Preparing for Your Bridal Session

“Bridal Tips”

Bridal portraits are my very favorite type of portrait session. Why?Because it’s so much fun to spend time with my clients as they see themselves as BRIDES for the very first time!!  

So much thought and time goes into your wedding day look, why not get beautiful portraits taken of you looking your very best on the day of your wedding. In many cases, the large photo is given as a gift to the Mother of the Bride after the wedding, with smaller photos being given to the Groom and the Father of the Bride, as well.

 

THESE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS TO HELP MAKE YOUR BRIDAL PHOTOS THE BEST THEY CAN BE:

1. Stay out of the sun a week before your wedding date.

Retouching a sunburn, sun spots, or tan lines is very difficult in post-production. Even, natural skin looks much better in photographs. If you want to add a little color to your skin, use lotion with added tint. 

2. Get Your Beauty Rest.

One of the best ways a bride can prepare for her wedding photos is to be well-rested. No one looks or feels their best if they are tired. Make sure you have all the wedding details taken care of well in advance of the wedding day so that you are not stressed out with last-minute craziness.  

3. Hire a professional make-up artist.

Professional makeup does make a huge difference in your images. After getting your makeup done, look in the mirror to make sure the color of the skin on your face AND body are the same. Sometimes your face can tend to be lighter than the rest of your body after getting makeup done. Talk to your makeup artist and she’ll know what to do. Professional Make-Up Artists know how to prepare you the best to have your photograph taken. They know how to highlight the best of your assets, and downplay any impurities in your skin, sheen, etc. Check out my Preferred Vendors page for some of my favorite Make-Up Artists! Also, a simple and tasteful manicure is great for close up ring or jewelry shots.   

4. Schedule Enough Prep Time.

On the day of your wedding, there will be time constraints and you’d be surprised how long it takes to get ready and photograph your big day! Allow more time than you think you need to get ready. It is always better to be safe than rushed or to miss the chance to get shots you want during your bridal session. If possible, try to have all bridal details together before the photographer arrives. This will make detail shots more efficient. Shoes, Dress, Invitations, Save the Dates, envelopes and flower clippings from bouquet are a plus plus plus!    

5. Get Ready in a Gorgeous, Well-Lit Space.

“De-clutter your ‘getting ready’ room before your photographer arrives. Find a beautiful space to get dressed in with available natural light, so you and your surroundings look their best.    

6. Leave the bed sheet at home.

The wedding gown won’t lay the same with a big piece of fabric underneath it, so if anything, just bring a pillowcase for sitting on the ground. Think about it, how many times will you get to wear this dress? So have fun with it; run through the field, lay in the grass, do what feels natural. If a sheet is involved, you won’t feel as mobile and free and poses may look stiff. Most bridal shops will let you bring the dress back for spot-cleaning. You’ll have to get it re-steamed anyway! Trust me – I would never ask you to do anything that would intentionally dirty your dress.  

7. Consider Fun Accessories.

Have you envisioned something out of the “norm” for your Bridal Session? Maybe incorporate some fun, stylistic accessories, a sign with a sweet message, or consider including a family heirloom in your shoot. Bring any other props that you’ll need for any specific photo ideas that you may want.  

8. Drink plenty of WATER!

Wedding gowns tend to be heavy, and you’ll most likely be on your feet for several hours on your wedding day. Staying hydrated and eating snacks is very important! Be sure to communicate if you start to feel light-headed or unwell. Don’t worry if you need to take a break – your photos will turn out better if you’re relaxed and comfortable. 

9. Be confident.

If a pose isn’t working your wedding photographer will let you know and make adjustments. Instead of thinking about how you look, just enjoy being in the moment; the best photos are made when you relax and feel comfortable. Seriously, enjoy yourself! How often do you get to put on a gorgeous gown, get your hair and makeup done, and feel like a model? 

 

I hope this helped prepare you future brides for your portrait! Just remember, you are in EXCELLENT hands! So just relax and enjoy feeling special for the day. 

 

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