Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Pre-arrange all the must-haves with your photographer. Make a list of who you want included, how many shots you would like and where you want them to be taken. Some brides want all of the group shots taken just before and immediately after the ceremony, before their guests scatter and get caught up in trips to the bathroom, the bar or the buffet, while others are fine with taking the photos at the reception in order to keep their guests from waiting too long.
Step2
Include what experienced photographers consider the forgotten guests. These include Godparents, co-workers, high school and college friends, sorority and fraternity members and team mates. Surprisingly, the parents of the bride and groom tend to get left out of anything beyond the standard group shots. Consider some casual group shots of the mothers with their closest friends or the fathers with their siblings.
Step3
Make a list of any problematic combinations, such as divorced parents, ex-boyfriends and girlfriends or casually dating friends and family members whose photos you may not necessarily want should the relationship not work out.
Step4
Choose the right backgrounds. Your photographer should already have lots of experience in this department, but if you have a special place, such as a garden bridge or the ornate side door of your church, let your photographer know you would like your group photos shot there. You are going to be much more pleased with a backdrop that has meaning to you.
Step5
Stick with tradition if you are overwhelmed, unsure or simply aren't overly concerned with controlling this aspect of your wedding day. Some of the traditional groupings include the entire group, the wedding party, the bride's side and the groom's side. Group the bridal party with both sets of parents (together and separate), with immediate family. Also group the bridal party with the maid of honor and best man, the minister, the ring bearer and flower girl and, of course, the couple alone.
