Your wedding day is all about celebrating love, laughter, and connection, surrounded by all your favourite people.

Naturally, capturing these moments in group photos is a must. But here’s the thing: it’s easy to get carried away with endless combinations of family and friends, which can eat into your precious time enjoying the day and by default results in less candid authentic moments captured.

With this in mind, I always recommend keeping your group shot list to a maximum of 8-10 combinations and thinking carefully about the kind of group photos you want.

In this post, I’ll share why a streamlined list is key, the importance of planning for creative and meaningful shots, and some top tips for getting the best group photos on your big day.

Why limit your group shot list?

Group photos can be a logistical challenge. Gathering everyone, getting them in position, and making sure everyone looks their best takes time. On average, each group photo takes around 3-5 minutes to organise and shoot. That means even just 10 group photos can take up to 30-50 minutes, quality time you could be spending celebrating with your guests.

Keeping your list short and sweet ensures that:

You have more time for real and authentic moments and enjoying the atmosphere of your day.

Your guests aren’t left waiting too long before they can get back to the party.

Your photos feel more intentional, capturing the most important people and relationships.

Think outside the box...

When many couples think of group photos, they imagine traditional, formal line-ups. But if that doesn't feel very "you" then you don’t have to follow that formula! Think of this as your chance to inject personality and creativity into your photos. Here are some ideas:

Editorial-style groups: Think carefully posed but relaxed, with everyone looking like they’ve just stepped out of a Vogue spread.

Fun and silly shots: Whether it’s a champagne spray, matching sunglasses, or the groom being chucked in the air, these moments bring energy and an element of fun to your album.

Candid group moments: Not all group photos have to be posed! Some of the most meaningful photos happen when your guests are chatting, laughing, or even dancing together.

Tips for Stress-Free Group Photos

• Start with a Plan: Before the wedding, sit down with your partner to decide which group photos matter most to you. Prioritise those that feel meaningful over every possible combination. Between 6-12 weeks ahead of your wedding date I will send a questionnaire which will include space for you to detail any group shots you would like.

• Delegate a Helper: Assign a friend or family member who knows everyone to help your photographer gather people. It’ll make the process much smoother.

• Think About Timing: Plan your group photos when everyone is naturally gathered, such as immediately after the ceremony or during the drinks reception. Ensure you allow ample time in your schedule for your group shots, this is especially important if there is travel involved between venues.

• Communicate Clearly: It's always a good idea to give a heads up to anyone who will be required for group photos, this limits the usual suspects sloping off to the bar when they are needed for photos. If you are delegating helpers introduce them to your photographer at the earliest opportunity, I carry copies of the group shot list so can provide them with their own copies to save them wondering off with mine!

• Mix It Up: If you’re going for a mix of formal and fun photos, let your photographer know. They can help balance the vibe and transition between styles seamlessly. When couples opt for more relaxed fun group shots I often schedule these in a little later in the day when everyones had a chance to have a drink or two and loosen up!

• Trust Your Photographer: Having photographed hundreds of group shots, I have a process and know how to keep things running smoothly and efficiently to ensure you can get back to the celebrations.