Familiarize yourself with the wedding and reception sites ahead of time.

Make a list of the formal photos to be taken. Keep this list as simple as possible. 

Set aside a realistic amount of time. On average each group photo takes about five minutes. Plan an additional twenty minutes for the bride and groom to have their pictures taken.

Be very clear to everyone involved about where and when the group photos will be taken.

Taking family shots before the ceremony can make things easier. The bride and groom should both be in these photos. If they are not, there is a tendency to shoot nearly the same pictures again later on.

It is important that family and friends refrain from taking  pictures  while the formal family photos are being taken. This is a major distraction that slows the process and compromises the quality of the wedding portraits. 

It is a nice touch to have refreshments served during the formal photo session. (Food is not recommended.)

Receiving lines take up a great deal of time. Consider a short informal greeting period immediately after the ceremony.

Great photographs are a team effort - do not hesitate to make suggestions.