MIDLANDS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Group shots are an essential part of capturing your big day, even if they're the least fave part of the day for everyone haha! They offer a timeless snapshot of your closest loved ones, friends, and those who have stood by your side. They are photo's that will be on your grandparents mantlepiece or your besties heading cover on facebook.

However, they can also become stressful if not planned properly. Here are some top tips to make sure your group shots go smoothly and feel meaningful rather than chaotic. And trust me, they can be pretty stressful for you as a couple which is not what we want at all!

Wedding party in formal attire poses together against rustic stone wall on autumn day.
Wedding party poses together in greenhouse space wearing mix of earth tones and holding vibrant floral bouquets.
Small wedding party poses together outdoors at a rustic countryside venue with rolling hills in the background.
A group stands together under a rustic wooden pavilion on an autumn day with a rustic fence in the background.

You Only Need a maximum of Eight Group Shots


When planning your wedding day timeline, avoid overloading your photographer with dozens of different group shots. Focus on eight essential groups that really matter to you. More than that, and it can eat into your reception time and leave you feeling frazzled.


Consider these shots:

  • Couple with both sets of parents
  • Couple with siblings
  • Couple with grandparents
  • Couple with "ride-or-die" people
  • Couple with anyone important who doesn’t fit into the above categories.
  • Couple with their kids (IF YOU HAVE KIDS, DON'T FORGET THIS!)


By narrowing it down to these eight key groups, you save time, stay focused, and guarantee you’ll get the photos that matter most. Remember this is up to you though, if you don't get on with your parents, then don't include them. If you'd rather have a pic with your uni pals then do that. Each list is individual and personal to you.

A line of well-dressed wedding party members in gray and brown suits pose by a rustic brick wall covered in ivy.
A small wedding group poses on stone steps in front of a historic brick building with autumn decor and sunflowers.

Keep Families Together, Skip the Smaller Groups


Instead of breaking families into loads of smaller combinations (i.e., bride with each cousin individually), keep larger family shots together. This way, you capture everyone and save valuable time. Group photos with immediate and extended family will mean less shuffling and more mingling! Plus it'll be the photo that everyone treasures because it doesn't happen often, if ever.

Having a "couple with extended family" shot also creates a classic photo that you’ll treasure for years. Not only does it speed things up, but it captures everyone’s joy in one single frame.

A group poses together in an autumn setting by a lake with orange leaves on the ground and trees.
A group gathers outdoors for a wedding photo against a scenic hillside backdrop on a bright summer day.
A wedding party poses outdoors on a sunny day under green trees.

Only Include Your “Ride or Die” Crew


Your group shots don’t have to be a free-for-all! Only include the people who are truly important to you as a couple—your ride-or-die crew. These are the people who have had a significant impact on your relationship, whether family or friends.

Keep the list of group shots intimate. Don’t feel pressure to add everyone just because they attended your wedding. It’s about capturing those who played an important part in your journey as a couple.

A formal group stands together for a wedding portrait in an elegant white-walled venue with wood floors and candle decor.
Small group stands together in bright sunlight on a warm day by rustic stone barn with flowering pink bushes.

Don’t Limit It to Just Family


While family members are often a given for group shots, don’t limit yourself to just them. Your wedding is also about celebrating with friends and chosen family who have supported you. If someone has been vital to your relationship, make sure they’re in your photos. The people who matter most to you might not always be related by blood!

This also allows you to capture memories with people who might not be around for future celebrations—so think beyond tradition and include anyone important.

A group in elegant champagne-colored gowns poses together on a grassy lawn in front of a historic building.
A wedding party poses outdoors in autumn with golden foliage and decorative stone urns in the background.
A joyful moment with kisses being shared as a bright bouquet of pink and red flowers adds vibrant color to the scene.

List Everyone by Name


When creating your shot list for the photographer, don’t just write general group names like “Family”. Instead, list out individual names. For example:

  • Couple with Phil, Grant, Peggy, Sharon, Frank
  • Couple with Caine & Moira
  • Couple with Ken, Deirdre, Tracy, Steve

This will help whoever is assisting the photographer (usually either siblings of the couple or someone from the wedding gang) know exactly who to round up. By providing names, it ensures no one is left behind or forgotten, and makes it easier to coordinate the photos quickly.

A small wedding party poses together on a gravel path surrounded by lush garden grounds on an autumn day.
A wedding party in traditional Scottish kilts poses together on a sunny day with countryside views in the background.

Prewarn Your Wedding Gang


Let your wedding party know ahead of time that they’ll be helping your photographer during the group shots. Whether it’s reminding family to stay nearby or physically gathering people, they should understand how important their role is in making things run smoothly. Ensure they know not to shout of names from the list, because this can cause people not included to be upset with the couple, which we do not want.

Getting everyone in place quickly allows you to enjoy your drinks reception without missing out on too much party time. A helpful crew will keep things on track and take the pressure off you and your new spouse.

Small wedding group poses outdoors on gravel path with rolling countryside hills and wooden fence in background.
Wedding party poses outdoors in coordinating red and beige attire with bouquets against natural garden backdrop.

Work as a Team for Stress-Free Group Shots


The key to smooth group shots is teamwork. Assign a couple of people to help wrangle guests and check off names on the list. This helps prevent delays and confusion, allowing your photographer to focus on capturing beautiful moments.

Trust in your photographer, but also lean on your wedding party and family to help keep things organised and running on time. A team effort ensures that group shots remain quick, fun, and stress-free.


Bonus Tip: Let your photographer in on the plan. Share your shot list at least a week before your day, give them a heads-up on who will be assisting them, and keep everyone informed about the game plan. This way, your group shots can be taken in the most efficient, enjoyable way possible!

By following these tips, you’ll streamline your group shots, get stunning photos, and still have plenty of time to enjoy the celebration with your loved ones. Planning ahead means more memories and less chaos!

Wedding party in formal attire poses on stone steps of historic building during elegant outdoor ceremony.