What group shots should you get on your wedding day? The answer varies - depending on the couple, the type of wedding, family situation, etc. But I've put together a guideline list of 10 typical essentials for anyone who may not know where to start. 

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10 Essential Group Photographs

Bride & Groom will be in the centre of every image. 

1. Bride & Groom with Both Bride & Groom's parents, siblings, and inlaws. 

2. Bride & Groom with Brides parents and siblings.

3. Bride & Groom with Grooms parents and siblings.

4. Bride & Groom with Brides parents.

5. Bride & Groom with Grooms parents.

6: Bride & Groom with Brides Grandparents.

7: Bride & Groom with Grooms Grandparents.

8: Bride & Groom with Bridesmaids & Groomsmen.

9: Bride with Bridesmaids.

10: Groom with Groomsmen.

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Once you have a good idea of the structure, you can easily vary the list and add more. And many can be configured differently. 

I've photographed weddings with over 40 variations. Every wedding presents challenges, especially regarding timelines, so this isn't always possible. For example. It could be a winter wedding - and The Church ceremony location could be very far from the venue reception. So by the time you reach your venue, there is limited time before the evening light fades or the meal is called. Make sure to consult with your photographer prior. 

And another must, and I mean must, is: Write the group shot list before the wedding. This is crucial. Unfortunately, not all my clients heed my advice on this. The result is; the couple tries to work out who to include after their ceremony, which causes stress and eats into their precious time. Don't make that mistake. 

Another must-do: Delegate someone to round the family members up - working by the group shot list. Assign the task to someone assertive enough to gather the family members. Someone quiet and timid may not be capable of gathering people to move outside if certain family members are enjoying a drink by the bar! And you can't expect the photographer to do this task either - as they won't know who all your family members are. It works out far more time-efficient for someone delegated to do it anyway. The photographer's job is to pick the ideal location for the group shots, then line members in a tidy fashion - and get the nicest image possible.

When I started as a wedding photographer, I lacked this valuable knowledge. It resulted in family photos taken way too long (30-40 mins), and it was highly stressful for all involved. And if your wedding is in winter, the last thing you want is for yourself and your elderly family members to be outside in the shivering cold! Thankfully, since I've acquired this knowledge, my average time to execute family photos is 10 - 15 minutes. And it's stress-free - so everyone is happy! :)

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