Ah, the portrait hour, when you and I get to wrangle your family and friends for those cherished formal photos. Everyone is hungry, thirsty, and eager to party – so to make portraits quick and enjoyable, here are three things you should do!
1) Have a master list
6 weeks before the big day, I ask for a family list of everyone joining us for “formal” photos. On the wedding day, I print two copies and can run down the list in lightning speed so your family can attend as much as cocktail hour as possible. Even more importantly, you don’t have to think of groupings on the spot, and you don’t miss important shots.
2) Keep everyone in the loop
The biggest slowdown during portraits is when family members aren’t there and need to be found by other family members. Remember to tell anyone on the list that they are to report to X location immediately following the ceremony (or after the first look!)
3) Put drinks & sunglasses away
Portraits are a great time to finally grab a drink and hang out outside, but having to take off shades and hide beer bottles every time someone is called for a photo can really eat up time. Save drinks for after the portraits!
If you follow these 3 simple tips, family portraits take about 15 minutes for family and 15 for bridal party – SO painless! Bring on the party!
