Family photos traditionally happen directly after the ceremony ends, but that’s not a hard and fast rule. Some couples take family photos before the ceremony starts, and others wait until after dinner (usually this is in the summer when the sun is still out and there's a pretty area around the reception).
Others split it up—they might take photos with immediate family before the ceremony begins, photos with grandparents and close relatives directly after the ceremony and huge group photos on the dance floor right before dancing starts (this is also a great way to capture a more casual photo with a really big group of friends).

Here's my "suggested" list for family groupings:


Bride: I always start with the family of the Bride, Let's make sure everybody is ready. 

• 1. Bride & Groom + Bride's immediate family (parents & siblings) option (grandparents)

• 2. Bride & Groom + Bride's parents

• 3. Bride & Groom + Bride's siblings

• 4. Bride + Mother

• 5. Bride + Father 

• 6. Bride + Siblings

Groom: We'll follow with the family of the Groom 

• 7. Bride & Groom + Groom's immediate family (parents & siblings) option (grandparents)

• 8. Bride & Groom + Groom's parents

• 9. Bride & Groom + Groom's siblings

• 10. Groom + Mother

• 11. Groom + Father

• 12. Groom + Siblings

Option 1 - Bride and Groom with Both sets of Parents

Option 2- (If times allows )

• Bride’s Parents alone

• Groom’s Parent’s alone

Notes:

• The order might change. I like to start with the largest groups so that they can leave first and clear the area out, but sometimes it makes sense to prioritize grandparents and who will have a hard time standing or need extra help or children who will have short attention spans. It's also helpful to note who is "finished" after each grouping so the person calling names can tell them that they're all set to go.

• Assume that groups will take an average of five minutes each. It only takes a few seconds to take the photos once everything is set up, but it can take a few minutes to get everyone in place, especially large groups. Smaller groups can usually jump in and out within two minutes or so, but I always leave a buffer in case things run long or we can't find someone who we need (it does happen).

And here are a few other things to keep in mind:

If your parents are divorced, don't feel pressure to put them in a group photo together. Again, if you wouldn't frame it, don't feel like you have to take it. This is really a personal decision.

• Think about special occasions that you might want photos for in the future. The same goes for photos with just you and each parent individually. These can make simple gifts for Mother's Day/Father's Day.

That does it! I love helping couples with wedding planning, so feel free to hit reply and shoot me a note if you have any questions