In my experience of shooting I have seen bits and pieces of a wedding day that are more stressful then others. These are the moments that myself, and those around you will actively try to make the situation easier or just encourage you to relax & enjoy. I figured I’d share 3 of those moments in a little 3 part series! So first up… FAMILY FORMALS! 

Time and time again I have my brides look at me with frustration in their eyes as this is probably the hardest part of the day. SO one of the main ways to make this part of your day run smoother is be very descriptive in your wedding day questionnaire (whether I’m shooting your day or someone else. Give a good & detailed list! I’m going to use an Aunt & Uncle + Cousins for the example! Being a family oriented girl myself I would want a million portraits with my parents & siblings.. So this is more directed towards those extended family formals (if you want them!) 

1. Bride + Groom with Grooms Aunt & Uncle (Susan & Jeff) 
2. Bride + Groom with Grooms Aunt & Uncle + Cousins (Susan, Jeff, Morgan, & Kelsey) 
3. Bride + Groom with Brides Aunt & Uncle (Cathy & Jim) 
4. Bride + Groom with Brides Aunt & Uncle + Cousin (Cathy, Jim, & Troy)

This ensures that your photographer or whoever is rattling off combinations has names to keep things moving! Obviously this is totally your decision but it’s also WAY easier/faster to keep you and your significant other in every photo (with the exception of immediate family) Here is the same list as above but with more then double the amount of portraits…

1. Bride + Groom with Aunt & Uncle (Susan & Jeff)
2. Groom with Grooms Aunt & Uncle (Susan & Jeff)
3. Groom with Grooms Aunt (Susan)
4. Groom with Grooms Uncle (Jeff)
5. Bride + Groom with Grooms Aunt & Uncle + Cousins (Susan, Jeff, Morgan, & Kelsey)
6. Groom with Grooms Aunt & Uncle + Cousins (Susan, Jess, Morgan, & Kelsey) 
7. Groom with Grooms Cousins (Morgan & Kelsey) 
8. Bride & Groom with Brides Aunt & Uncle (Cathy & Jim)
9. Bride with Brides Aunt & Uncle (Cathy & Jim) 
10. Bride with Aunt & Uncle + Cousins (Cathy, Jim, & Troy) 

That’s crazy isn’t it?! The list can grow so quick & so fast with such a small amount of people! But ultimately you have to decide what is really important to you! I totally believe you should take a few hours to really figure out what formals you want & be as descriptive as possible! 

With all that said.. Typically my family formals run a total of 25-35 minutes (most couples do just their immediate family during formals & will do quick snaps throughout the evening with other favorite family members). I work quick & try to keep things as stress free and moving as fluidly as we can make them! Another BIG suggestion I have? Have someone go grab your a beverage!! It always helps 😉 

Can’t wait to share the other two hardest pieces of your BIG day with you!! Stay tuned over the next week! 🙂 

Other Posts From This Series: 

The Hardest Parts of Your BIG Day | 2 of 3 | RECEPTION