One of the highlights of the wedding day is the family portrait time! Most often, it’s a rare day that all of your family members come from near and far to celebrate! But, with that comes lots of opinions and lots of people wanting to get in on photos. Here’s a few suggestions on how to make this short part of your day go smoothly!

• Keep photo combinations small. If you want to have a photo with all of your aunts, uncles, and 40 cousins, by all means, do it! But unless that’s literally the only family photo you want during family photo time, save it for later. It takes a lot of time to get that many people arranged and cooperative and all looking/smiling at the camera. I’d suggest waiting and taking that photo during the reception or cocktail hour. My advice is to have photos with no more than 10 to 15 people in them.
• Keep it to immediate family. This kind of goes along with the suggestion above. And this is especially true if you have a large immediate family! My advice is to stick with the following people: parents, grandparents, siblings (and their mates/children.) If you have a small family (I’m talking less than 3 siblings) you could add in aunts and uncles (again, if there aren’t a ton of them.)
• Designate one or two people to act as “wranglers.” Choose someone who will not be included in family photos to coordinate the family photos. Someone who knows the people by name that will be included (from both your side and your groom’s side.) This is by far the most important suggestion I can give you!! I will most likely know your parents and if you have any siblings in your bridal party. Beyond that, I won’t know who needs to be included in photos. So having someone around who does will help tremendously!

Do you have any questions about planning your wedding? Comment below or email hello@alaynaparker.com!

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