Photo by TKM Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at G Ross Lord Park in Toronto, Ontario Canada

 

In wedding photography, wedding party pictures . Beyond the formal shots and the classic portraits, there's the lively wedding party waiting to unleash their charisma. Dive into these creative tips for snapping the most fun and memorable wedding party pictures. This article will focus on the tips for the full wedding party, a group that consists of both the bridesmaids and the groomsmen. The images and tips are provided by the wedding photographers at Wedding Maps and displayed with their permission. 

 

 

Allowing each individual to pose in their unique style captures the essence of their character. These spontaneous poses often result in some of the most memorable and fun pictures from the set. There are various ways to get these photos but a good place to start is to ask them to "freestyle" and strike a different pose each time you count to three. This gives them multiple opportunities to try something unique. You can also give them different themes, such as "silly" or "crazy," and have them do their best interpretation of each theme. 

 

Photo by Monica Cassell (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at The French Farmhouse Venue in Collinsville, Texas 

 

A group hug encapsulates warmth, closeness, and the shared joy of the day. It's not just about the couple; it's about everyone celebrating together.  The hugs can also lead to some fun expressions and moments. 

 

Photo by Roc Focus (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, NY USA 

 

Photo by Joanna and Brett (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling, Illinois 

 

Photo by Jessie and Dallin (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Eldredge Manor in Bountiful, UT USA

 

 

This classic celebratory pose, full of energy and glee, is bound to bring out genuine smiles and laughter.  If the bridesmaids are holding bouquets, make sure that the bouquets are not accidentally blocking someone else's face. 

 

Photo by Gretchen Troop (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Vail Mountain in Vail, Colorado USA 

 

Photo by Irina Duane (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Mountain View Kilkenny in Kilkenny co. Waterford 

Photo by Stefani Ciotti (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Montclair Wedding & Event Venue in Colleyville, TX USA

  Photo by Lets Make a Memory (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV USA 

 

 

 

The more classic wedding party pose is to place them all in a single line.  However, using stairs or a hillside can give the photos a multi-dimensional feel. Different layers can also help in capturing every face clearly and create a cascading effect. 

 

Photo by William J Saylor (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Hillcrest Park in Fullerton California 

 

Photo by John Foley (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Saints Peter & Paul Church in Naperville, IL 

 

 

Often, the most genuine reactions and emotions are caught in those candid moments between the poses. Always be ready to snap the unexpected!  And as you're editing the photos, ensure that you're not accidentally tossing out some of the great laughs that happen in between the posed photos. 

 

Photo by One Love Texas (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at The Springs Event Venue in Weatherford, Texas 

 

An interesting angle, shooting from below makes the party seem larger than life. It's also not a common angle, so it creates a unique and fun perspective.  See some examples below. 

 

Photo by Jeff Tisman (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Lambertville Inn in Lambertville. NJ USA 

Photo by Zack Bradley (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Forever View Farm in Powhatan, VA 

 

 

Line them up and get them to leap together! The dynamism and sense of movement in such shots are infectious.  Try a few takes and don't worry too much if everyone is not at their full height.  The random, out-of-the-comfort zone results are often some of the most fun and interesting.

 

Photo by Picturist Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at San Francisco Botanical Gardens in California 

 

Much like the jumping, walking is a great wedding party pose that adds movement and action to the set of photos.  Ask the bridal party to walk towards or past the camera.  You can even ask them to walk across the frame from right to left or left to right. Their natural interactions and movements can result in some genuinely candid shots. 

 

Photo by Andy Sidders Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Broadhaven Bay Hotel in County Mayo, Ireland 

Photo by 4 Eyes Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Park in Calgary in Calgary, Alberta Calgary 

 

A celebratory spray or a candid laugh while opening a champagne bottle can result in effervescent photos bursting with joy.  Just be mindful of where this is done so you can avoid creating a mess indoors or in an important area.  Also, ensure that the champagne holder, usually the bride or groom, points the spray away from themselves and their wedding party! 

 

Photo by JCM Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Crest Center & Pavilion in Asheville, NC 

 

A fun pose is to arrange the wedding party in two lines facing each other, creating a walkway for the bride and groom. This formation can lead to intimate and fun shots of the couple with their nearest and dearest flanking them. 

 

 

A classic, celebratory shot, the lift creates a fun scene that usually makes those participating laugh. Plus, the couple held up by their closest friends symbolizes support and collective happiness. 

 

Photo by Francis Sylvest (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Historic Crags Lodge in Estes Park, Colorado 

Photo by Ladman Studios (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at The Villa in EAST BRIDGEWATER, MA

  Photo by PMC Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego, CA 

 

Against a setting sun or a bright background, silhouettes can create mysterious and dramatic shots, adding an artsy touch to the album.  To make this a fun scene, have them interact, high five, or cheers with their drinks. 

 

Photo by Mauricio Urena (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Dreams Las Mareas in El Jobo, Guanacaste Costa Rica 

 

If the wedding has a theme, make sure to integrate it into the group shots. For example, if the wedding is on a golf course, consider adding that element to the photos. Of course, check with the couple to make sure it aligns with their style preferences. 

 

Photo by Tom Fuller (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) 

 

Photo by Daniel Nydick (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Ramsey Golf CLub in New Jersey 

 

Wedding party pictures are the energy shots in a wedding album, reflecting shared histories, bonds, and the collective joy of the moment.  Have fun with these moments and let their interactions, personalities, and relationships shine.  With these tips in hand, every photographer can ensure these shots are as lively and vibrant as the party itself!