What every bride should know

Before Her Bridal Portraits Session

Wedding Photography

afghan bridal portraits during the preparation

Hey, gorgeous bride-to-be!


Are you buzzing with excitement about your bridal portraits? Whether you’re dreaming of capturing your glow in a dreamy, sun-kissed field or striking a pose in a chic, urban setting, this guide is your golden ticket! We’re going to dive into all the little secrets that’ll make your bridal portraits pop with personality and charm. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly how to collaborate with your wedding portrait artist to capture the essence of your love story. Let’s get into it!

Mastering the Art of Memorable Bridal Portraits


Bridal portraits are a huge part of your wedding tale. They capture your radiant smile and the stunning flow of your gown in a way that feels right out of a fairy tale. But there’s an art to making sure they turn out just as breathtaking as you imagine.

A serene bridal portraits under a veil holding a bouquet against a dark backdrop, eyes closed in thought.

3 Key Elements to Discuss With Your Wedding Portrait Artist


Before the camera starts clicking, let’s ensure you and your bridal portrait photographer are syncing up perfectly:

  • Vision Crafting: What’s your bridal style? Whether it’s fine art wedding photography or creative bridal photography, defining your style helps me tailor the shoot to be uniquely yours.
  • Timeline Magic: Scheduling is everything! Whether it’s for those golden hour bridal portraits before the wedding or a serene session afterward, timing affects the mood and the light.
  • Essential Shots: Got some non-negotiables? Whether it’s that self portrait bridal look with your grandmother’s earrings or a creative shot with your bouquet, let’s list them out!
Stunning black and white photo of a bride in Cologne, Germany, posing with veil.
Close-up of a bride's hand with wedding ring under a soft veil, symbolizing elegance.
Black and white photo of a bride adjusting her white heels, epitomizing elegance and grace.

Creating a Timeline for Your Bridal Portraits: A Stress-Free Guide


Crafting the perfect timeline can turn a hectic day into an effortless experience. Here’s how we can keep it smooth:

  1. Pre-Wedding Play: Fancy a trial run? A pre-wedding bridal photoshoot can help you experiment with poses and settings without the big day pressure.
  2. Day-Of Dynamics: Let’s carve out a calm moment post-ceremony for those stunning studio bridal portraits. Just you, the dress, and your best vibes.
  3. Relaxed Re-takes: Want more relaxed vibes? Opt for a post-wedding session where the only schedule is ours!
natural bridal portraits with flower crown
smoke bomb wedding photos in a bridal portraits session
bristol photographer captures bridal portrait with flower bouquet

7 Tips to Shine in Your Bridal Portraits on the Big Day


Let’s ensure you’re nothing short of dazzling in every frame:

  1. Pose with Purpose: Love your laugh? Flaunt it. Adore your profile? Show it off. A little mirror practice goes a long way.
  2. Outfit Perfection: Your gown should not only drop jaws but also let you move (and breathe) with ease. Comfort = confidence.
  3. Beauty Trials: Nail down your look with a makeup and hair trial. Look like yourself, just on a really good day.
  4. Speak Up: This is your shoot! Love something? Say it! Not keen on a pose? Let’s skip it.
  5. Props that Pop: From a dramatic veil to quirky shoes, choose props that tell your story.
  6. Fun is Key: The best shots happen when you’re genuinely having fun. Let’s keep the laughs coming!
  7. Trust Your Team: From the flick of the brush to the click of the shutter, trust us to make you look epic.
A serene bride in an elegant wedding dress poses indoors by a window.

Preparing for your bridal portraits should be as fun as popping champagne! 🍾 We’ve covered all you need to know to walk into your session feeling prepped and pumped. These snaps are going to be so much more than photos—they’re going to be keepsakes of your zest and sparkle.

Do you have some questions?


The best time to schedule your bridal portraits is usually 2-3 months before your wedding day. This timeframe ensures you have your dress, accessories, and other details finalized. If you’re planning to use the photos for wedding day displays or thank you cards, this timing also allows for editing and printing.

While having your portraits taken at your wedding venue can provide a beautiful and cohesive look to your wedding collection, it’s not a necessity. Choose a location that reflects your style or has special meaning to you. Some brides choose a different location to add variety to their wedding photos.

  • Your Wedding Dress: Obviously, you’ll need your gown, make sure it’s steamed and ready.
  • Veil and Accessories: Bring along your veil, jewelry, and any other accessories you plan to wear on the big day.
  • Bouquet: A mock-up of your wedding bouquet can add a natural and vibrant touch to your photos.
  • Touch-up Makeup and Hair Products: For quick fixes to ensure you look flawless throughout the session.
  • Comfortable Shoes: Especially if you’ll be walking between locations.

Typically, a bridal portrait session lasts between 1-2 hours. This allows enough time to try different poses and locations without feeling rushed. If multiple locations are involved, additional time might be necessary.

Traditional bridal portraits focus solely on the bride. However, it’s your session, and you can customize it. If you want to include your fiancé, family members, or even pets, you can certainly do so. Just discuss it with your photographer ahead of time to adjust the schedule and settings.

If bad weather strikes on your scheduled day, most photographers will be flexible and allow for rescheduling. Alternatively, consider indoor locations that still provide a beautiful backdrop for your portraits.

Your photographer will guide you through poses that highlight your best features and make you feel beautiful. However, practicing in front of a mirror before your session can help you feel more confident. Remember, the most beautiful poses are often the ones that feel natural and comfortable.

Black and white bridal portraits holding a bouquet, captured outdoors.

READY TO capture

Your bridal glow in portraits that tell your love story?

Can’t wait to capture your bridal glow? Neither can I! Hit me up, and let’s start planning those unforgettable bridal portraits. Whether it’s chatting over coffee or planning the perfect shot list, I’m all in. Let’s make those bridal portrait dreams a reality! 💕

Still not sure?

Check out my other blog posts, drop a line, and let’s get this fabulous photo fest rolling! Your portraits are going to be as incredible as you are, promise!

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