What to ask couples about family formals
Most questionnaires ask “who do you want in your family photos?” and get back a paragraph. These questions get you a list you can actually shoot from.
4 min read · Updated 7 October 2026
The family photos section of your questionnaire decides how your formals go. Vague questions get vague answers, and you end up decoding them on the day.
The questions that matter
- 1Please list each grouping you’d like, using first names. For example: “Us with Siobhán and Declan (Mum and Dad).”
- 2Is anyone in these photos likely to need a chair, or need to go first?
- 3Are there any people who shouldn’t stand next to each other? We’ll handle it discreetly.
- 4Are there small children in any of the groups?
- 5Who is a confident relative or friend who knows both families and could help gather people?
- 6Would you like a photo with both families together? (It needs space and time.)
- 7Is there anyone we might not recognise who it’s important not to miss? A photo helps.
Copy and paste
Most photographers paste these into the family photos section of HoneyBook, Dubsado, Studio Ninja or a Google Form. Ask for a cap too, for example up to 15 groupings, so the list stays realistic. The full wedding photography questionnaire template covers everything else.
Or replace the section with one link
Family Photo List gives you one link for every couple. They add names, roles and photos, the shots are ordered automatically, keep-apart pairs and chairs are flagged, and the finished list arrives in your dashboard with a caller mode for the day.
Swap the family photos question in your questionnaire for your own couple link. Free for your first 3 couples.
Get your couple linkQuestions people ask
What should a wedding photography questionnaire ask about family photos?
Each grouping with first names, who needs a chair, who shouldn’t stand together, any small children, and a relative who can help gather people.
How many family formal groupings should photographers allow?
Many photographers cap family formals at 12 to 15 groupings, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes.