Need help with shooting and posing 30+ people, outdoors on Thansksgiving!?

I do photography, but I haven't been practicing it for a long time. But my boyfriend's family asked me if I would take their family portrait, outside, on Thanksgiving. There will be around 30 of them. I'm looking for any posing ideas, lighting tips etc. Anything will help!

If the day is overcast you'll have perfect diffused lighting without the squints, if sunny try to find open shade or put their backs towards the sun and expose for them, using the flash to fill in the light. With 30+ people you can't get crazy artistic and I suspect they are just looking for a record of the family So I would do this...the youngest who can sit on their own should sit on the ground, elders should be behind them on a bench or chairs, the rest may stand but make sure you can see each face.If the group is going to wide, have those standing turn a shoulder towards you and step in closer to the center.If you must, have a few stand on chairs behind those standing on the ground.

If you are near an area with steps or bleachers this might be easier for you.

Make sure the light is behind you and if your going to be taking a picture(s) outside is there a realy pretty place/special place related to the family that you could use?
Since it's outside make sure the flash is off.

Posing is more difficult because, like some of my family member, alot of people aren't photogenic or don't smile. With a large group, have them pose, with a few people just go around and take them sitting and talking. Or playing football or something. Theyre family so have them with their arms around their shoulders or something.

Good Luck <3

that's like herding cats for even the most professional photographer...there is always the errant teen with the eagle flying or the crumb-cruncher with the finger in the nose, or the smart-alek uncle teddy with the "antenae" behind your mom's head. somebody just has to do something bizarre at the precise moment the shutter clicks it is the law of family photos.