Looking for bridal portrait ideas that will inspire your photoshoot session? From dreamy outdoor settings to breathtaking indoor locations, this article has got a lot of inspiration capturing your bridal era!
How should a bride pose for pictures?
There is no “right way” to pose for your pictures. This is YOUR moment to be as demure or as edgy as you please! Unleash your inner model!
Best Tips for Your Bridal Session
Exuding confidence and beauty is oftentimes easier said than done, so here are a few tips to help you feel your best at your portrait session:
Meet Your Photographer Beforehand
Unless you have modeling experience, it might feel a little awkward to pose and give soft smiles to the cameraman or camerawoman if you have never met them before! To get over those jitters and “break the ice,” sometimes it’s smart to meet your photographer before your shoot!
One great way to do this is by doing an engagement shoot before your bridal portraits. Not only will this help YOU, the bride-to-be, get to no the photographer ahead of time, it will also allow the groom-to-be to learn your photographer’s personality before they shoot your wedding (if you are having the same photographer at your wedding, that is!)
Bring a Support Person (Other than the groom!)
Having your mom, sister, or best friend to help you with all things bridal during your shoot is a must! You will need assistance with your dress if it is long and/or heavy, hair wisps, and hyping you up!
Just be sure you don’t invite the groom so that you can save this special moment for the wedding day!
Research INSPO Beforehand
Come prepared with any poses or ideas in mind for your photographer! This will help ensure you get the result you want.
Sometimes it is helpful to have a vision beforehand so you can try out certain ideas. Oftentimes, this leads to more confidence as you go and you may even find yourself getting an “unplanned” picture that you didn’t expect you would love!
Should bridal portraits be before or after the wedding?
Bridal portraits before the wedding is best so that you can get a feel for your looks before the big day.
The portrait session is a great opportunity to book a trial hair/makeup session with your potential makeup artist and an opportunity to get your nails done too!
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5 Things to Remember:
- Get your nails done beforehand in the style you want them for your wedding.
- Book an appointment with your hair and makeup team the morning of your bridal portraits and style your hair they way you want it on the big day.
- Coordinate with your venue or rent a studio per your photographer’s guidance.
- Bring a bouquet to your bridal session.
- Have your wedding dress altered prior to your session.
Top 10 Bridal Portrait Ideas
1. Headshot
This one might seem obvious because OBVIOUSLY you want a picture of your face!
Whether you choose to smile big or give the camera your softest smile, be sure you add the headshot to your list of must-have poses.
2. Get a Ring Closeup
Nothing says “I’m getting married!” more than a sparkly ring!
Although your ring shouldn’t have any consideration for your marriage, it is nice to get a shot of your ring and be proud of it! Not to mention, you might look back one day and admire how young and lovely your hands looked. Memories!
3. Capture the Back of the Dress
If you have an intricate back of your dress or a long, lovely train, don’t forget to get a picture of the back!
This is the moment when your photographer or support person is a HUGE help because they can lay out your train so it looks perfect!
4. Play With the Veil
Whether you choose to veil your face for your wedding or not, some artsy pictures with your veil are a must!
It it so elegant and the epitome of “bridal,” so it makes for lovely bridal photos.
5. Take Some Photos Outside at Your Venue
Take some photos at your venue and remember the place where you said “I do!”
Photo location: Brighton Abbey in Aubrey, Texas
6. Rent a Photo Studio
If you are envisioning something slightly more artsy and unique, consider renting a photo studio.
This can give you the opportunity to have some unique photos that many brides probably don’t get to have.
7. Play With the Bouquet
The bouquet is the perfect prop for your bridal portraits.
Coordinate with your florist beforehand to get a bouquet to match the one you will carry as you walk down the aisle.
Alternatively, you can make your own bouquet with store-bought flowers, which is all part of the fun during the wedding and engagement season of your life.
8. Take Some Seated Photos
As an idea, take some photos seated so you can show your shoes and train! This adds a little bit of variety to your final gallery, and you get to take some weight off your feet momentarily.
9. Showcase Your Dress
This tip may seem as obvious as #1, but don’t forget to get a full body shot of the entire dress! You won’t get to wear it after the wedding, so this is a must.
10. Get Creative and Have Fun
Remember, weddings are supposed to be FUN! Please enjoy yourself and don’t be afraid to do something that feels silly! Chances are that when you feel silly, you will get some of the most amazing photos.
This article was all about bridal portrait ideas.
Hopefully, you got some helpful inspo as you get prepare for your bridal session.
Your pictures will be so epic and the sweet moments will last a lifetime in your memories. Happy Wedding Season!
