Make Sure Your Photographer Takes These Guest Photos

You'll definitely want to capture these memories!

Though these shots may not be the ones you enlarge to display above the mantel, it can be lovely to appreciate and commemorate the time you spent with your guests.

By Emily Lasnier

wedding-guests-at-wedding-reception-confetti-after-party-happy-friends-and-family
Photo: Grant Daniels Photography

When creating a proposed shot list for one’s wedding, the focus is generally focused on the couple, detail shots, and the décor. While this focus is certainly understandable – as these are often the aspects that have been planned for months – you may want to consider adding some group shots to the list. No, we don’t mean photos with the bridal party – though those should absolutely be included if you choose to have bridesmaids and/or groomsmen; rather, pictures featuring some of your attendees, even if they did not have a special role on the big day. After all, these people were presumably invited because they mean a lot to you, your family, or your future spouse. Though these shots may not be the ones you enlarge to display above the mantel, it can be lovely to appreciate and commemorate the time you spent with your guests.

group shots to get at your wedding, nick carter wedding with with backstreet boys

Photo by Kris Kan

One fun way to do this is to make sure to take photos with those who are a part of special groups in your life. While you may not have been part of a boy band like Nick Carter and the rest of the Backstreet Boys pictured above, there is likely at least one clique you’d like to get a picture with, even if they weren’t in your bridal party. It could be your college roommates, friends from camp, former teammates, work colleagues, or any number of possibilities. 

group shot of all wedding guests at indian wedding

Photo by Lin & Jirsa

A great way to make everyone at your wedding feel special is by getting a photo with all of your guests for a giant group shot. Naturally, this is an easier task for smaller, more intimate weddings, but it can be doable for big bashes as well. Just be sure to give your photographer advanced notice – they may have to scope out the best spot to get the photo or make sure they bring equipment like a fisheye lens to make the task easier. 

candid shot of wedding guests dancing and throwing rose petals at bride and groom

Photo by Lin & Jirsa

Last, but not least, candid shots of any kind are a wonderful way to capture happy memories on the big day. The grand exit doesn’t have to be the only way to see your guests celebrating. Pictures of people dancing can occasionally lead to awkward photos, but they also showcase all the joy and energy of the reception. Instead of just getting photos of your luxe lounge area, make sure there’s evidence of people actually using it!

Find out how to choose the right photographer, discover what four things can ruin your wedding photos and how to help your photographer capture all the special details. 

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