One of the most common questions I get from couples before their wedding day is:
"How do we organize family photos so we don’t forget anyone… and don’t spend forever doing them?"
The answer? A Family Groupings List.
Creating this simple list in advance will save you time, prevent stress, and make sure you get all the meaningful family shots you’ll treasure forever.
What Is a Family Groupings List?
A family groupings list is a pre-planned checklist of all the family combinations you’d like photographed during your formal photo time. Instead of shouting names into a crowd or forgetting Aunt Carol entirely, you’ll have a clear, organized list for your photographer to work from.
Step-by-Step: How to Make One
1. Start with Immediate Family
Think parents, siblings, and grandparents. Start with shots like:
Couple with Bride’s parents
Couple with Groom’s parents
Couple with both sets of parents
Couple with Bride’s siblings
Couple with Groom’s siblings
Couple with all immediate family (on each side)
2. Add Extended Family if You Want
If time allows, include grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, etc. Just remember that each grouping adds about 2-4 minutes. Consider:
Bride with grandparents
Groom with grandparents
Couple with all grandparents
Couple with extended families (Bride’s side/Groom’s side)
3. Keep the Couple in the Frame
I always recommend including both the bride and groom in the majority of family groupings. After all, this day is about you two coming together and joining each other's families — it makes sense to show that in your photos. Of course, there are exceptions (like individual photos with just parents or grandparents), but as a general rule, I recommend keeping you both in most of the portraits.
4. Be Specific with Names
This helps avoid confusion during family portraits. Instead of “Bride’s family,” write:
- Couple with Bride’s parents (John & Linda)
- Couple with Bride’s immediate family (John, Linda, Sarah, & Mike)
Your photographer or a helper can call names, and no one will be left wondering who’s who.
5. Ask Yourself This One Key Question…
Here’s something I learned the hard way: at my own wedding, I made a huge, overly detailed family groupings list — and looking back, we didn't need half of those random combinations.
Now, when I help couples plan, I ask:
“Will you or your close family members want to print, use as a profile picture, or set as a phone screen saver with this photo?”
If the answer is “probably not,” it might not be worth the time on your big day.
6. Keep It Concise
Most couples aim for 10–20 groupings. Try to keep formal family photo time under or around 30 minutes to avoid tired smiles and to leave time for couple portraits, wedding party photos, and relaxing with guests.
7. Assign a Photo Helper
Designate someone from each side of the family who knows the key people and can help wrangle them during group photos. Trust me — this makes everything smoother and faster!
Sample Groupings List:
Couple with Bride’s parents (John & Linda)
Bride with mom (Linda)
Bride with dad (John)
Couple with Groom’s parents (Mark & Susan)
Groom with dad (Mark)
Groom with mom (Susan)
Couple with both sets of parents
Couple with Bride’s siblings (Matt, Sarah)
Couple with Groom’s siblings (Emma, Jake)
Couple with immediate family – Bride’s side
Couple with immediate family – Groom’s side
Couple with Bride’s grandparents (Joe & Mary)
Couple with Groom’s grandparents (David & Helen)
Couple with all grandparents
Final Tip: Share the List Early
Send your finalized groupings list to me (your photographer) at least a week before the wedding. That way, I can plan the flow, choose the best photo spot, and bring your vision to life with less stress.
When in doubt, ask for help! I’m always happy to walk through it with my couples and make suggestions based on your timeline and family dynamics.
Happy planning,
Mia Yoder - Genesia Photography