--- title: Family Formals Without the Stress description: "How to do family formals without the stress: make a list, name helpers, choose the time and place, and keep it short." image: https://perfectionshoots.com/hs-fs/hubfs/web-optimized/Howard%2090th%20Birthday%20Party-151-web.jpg?width=1200 --- [Skip to content](https://perfectionshoots.com/news/family-formals-without-the-stress#main-content) Nov 6, 2026, 8:03:30 PM # Family Formals Without the Stress ![Picture of Emmanuel J.marie](https://perfectionshoots.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EMmanuel%20Jeanmarie%20Photo--13.jpg?width=50&name=EMmanuel%20Jeanmarie%20Photo--13.jpg) [Emmanuel J.marie](https://perfectionshoots.com/news/author/emmanueljeanmarie) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://perfectionshoots.com/news/family-formals-without-the-stress) [Share this page on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://perfectionshoots.com/news/family-formals-without-the-stress) [Share this page on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://perfectionshoots.com/news/family-formals-without-the-stress) [Share this page on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://perfectionshoots.com/news/family-formals-without-the-stress) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://perfectionshoots.com/news/family-formals-without-the-stress) Family portraits are often the most treasured frames from a wedding or celebration, and the part people dread most. With a short list and a calm plan, they take minutes, not an hour. ![A family gathered for a celebration, Perfectionshoots family portraits Colorado](https://perfectionshoots.com/hs-fs/hubfs/web-optimized/Howard%2090th%20Birthday%20Party-151-web.jpg?width=1200) The generations together ## Make the list in advance Write down the groupings you want, in order, starting with the largest. A common pattern: the full family, then each side, then parents and siblings, then grandparents with the couple. A list stops people from guessing and stops the line from stretching. ## Name a helper for each side Ask one relative from each family to gather people when called. They know who is who and can find a missing uncle in seconds. It makes the studio faster and the families calmer. ## Choose the time and place - Schedule family portraits right after the ceremony, while everyone is nearby and dressed - Pick a shaded, quiet spot close to the ceremony location - Let guests know where to gather and when ![Wedding guests celebrating, Perfectionshoots Colorado wedding photography](https://perfectionshoots.com/hs-fs/hubfs/web-optimized/Laura%26RichardWedding2025%20%28179%20of%20213%29-web.jpg?width=1200) Joy follows when the formals are finished early ## Think about sensitive situations Families are complicated. If there are relatives who should not stand together, or someone who needs extra care, share that quietly with your studio so the plan respects it. ## Keep it short Ten to fifteen groupings is plenty for most families. Fewer groupings mean less waiting, and more time at your own celebration. ## Frequently asked questions **How long do family portraits take?** With a prepared list and helpers, usually a short window. We will plan the time once we know your groupings. **Can we add groupings on the day?** Yes, though a list keeps things moving. **Do you also do family portrait sessions?** Yes. See our [portrait sessions](https://perfectionshoots.com/portraits), and read the [sample wedding day timeline](https://perfectionshoots.com/news/a-sample-wedding-day-timeline-for-colorado-couples). ## Planning your family portraits? Share your list and your date, and we will plan the time so the day stays calm. [Let's connect](https://perfectionshoots.com/contact-us) ## Related posts [![](https://perfectionshoots.com/hs-fs/hubfs/web-optimized/ThankYouHappyNewYear-70-web.jpg?height=200&name=ThankYouHappyNewYear-70-web.jpg)](https://perfectionshoots.com/news/how-to-prepare-for-an-executive-portrait-session) ## [How to Prepare for an Executive Portrait Session](https://perfectionshoots.com/news/how-to-prepare-for-an-executive-portrait-session) ![Picture of Emmanuel J.marie](https://perfectionshoots.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EMmanuel%20Jeanmarie%20Photo--13.jpg?width=50&name=EMmanuel%20Jeanmarie%20Photo--13.jpg) [Emmanuel J.marie](https://perfectionshoots.com/news/author/emmanueljeanmarie) Nov 6, 2026, 8:05:44 PM A portrait is often the first meeting. Before a client reads a word, they have seen your face. An... 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