In short
Planning photography for two family march-ins starts well before the banquet itself, with a conversation involving both families about the running order, entrance points and how coverage will be shared fairly between the two. Agreeing on this in advance avoids either side feeling like an afterthought on the day.
- Two march-ins usually mean planning conversations with both families, not just the couple.
- Fair coverage means both entrances get equal attention from the crew.
- Coordinating pacing with the emcee keeps the segment flowing smoothly for guests.
- Briefing both families ahead of time reduces confusion and last-minute questions.
- Confirming details with both sides in writing helps everyone remember the plan.
Why some banquets include two separate march-in entrances
A second march-in, often for parents or another family group, tends to appear at banquets where the celebration is treated as an occasion for the wider family rather than the couple alone. This is a matter of family tradition and preference rather than something every wedding includes.
Because it involves people beyond the couple, planning for two march-ins usually means bringing both families into the conversation early, rather than leaving the couple to relay every detail back and forth on their behalf.
Starting this conversation well before the wedding day gives everyone time to agree on a plan that works for both sides.
Positioning the crew to cover both sides fairly
Fair coverage of two march-ins means the crew plans, in advance, to give both entrances comparable attention rather than treating one as the main event and the other as secondary. This usually involves deciding positioning for each entrance ahead of time, not improvising once the first one is underway.
Where the two entrances are on different sides of the venue, or involve a longer gap between them, a second shooter often helps ensure neither side loses coverage while the crew repositions.
Discussing this directly with your photographer, including how coverage will be split, helps set expectations for both families before the day.
Coordinating pacing with the emcee for a smooth flow
The pacing between two march-ins is largely set by the emcee's running order, so it helps for the photographer to understand this order in advance rather than only reacting to it as it happens. A planned gap between the two segments gives the crew time to reposition calmly.
Where the running order is still being finalised, it is worth asking the emcee and venue coordinator to loop in the photographer once details are confirmed, rather than assuming photography plans will simply adjust on the fly.
A well-paced segment tends to feel smoother for guests too, not just for the crew managing it. Guests seated near either entrance often appreciate knowing roughly what to expect, which the emcee can communicate briefly before each march-in begins.
Managing expectations so both families feel equally represented
Where two families are both involved in march-in segments, it is worth having an honest conversation early about what equal coverage looks like in practice, since expectations can differ between families. Some families expect a longer, more elaborate entrance, while others prefer something brief and simple.
Raising this directly, rather than assuming both sides want the same thing, tends to prevent misunderstandings closer to the day. It also gives your photographer clearer guidance on how to plan positioning and timing for each entrance.
A brief, respectful conversation here usually goes a long way toward avoiding friction on the day itself.
Briefing both families ahead of the day
Once the running order and coverage plan are agreed, it helps to brief both families directly rather than relying on the couple to pass along every detail. This might be a short conversation or a written note covering the entrance order, approximate timing, and where each family should be beforehand.
Families who know what to expect tend to move through the segment more smoothly, since there is less uncertainty about when to enter or where to stand.
This briefing also gives family members a chance to ask questions ahead of time rather than during the segment itself, when there is little room to pause and clarify.
What to confirm with both families before the day
A short checklist, shared with both families ahead of time, helps confirm everyone is working from the same plan for the two march-ins. This is worth revisiting once the venue and emcee have confirmed final timing, since early plans sometimes shift as the programme comes together.
Putting these details in writing, even in a simple message to both families, gives everyone something to refer back to if questions come up in the final days before the wedding.
- Confirm the order in which the two march-ins will happen.
- Agree on entrance points and where each family gathers beforehand.
- Clarify how coverage will be split between the two segments.
- Share the approximate timing so both families know what to expect.
If your banquet includes two march-ins for both families, get in touch and we can help plan coverage that feels fair to everyone.