also, please indicate if any family members have mobility issues or if there are any family dynamics I should be aware of.

You might not have a lot of time after Mass.

Because a lot of Catholic Churches have Saturday night Mass, you might have to move quickly after your wedding.  This is exactly why the list and communication with your photographer is so crucial.


In short, family photos can be stressful and chaotic, but they don’t have to be! One of the things I like to do is have my 2nd photographer get the group that is going to be photographed next ready, while I am arranging the current group.  Everyone is so amazed at how quickly we move through family photos.  Family photos are actually one of my favorite parts of the wedding day!