Wedding Party Photos

Oct 23

It’s so special to have all your best girls and guys be there to support and stand by you on that special day. But without the photos, it never happened right? Have you ever wondered how on earth you’re going to get all 20 people in your wedding party to smile at the same time?? Especially in the middle of the afternoon in the middle of the summer when everyone is dying of heat?? Or what do you do if you only have a small wedding party?? Spoiler. It’s your photographer’s job, and they should know what they’re doing to get everyone involved and have a good time. But here are 3 things you can know to help things run smoothly and make sure you get the images you want!

1. Hire the right photographer!!!

HA! I can’t stress that enough. If your photographer can not control a crowd..ie. have a loud (nice) voice willing to direct big crowds, you should plan on just having candid photos. IF you want anything other than that, as you’re looking for a photographer, see if they have any wedding party photos in their portfolio. Is everyone participating and having a good time? I think you’ve found a good one.

2. Make sure the whole wedding party is there!!!

Have a firm schedule that EVERYONE has access to! If you want to have wedding party photos done immediately after group and family photos after the ceremony, make sure they know that they are NOT released when the photographer starts taking pictures of the family. Make sure they stick around (I say this because on my wedding day half of my bridesmaids totally ditched out before the wedding party photos because they thought they were done!!!). You can even have a schedule that outlines who, what, when, where and email it out the week before and again day of the wedding (I do this for all of my brides, so if you’ve booked L E F Photo NO SWEAT)

3. Know what you want!

This is SO helpful to your photographer to be able to help things run smoothly. Send her a few Pinterest photos of what you’re looking for and she can incorporate it into her routine. Here are some ideas that I do for all my brides:

The Traditional Wedding Party Picture. Boys on one side, girls on the other. You can mix it up and randomize, or do every-other boy, girl, boy, girl. But you for sure need a classic pic.
I love photos that keep everyone moving. It helps with the wiggles, and keeps people involved. I like to have everyone walk together, laughing at each other, or big cheers!
Make sure you grab photos of JUST THE GIRLS and JUST THE GUYS. This is a good break time too to give a rest to the girls aching heels while the guys throw the groom up in the air. Then gives the groomsmen time to mess around with the groom and grab some water while the girls get all the photos for the gram. You’ll love these.
INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS! I loooove making sure that every bridesmaid has an individual photo with the bride, and same with the groomsmen and the groom. I always do a “formal” photo, a “closeup” photo and a “funny” photo with each member of the wedding party. Your bridesmaids and groomsmen will cherish these photos!!

Okay with that, I think you’re going to kill it!!!! I’ve given you so much information, but basically it comes down to know what you want and make your photographer make it happen ;) It’s going to be so much fun!!! Whether you have a wedding party of 2 or 20+ you’ll love being able to look back at the moments your besties were there to support you on the best day of your life!