https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 16 May 2026 14:37:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2418401 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 11:17:10 +0000 Anagram 2418401@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ree723: yeah, I like that second photo! That's a good one, because everyone is doing their own thing, but within the same general palette. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2418375 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 11:01:10 +0000 Ree723 2418375@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for all the responses! Interesting to read everyone's experiences!</p> <p>@jh524: I just choked on my cereal reading that!! :grin: </p> <p>@Anagram: Thanks so much for the examples!! I love the 'good' picture, and funny enough, it's very similar to an inspiration picture my MIL just sent out that I think we're going to go with.</p> <p>Update: This is the picture we are leaning towards going with for inspiration now, MIL sent the picture out, along with a few others, and I made a strong case for this one, which she has agreed with. So I think we're going to go with any shade of blue, denim included, and whatever naturals, or all naturals if one so desires. Accessories or a small splash of colour (a bow on a dress, fine stripe in a plaid shirt etc) can be any colour as matching their colours is what makes things too matchy matchy. Anyway, I'm happy with this resolution - just hoping SIL is on board!</p> <p>[attach=1312/16/o0ukik.600x399.image.jpg] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2418322 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 10:30:06 +0000 Anagram 2418322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's what I mean: First photo bad, second photo better! And I look at the second photo and think how out of place it would look if one person were wearing a neon pink shirt or you know, bright red jeans. </p> [attach=2976/16/o0uj26.600x400.coordinated-fam.jpg] [attach=2976/16/o0uj27.400x242.coordinated-fam2.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2418307 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 10:22:46 +0000 Anagram 2418307@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think that everyone wearing anything they want in their choice of three colors is controlling. I think with a big family photo, things can really go awry if there is NO coordination. Like one person can be wearing fluorescents and another pastels, and another woodsy plaids. And while I think it's NBD if it's a casual family snapshot, if people are paying a professional, I can see why they don't want the outfits to make the overall picture garish.</p> <p>Anyway, we just went through this with my big family and it was a disaster, because I had 2 siblings that refused to play along. It was my mom's 70th birthday and she requested a good family photo of everyone she could use for a Christmas card (birthday was in July). Mom specifically wanted a coordinated photo she could frame and asked me and one of my older sisters to help. We talked to each other, and sent out texts to everyone asking for input; we got none back, so she and I just made the decision and we picked a really similar color scheme to what your SIL has chosen.</p> <p>We texted everyone and asked if it was okay--some siblings said okay, radio silence from the others. As we got closer to the date, we texted a few reminders. Our scheme was anything in the blue/green family with neutrals like white or khaki thrown in, but no cammo (that has to be specified with some of my family).</p> <p>Out of the 15 ppl in the picture, one other sister's family showed up all in black, and one brother showed up in red jeans. Sigh.</p> <p>Nothing says family beach photo like gothic black. Anyway, my mom was kind of secretly disappointed but she's not the type to make a stink out of it. But she didn't frame the pics and didn't use it as a Christmas card, which is a shame, because it's very rare that all of us are together at once. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2418295 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 10:17:40 +0000 MoonMoon 2418295@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>She's overstepping. I'm stressed out just reading that. And match matchy is super tacky, IMO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2418281 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 10:12:41 +0000 jh524 2418281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ree723: everyone in exact matching sweaters sure would be cute :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2418224 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 09:44:13 +0000 kiddosc 2418224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This doesn't sound horrible to me. I would ask her about throwing in another color option, maybe yellow or gray, or both, but I think there needs to be some plan to make the pictures feel cohesive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2418191 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 09:33:23 +0000 josina 2418191@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did a color scheme similar to @Truth Bombs: for extended family photos and it turned out great. I just chose 4-5 colors and told everyone to get or wear something in that range.<br /> Same year we did 'neutrals' as in whites and greys for another extended family photo and not so nice. I love color in family photos!<br /> I would just suggest adding a couple colors to her emerald green and white so that it's not 'too' matchy. Sounds like a good compromise? If that still doesn't work, I guess I'd just let it go, not worth the argument/tension. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2418138 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 09:13:15 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2418138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did this last fall with my family when I was pregnant. It was the first time we had done a family photo since my senior year of high school!</p> <p>We all could pick whatever outfit we wanted so long as it was black, white, or gray (jeans were fine on bottom). Then the girls all had pops of yellow (I had a yellow necklace, my sister had a yellow scarf, etc.). The pictures look awesome! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2418036 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 08:10:55 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2418036@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Based on what you described SIL's Summer photo with just her family sounds nice. Yes, they were coordinated in a tight color scheme, but they were not all in the same outfit or having girls wear one thing and guys wear another.</p> <p>I'm all for personal style, but love to see it play out in a similar color palette. Say 5 or 6 colors plus light neutrals galore. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2418031 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 07:54:03 +0000 Truth Bombs 2418031@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm coordinating family photos with my husband's family right now and my SIL and I were legit just laughing about how ridiculous white shirts with denim look. So 90s. So I'm with you there! Also, if your pics aren't until summer you SIL needs to calm the hell down. </p> <p>I ended up sending my SIL a color pallet that she'll share with my MIL. Adults and my toddler will all be in solids with the two baby boys allowed to wear patterns. </p> [attach=6015/16/o0ubu3.337x600.image.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2418028 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 07:52:27 +0000 Ash 2418028@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just wore whatever we wanted!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2417979 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 05:55:51 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2417979@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know I think three colors can be great. Find a good patterned Navy and Green dress, a solid green polo for a guy (with jeans) a white top for a kid, mix it up, go against the grain but stay in those colors. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2417965 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 03:27:06 +0000 misolee 2417965@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It does sound very matchy but for the sake of family dynamics, I'll probably let it go. Some ppl like to be in charge :meh: I think when she suggested white/denim for that many ppl, it sounds okay. I'm sure all 18 of you guys will find different versions of outfits and it can look cute without being overly matching. With the emerald green accents, maybe one of your family members can accent with it (tie/scarf/small pin :wink: ) and it will fit the criteria. Not worth the drama. </p> <p>My Inlaws wanted to take a family pic couple of years ago and SIL insisted jeans and a white shirt for everyone including my 10 month old. I wasn't keen on the idea but not worth the argument so I put LO in overalls and a white shirt and called it a day. We all went out to eat after the photo shoot, and we looked like some cult coming in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2417950 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 00:18:20 +0000 Me3 2417950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also I am with you on disliking Zulily and flounces. Barf. And I think #1 priority should be that the kids are comfortable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2417949 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 00:15:43 +0000 Me3 2417949@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We had one family photo where I provided a color scheme and we let everyone wear what they wanted and . . . everyone wore stripes. We looked like jailbirds. Not great. The next time we did a large family photo, I worked with the other women in the family (who make the decisions for wardrobe in their families, I guess we are pretty traditional) to select a few colors (deep purple, navy, red, teal). We encouraged people to wear solids and to coordinate within their own family so they could take individual family portraits that they like. The results was . . . awesome! I think providing basic colors and having more solids with some pops of pattern made the photos look great--coordinated but not too matchy matchy. So to answer your question, I think you guys both have good points. Families should be able to choose what they want to wear, but a basic color scheme is helpful so your photo doesn't turn out looking like a circus. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2417947 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 00:15:06 +0000 Finfan 2417947@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ree723: This would drive me nuts so I totally get it! My SIL sort of drove me nuts with planning our family photos (and wound up changing color schemes and level of formality a couple of times) and the only reason I didn't kill her was because she was paying for the photos and also I normally love her. I did get the sense that you're maybe not the best of friends with this SIL. I hope you can work something out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2417945 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 00:07:23 +0000 Ree723 2417945@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BananaPancakes: That was my thinking as well...but it's not specific enough apparently.</p> <p>@Foodnerd81: I've told her we can do navy and white but the emerald green is probably not going to be happening with anyone from our little family! Good suggestion on the google imaging - I will do that tomorrow for sure!</p> <p>@mauxie: I don't think she is actually organising anything beyond telling us all what to wear! :silly: I think DH's sister is hiring the photographer...</p> <p>@Finfan: She's not paying for the photos, we all are, otherwise I probably wouldn't care so much. You did hit the nail on the head though - SIL can be a bit of a challenge at times and our relationship is not the strongest, for lack of a more diplomatic way to put it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2417935 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 23:41:01 +0000 Foodnerd81 2417935@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Google image search of family photo outfits gives a few good ideas and so so many terrible ones. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2417934 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 23:40:37 +0000 Finfan 2417934@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has the photographer been hired yet? In my experience, he or she usually recommends a certain style of clothing (often neutrals especially for the adults). </p> <p>If SIL isn't organizing or paying for the photos, I think she is overstepping. Some families need someone to boss everyone around so she may feel that's the case. Only you know the family dynamic here though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2417925 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 23:20:31 +0000 mauxie 2417925@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree, that sounds too matchy to me. I'd prefer to just do personal style in neutrals. But at the same time, I probably would just go with what SIL is saying if she is organizing the whole thing... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2417924 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 23:19:24 +0000 Foodnerd81 2417924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am 100% with you on the outfits. But I'm not sure how hard I would fight it, especially since it's DH's family. Could you find something in the middle and send her a picture that is a compromise? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2417922 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 23:17:06 +0000 BananaPancakes 2417922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That's a lot of people to be in virtually the same thing. I'm more inclined to think it would be better to just a give a broad guideline for everyone, like blues and tans. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/extended-family-photo-shoot-how-coordinatedmatchy-do-you-go#post-2417919 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 23:11:56 +0000 Ree723 2417919@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is going to be a bit of a vent, in addition to a legitimate question, so bear with me.</p> <p>We are having family pictures done with DH's whole family this summer. It has been more than ten years since DH and his siblings, plus their families, were all together, so it's a bit of a big deal. We're spread out across three continents so the opportunities for us all to get together at the same time are few and far between.</p> <p>DH's SIL (not a sibling, it's the wife of his brother) is a bit of a control freak and is trying to micromanage what everyone wears. I understand the need to sort of coordinate but I'm really resistant to being told we all need to wear white and navy/denim, with emerald green accents. I think that sounds too matchy matchy, which I absolutely abhor in family photos! I far prefer people just dressing nicely, nothing garish or loud, keeping it to somewhat neutral tones for the adults, dressing kids in cute outfits, and letting individual personalities shine through.</p> <p>Am I overthinking this? I've seen SIL's idea of 'coordinated' family photos as they do them several times a year, and it is way too matchy for my taste (eg this summer they did lime green, blue, and white with SIL wearing a blue dress, BIL wearing a lime green shirt and white shorts, one child wearing a lime green and white outfit with blue trim, and the other child wearing a blue shirt with lime green shorts). I suggested we do neutrals for the adults with the kids just being dressed cute, but the response to that was my SIL is happy to buy the clothes for all the kids and let the parents coordinate from there. Nice gesture and all but her idea of style for kids clothing is so completely opposite of mine (I'm very Carter's, Next, and Gymboree, she's very Zulily with ruffles, flounces, and lots of monograms) that there is no way that is going to happen.</p> <p>So basically, this long, rambling post is just to ask how coordinated you go when planning family photos. Is SIL being a bit over the top with her micromanaging or am I unrealistic in my expectations? What do you consider to be the difference between coordinating and being too matchy?</p> <p>Just for information, there will be 18 people in this photo and I will be about 3-4 weeks postpartum with baby #3 when the photos are taken. </p>