Family portraits are some of the most meaningful images from your wedding day.
But without a plan, they can easily eat into your timeline.
With a good list and a little prep, we can get through everything
in 20–30 minutes — cleanly and joyfully.
I.
Why This Matters
Time Is Everything
Each family grouping takes roughly 3–5 minutes. Ten groupings = at least 30 minutes.
Without a list, we lose time tracking down people who've wandered off to the bar.
Every minute over schedule here comes directly out of your couples portraits and sunset session.
A prepared list means we move fast — and your family spends less time standing around.
II.
Building Your List
How to Write It
Order your list small group to large — e.g., parents first, then siblings, then extended family.
Use real names for each person in each group, not just "groom's family." It makes calling people forward much faster.
We recommend no more than 10 groupings total. Beyond that, sunset portraits will be tight.
If anyone has mobility limitations, place their group first or second — don't make them stand and wait.
Sample Groupings
1Groom + Groom's parents~3 min
2Bride + Bride's parents~3 min
3Groom's immediate family~4 min
4Bride's immediate family~4 min
5Groom + siblings~3 min
6Bride + siblings~3 min
7Both sets of parents together~3 min
8Couple + entire family both sides~5 min
⏱ Estimated Total
8 groupings above = approximately 28–30 minutes. Going beyond 10 groups risks cutting into sunset portrait time.
III.
Assign a Family Coordinator
The Most Underrated Wedding Tip
The biggest time drain during family formals isn't the photos — it's rounding people up.
I'm behind the camera, so I can't easily track down Uncle Dave who's mid-conversation across the room.
What a Family Coordinator Does
Before each group is called, the coordinator identifies who needs to be in it and has them ready and in position before we start shooting. That's it. Anyone who knows the guest list can do this.
We recommend one coordinator per family side — two total. They can work simultaneously.
Share the list with your coordinators before the wedding day so they're already familiar.
The Best Man or Maid of Honor often takes this role naturally — they're great at wrangling people.
IV.
Day-of Tips
Making It Run Smoothly
Schedule family portraits immediately after the ceremony while everyone is still together in the same space.
Anyone with mobility challenges goes first — never make them stand and wait.
If children are involved, save them for last — their patience window is short.
Avoid direct harsh sunlight — open shade gives soft, even light and no squinting.
How to Share Your List
Please send your completed family portrait list at least 2 weeks before the wedding — or bring it to our timeline review call.
Email · info@andyworks-studio.com
"The most precious photos are often
the ones with everyone you love in them."
