Writing a family photo list that actually works

Family group photographs are the part of a wedding that most often runs over time. Fifty relatives queue for the stage, someone’s uncle is missing, the bride’s smile fades, and the dinner gets cold. A simple written list, prepared a week ahead, fixes most of this.

Start by writing down every group you want, in order, from smallest to largest. A typical list for us has twelve to fifteen groups: the couple with each set of parents, with grandparents, with siblings, then the bride’s immediate family, the groom’s immediate family, both together, then the larger families, cousins and friends. Each group takes about a minute to arrange and photograph, so fifteen groups need around twenty minutes.

Next, name a helper from each side. This should be a cousin or a friend who knows everyone by sight and is not shy about calling people up. They hold the list, gather the next group while we photograph the current one, and keep a spare pair of hands to straighten a dupatta. Without helpers, we spend most of the time looking for people.

Decide when the photos happen. The best time is usually straight after the pheras or at the start of the reception, while everyone is fresh and still dressed. Avoid the end of the evening, when older relatives have gone home. Send us the list with names and relationships a week before. Our second photographer works through it on the day, while the lead stays with the couple. Anyone not on the list can still come up afterwards; we will photograph them gladly.