Family Formals

Your wedding day family formals are so important and honestly, in my opinion, the most important part besides your vows. Most people dread this part of the day because they feel like they’re just standing there and they’re not wrong BUT it’s worth it! I don’t remember the last time my family and I had pictures done together and what a bummer! I always make a customized family formal list for all of my couples who decide to have family present at their elopement or wedding. This is the only time I use a shot list to  guarantee you will get all the important shots with the people you love the most. 

Some things to consider when making your own Family Formal list is how do you and your fiancé want to be included in each others lists? Want them completely separate? Every single shot with the both of ya? Every single image without and with each other (most of my couples choose this option)? Some with and some without? No matter how you choose to do it is okay!! In this example I’m going to do a combination of it all!

Things that may make your list a little (or a lot) different is if you have blended families. I have a big blended family so I completely understand how this may make it more stressful, especially when certain family members may not get along. For the sake of ease I’m giving this “couple” names, Jordan & Dakota. Jordan will have a very “traditional” family and Dakota will have a blended family so you can see how to incorporate that if you’re making your own list. Feel free to copy, insert your own names and tweak where needed! 

Jordans's Side

- Jordan and  Dakota with both sides of Jordan's Immediate Family (grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, nieces, nephews)

- Jordan and  Dakota with Jordan's Immediate Family from her maternal side (grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, nieces, nephews)

- Jordan and  Dakota with Jordan's Immediate Family from her paternal side (grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, nieces, nephews)

- Jordan, Jordan’s Parents & Siblings (add in Dakota, siblings spouses, and children)

- Jordan & Jordan's Siblings (add in Spouses & Children)

- Jordan and Dakota with Jordan's Nieces and Nephews

- Jordan with both Parents  (add in Dakota)

- Jordan with Dad

- Jordan with Mom

- Jordan, Dakota and Jordan's Maternal Grandparents

- Jordan, Dakota  and Jordan’s Paternal Grandparents

Both Sides

- Jordan and Dakota with All Sets of Parents

Dakota's Side

- Dakota and Jordan with Dakota's Maternal Immediate Family (parents, siblings, siblings spouses, grandparents, nieces, nephews)

- Dakota and Jordan with Dakota's Paternal Immediate Family (parents, siblings, siblings spouses, grandparents, nieces, nephews)

- Dakota with Dakota's Parents and Siblings (add in spouses and children)

- Dakota with Siblings (add in Jordan and Spouses)

- Dakota and Jordan with Dakota's Nieces and Nephews

- Dakota with Both sets of Parents (add in Jordan)

- Dakota & Mom (add in Step-Dad)

-Dakota & Dad (add in Step-Mom)

-Dakota and Jordan with Dakota's Maternal Grandparents

- Dakota and Jordan with Dakota's Paternal Grandparents

There’s no wrong way to make this list! Do it however you want and check in with those close to you to see what they think! Sometimes they’ll think of things we might leave out! Happy Planning!