Kid’s Wedding Clothes: Dressing Your Little Ones for a Wedding
Are Grand Parents Ignored in Wedding Photos?
As we get older, family becomes more and more important. The young enjoy parties and forever seek to live in the moment, but as people age they become increasingly lonely. It’s the connection with others that matters more. They rely on their children and grandchildren for a feeling of well-being. Yet they are often taken for granted at weddings.
When people enter their eighties, their mood often becomes depressed. As a photographer, I often see this in wedding receptions. They sit alone or in a small group of other elderly guests and can appear quite down, failing to catch the mood of the moment.
When people enter their eighties, their mood often becomes depressed. Dan McCurry Photography
Dan McCurry Photography
The Fit Ones Who Dance
Some elderly are fit and healthy. They are the ones who are filled with energy. It’s not rare for a man in his seventies or eighties to suddenly take to the dance floor and show the younger generation how it’s done. But for many, it’s difficult to enter the spirit of the occasion.
If your grandparents are very elderly, in their eighties or nineties, then every day is precious. They are only too aware that the end of their time can happen with just a week or two to say goodbye. And this is why an important family occasion such as a wedding may be the last time everyone will be together. Therefore it can be disappointing when they don’t feature too much in the photos later.
Dan McCurry Photography
Dan McCurry Photography
Let the Photographer Know Who are the Grandparents
At a party, photographers tend to gravitate towards the most lively or photogenic. They like to capture shots of people laughing and talking, dancing and hugging. The elderly often miss out because they aren’t as animated or beautiful. Their status as head of the family is hardly ever reflected in the number of photos they appear in. It’s a good idea to point out to the photographer who the grandparents are, in order that this is in the forefront of their mind and they move through the party snapping away.
Ask Your Grandparents about their Favourite Songs
One reason grandparents are less engaged is that the music doesn’t reflect their generation. If their youth was before the 1960s then it’s highly likely that the DJ won’t feature their period at all. This is something that the couple can consider in their planning stage. Asking the grandparents about their favourite songs, or maybe even their own wedding songs, is a very good idea. If the old-time crooners started to play ahead of the first dance, this can help get the grandparents in the mood to get up and take part. A good professional DJ would know exactly how to make this happen.
Ask them for their favourite songs. Dan McCurry Photography
Modern couples often dislike the old style of formal group photos and opt for a more documentary approach. They want the photographer to tell the story of their day and capture the atmosphere for their memories. Many of them have been to other weddings where the guests come out of the ceremony on a buzz of happiness only to be made to stand around for over an hour while the formal photos take place. For a day of celebration, this is a serious upset to the flow of hugs and fun.
These couples tend to gravitate to me, as my style is to capture photos when people aren’t looking at the camera, but interacting with each other. However, I always remind couples that their parents and grandparents probably have a mantelpiece. They still want formal family photos of everyone looking nice, to place there. Couples need to be patient and supportive just for that reason alone, but I highly recommend only a few formals. And feel free to send the guests to the reception while it happens.
Dan McCurry Photography
It doesn’t help that grandparents don’t have an official role in tradition. The father gives the bride away, while the bridal and groom parties tend to be mates or the children of the couple. A good way of being inclusive is to give presents to important people. That usually happens during or after the speeches.
Formals can also happen spontaneously during the party. I often advise couples to take the photographer on a table round. The couple should encourage the guests to stand up to chat, to avoid having the bride and groom standing while the guests are craning their necks to speak, as that doesn’t make such a good photo. I would take some candid shots of the couple chatting with the guests, and the couple will usually grab a spontaneous formal group shot before moving on to the next table.
Dan McCurry Photography
An important reason for having a professional photographer is that the couple receives a curated collection of the whole day, with each of their loved ones having at least one great shot. Overlooking the elderly is something you will only realise later. It’s best to plan to ensure they are a central part of your photo memories.
For more photos of Dan McCurry – check out his website or follow him on Instagram.
