A family photo list is a detailed list of the names and groupings of your relatives your photographer will reference on your wedding day. Your photographer utilizes this list to streamline the family photo portion of your wedding day, but most importantly, to make sure no photos of your loved ones are missed.

Why are family photo lists important?

Taking family photos is often the more hectic part of a wedding day that can quickly become overwhelming to everyone involved. There are several ways that having a pre-planned list alleviates that stress:

• You’ll spend less time taking family photos, and more time with your guests
• You’ll ensure no relative was forgotten
• You’ll feel prepared

There are also ways that having an organized family photo list helps your photographer:

• They’ll be able to pre-determine how much time is needed for family photos to help with planning the timeline for the rest of your evening
• They can focus less on gathering your relatives for photos, and more time photographing the moments that matter most to you
• They can focus more clearly on the task at hand

How do I make a family photo list for my wedding?

1. Start by deciding which family members you want photos with. It’s best to keep an open note on your phone so you can jot down their names when you think of them.
2. Once you have determined which family members you would like to include, pair them into the desired groupings.
3. Finally, list the groupings in order that you want them to be taken. It’s best to start with extended family, grandparents, and anyone who may have a disability. This allows you to limit commotion and for them to rest and join your other guests for cocktail hour.

Examples of a family photo list

Here is an example of a family photo list for you to reference to create your own:

1. You and your spouse + your: mother, father, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, cousin
2. You and your spouse + your spouses: mother, father, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, cousin
3. You and your spouse + your: mother, father, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather
4. You and your spouse + your spouses: mother, father, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather
5. You and your spouse + your: mother, father, brother, sister
6. You and your spouse + your: brother, sister
7. You and your spouse + your spouses: mother, father, brother, sister
8. You and your spouse + your spouses: brother, sister

When creating your own list, include the names of your relatives. By including the names of your relatives and not just “mom, memaw, sister,” your photographer is able to curb confusion and add personalization by calling each member by their name. That way, they know exactly who needs to join you for family photos. Your family photo list should look like this:

1. Brenna and Blaine + Carla, Wes, Austin, Megan, Mary, Carl, Stephanie, Mike, Peyton
2. Brenna and Blaine + Courtney, Travis, Jake, Alyssa, Kiki, Lyndon, Ally, David, Carson
3. Brenna and Blaine + Carla, Wes, Austin, Megan, Mary, Carl
4. Brenna and Blaine + Courtney, Travis, Jake, Alyssa, Kiki, Lyndon
5. Brenna and Blaine + Carla, Wes, Austin, Megan
6. Brenna and Blaine + Austin, Megan
7. Brenna and Blaine + Courtney, Travis, Jake, Alyssa
8. Brenna and Blaine + Jake, Alyssa

Notice how everyone is listed by their name. Grandparents and extended family groupings are also listed first. Then we go in order by just removing a few people at a time.

Concluding tips

It’s important to consider these tips to create an efficient family photo list:

• Start your list early on throughout your wedding planning process
• Keep an open note on your phone to reference back to
• List the photos you want to be taken in sequential order
• Include the names of each relative
• Start with extended family, grandparents, and family members with disabilities
• Have a close relative review the list to guarantee no family members are forgotten
• Ask your photographer to schedule 5-10 minutes of time for loved ones who may want specific photos that weren’t included on your list

We have one final tip that we recommend to our couples when planning their family photos list. We highly recommend including your spouse in each family photo. It cuts down on time spent during family photos significantly, but it’s also important to remember that your wedding day is about both of you.

If you are having trouble creating a family photo list, reach out to your wedding planner or photographer for help!