Capture all the family shots you want by putting together a Wedding Day Run Sheet. That way you won’t have to worry if you missed capturing your nearest and dearest in all the excitement.
A Wedding Day Run Sheet is also handy for the MC or whoever you appoint to keep things on track.
It is most important that the bride and groom are not trying to organise anything. This is their day to smell the roses and simply enjoy.
Just to jog the creative juices, here is an example of a photography shoot list …
Bride & Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids Champagne Cheers
Groom & Groomsmen
Guys Champagne Cheers
Ceremony Setup
Limo
Jewellery
Flowers and Bouquets
Bridesmaids Shoes etc
...say 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Group shot
Bride & Groom with parents
Bride with immediate family
Bride with school mates
Bride with girlfriends
Groom with immediate family
Groom with footy team
Bride & Groom in Limo
Location shots
...say 4:00 - 6:00pm
Arrival at reception
Bridal party entrance
Non-intrusive photos of guests
MC speaking
Speeches
Bridal Waltz
Cake cutting
Farewell circle
Departure
... say 6:30pm - 12:00pm
Be sure that your photographer captures everyone that is important to you.
Some people like to avoid the camera so you need to be organised. Too late trying to do this off the cuff on the day. Those lens shy culprits will make themselves scarce to be sure.
Your Photographer is unlikely to know anyone outside the Bridal Party and will be at sea regarding who is who or the family dynamics. The Photographer is focused on the lighting, background, focal length, etc. so delegate this to someone else.
Make up a list like the above sample and give it to someone who knows who is who. You may have to divide it between persons from each side just to make sure.
Some of the guests will probably travel a long distance and it is not guaranteed that you will have such an opportunity again. You don’t get a second chance so, better to to overdo the group shots than miss out all together.