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Who Should Be In My Family Formals on My Wedding Day | Wedding Day Tips for Brides

Who Should Be In My Family Formals on My Wedding Day?

St Paul wedding photography

Family formals on your wedding day are some of the photos you will cherish for years to come. To most brides, including the family is one of the most important parts of the day. More and more brides are doing a first-look with their father before the first look with their groom! (these are real tear jerkers)

Family Formals are the time in the day where you and your families are formally posed to take group photos together. But who should be a part of these photos?? With so many family members to choose from I know it can be hard to narrow it down, but I am here to break it down for you.

I always suggest to my brides to break down family formals to be just immediate family members. This would be children, parents, siblings, and grandparents. I am a firm believer that by limiting formals to these groups of your family you can successfully capture these photos in 30 minutes or less. We want to love on your family during your wedding day and keep everyone happy. Having a shorter shoot time will leave your family in a more enjoyable mood for celebrating your special day. (I see this OVER and over).

Wisconsin Vineyard Wedding Photography

But what about all your favorite aunts and uncles and cousins you love?! I hear you. I recommend getting giant photos with extended families to be done during the cocktail hour or reception time. It is a lot more laid back feel and everyone is guaranteed to be there!

This small adjustment to your family list will help make your day flow more smoothly and be more enjoyable!