Wedding Tip Wednesday: Three Tips for Planning Your Formal Family Portraits

Wednesday, February 24, 2021 St. Louis, MO, USA

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Most people’s least favorite part of the wedding day is the formal family photos because in their past experiences the process takes forever and is typically unorganized. That’s not how we roll. We prioritize having this portion of your wedding organized weeks before your day arrives. 

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Before we plan your formal family shot list, here are three tips to keep in mind:

Share Special Family Dynamics

Weddings can be a delicate time for some families - whether it’s divorces, remarriages or strained relationships- it’s important to give us a heads up about your family dynamics. We don’t need to know the full story, but knowing before family photos will definitely help keep any awkwardness to a minimum and your wedding day stress free.

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Tell Us What You Want, What You Really, Really Want

(I hope you read that in your Scary Spice voice)

If there’s a special person in your life, like a godmother or godfather, you would want in your formal photos, make sure to let us know! We’re happy to add them to your photo shot list and want to make sure they’re included. On the other hand, if there’s someone you would prefer not having in your images, let us know! We’re totally okay- and actually really good- at making sure those you don’t want in the images are not in the images. Accomplishing that goal with no trace of awkwardness is actually one of J’s giftings.


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Share the Shot List with Your Family Members

While I try my hardest to remember the names of your bridal party and immediate family members, I can promise you I won’t be able to find your Aunt Kelly and her three kids. We’ll make a family shot list together about a month before your wedding (once you have all the RSVPs) and I’ll send you that entire file. Please share it with your family members or both of your mothers, so they know who’s going to be included in the photos and can remind those who need to stick around after the ceremony!

These tips will help keep your wedding day running smoothly and ensure you get photos with the people you really want! 

Looking for more wedding planning tips or a family shot list template? 




Bri Whitman Photo & Film is a husband and wife team specializing in timeless wedding photography & videography for the modern romantic Bride & Groom. Based in the Midwest, available to travel worldwide. To book Justin & Brianna on your wedding day, click here!

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