Bridal portraits are a southern tradition and I just love them! Since our fall wedding season is starting up soon, I am shooting bridal portraits a lot lately. And as I was typing emails with tips for them, I decided I should really just share it here for future reference too! So here are some tips to help you prepare for your Bridal Portrait session!
WHY DO BRIDAL PORTRIATS?
One of the biggest benefits of doing a bridal portrait session is that you get to have a trial run before the big day. You can test out your hair, make-up, etc. You can also test out your bouquet! For a lot of brides this is the first time you have had your hair, make-up, jewlrey, dress and shoes all done and put on together. You can see if you want to change anything before the big day!
Another great thing is that it extends the time you get to wear that stunning gown! Let’s be honest. You spent a lot of time and money on that wedding gown! Make the most out of it by extending the time you wear it by another day!
And the last benefit is that it allows me to see how your dress photographs. Once I have seen it on I can start thinking of ways to pose the two of you with the gown in mind!
WHAT TO BRING?
your dress
wedding day shoes and an extra pair of comfy shoes too!
jewlrey
bouquet
veil
white sheet and white towel
someone you are comfortable with to help with the session
WHERE TO DO THEM?
I love using new spots for bridal portraits. The location is totally up to you! Some people want them at the wedding venue and some people want a totally different look. I have a list of places that I have used in the past that work well. If you are struggling with where, we can chat about it! Keep in mind most places that make a good spot double as a wedding venue and are typically booked on the weekends! If you are game for traveling, I have a few DREAM spots I am wanting to use! Ask me for details!
WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE THEM?
I have done bridal portraits as early as a year before the wedding day! Timing is really up to when your dress is ready and what season you are wanting! I typically recommend scheduling ATLEAST 4 weeks prior to the wedding day. That way if the weather doesn’t cooperate we have some options before the wedding is too close!
WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THE PORTRAITS?
Typically Brides will enlarge their favorite to 16×20 or larger to display at the reception. Some people print smaller sizes to display with the large print as well. Prints should be ordered ATLEAST a week before the big day to make sure they are back in time!
Other tips:
Get pampered! Remember this is a time for you to celebrate! Take the day and get your nails done and make the most of the experience.
Don’t stress over locations, the session focus will be on YOU not the surroundings.
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