Part 2 of 2:
The pros of taking group photos AFTER your ceremony
One of the most common questions I am asked by my wedding clients is whether to take the family photos before or after their ceremony. Here we will discuss the flip side to my last post, Pros of taking your family pictures BEFORE your ceremony. Special thanks to my clients who have taken the time to share their own thoughts on this subject to help you plan your wedding!
Not seeing each other before the ceremony: although these days many couples do opt to see each other before the ceremony (often referred to as the "first look"), taking the formals after is best for those who cherish tradition and/or the element of surprise at the ceremony.
Saving money: many photographers charge hourly, so by taking the photos later, you'll save what you would have been charged for that additional coverage needed in order to take pictures before the ceremony.
Convenience: depending on how many family members you have and where they will be traveling from, it may be difficult for all of them to arrive early, especially if your ceremony is in the morning or if your family and wedding party includes children or those with special needs.
Comfort: Let’s face it: heels or dress shoes, lace or ties, etc. aren’t the most comfortable things to wear, as lovely and handsome as you will look! Taking your photos post-ceremony means 1-2 hours less time being dressed up. After you prepare, you will be fresh for your ceremony.
It was important to me that Aseem and I did not see one another beforehand, so I am very happy that we took all of the photos after the ceremony. I think it worked out well because Dana expertly timeboxed the photo session so that our guests were not waiting for too long in between the ceremony and reception. We have since been to weddings were this wasn't the case, and it did create quite a lull. In summary, I think post-ceremony photos work well if you choose the number of groupings carefully.
- Diana & Aseem, Somerville, MA
I was happy we chose to take photos following our ceremony. It was perfect timing for our very small backyard ceremony. Given our informal and small wedding, there was not a great deal of fanfare surrounding preparation for the ceremony. Delaying the photos until after the ceremony gave us time to concentrate on the event itself and then offered some space and time for reflection and connection after the ceremony. Also, we reserved photos of just Sean and I for the end of the family pictures. This gave us time to celebrate with our family immediately after the ceremony, and then to transition to a more celebratory mood when we left for dinner at the Matunuck Oyster Bar. Late afternoon light is also my favorite, and the photos captured some of the soft quality of that light on a hot summer day.
- Kristin & Sean, Wakefield, RI
As I mentioned in my previous post, I suggest taking the time to consider the pros & cons of taking these photos before and after your ceremony, in order to decide what feels more comfortable for you. Keep an open mind and know that whatever you decide, it'll all work out just fine.
Email me anytime for topic suggestions and feel free to comment, ask questions and share. Thanks for reading!
Peace, Love & Happy Planning,
Dana Siles
