32 wedding party at the alter

[Espie]

I need suggestions on how to set up 32 people at the church alter.
There are 3 steps at the alter, should I just do 3 rows of 10? I wanted something more visuallly appealing other than that~
TIA

[Phil V]

Like flower arranging, the most compelling shapes are triangles, so triangular shapes and diamond shapes make attractive groupings of people.

If you mean there are 3 actual treads, then that gives you 5 levels, shot from slightly above this would make an interesting group setup, personally I'd go for a diamond, with either the B&G in the front, or with the B&G in the middle, which would allow for slightly different poses with the group leaning into / away from them /looking at them / applauding a kiss etc...

[Espie]

No, there are 3 steps- floor, step, alter- thanks tho, yes the triangle.

[Rhinotherunt]

Get yourself a ladder and shoot down at them...

[MichelleM]

Get yourself a ladder and shoot down at them...

Or, if the church has a back balcony/choir loft, I would be shooting from there. Seriously.

Good luck!

[mox]

Here is a shot from a balcony
http://www.mox.ca/gallery/Mariages/2006/20060722mariagejove/_MG_0911.jpg

And the traditional shot in front of the church
http://www.mox.ca/gallery/Mariages/2006/20060722mariagejove/_MG_0917.jpg

[Espie]

Hmmm, no balcony in the church and they specifically want the photo inside the church. The church is strict, the ladder is a good idea, any other thoughts?
TIA

[bpuppy]

Good luck ... first off, you should implore them to stop talking and listen to you, then hold the poses you assign them. Your biggest enemy will be the joking and such, but with that many people you'll need their rapt attention if you want a nice shot.