Bridal Sessions are a southern tradition where the bride takes portraits (typically 1-2 months before the wedding) in her full wedding day attire – hair, makeup, jewelry, veil, bouquet, and of course, the dress. Bridal sessions are not only a great time to get primped and take gorgeous photos in your wedding day attire, but it’s also a great trial run for the big day. The majority of brides who shoot with me end up changing one thing or another after the bridal session. Maybe the dress needs to be fitted again, maybe her hair keeps falling down, maybe the eye makeup is a little too bold or maybe the flowers she had selected wilt too quickly in the sun. Each time, the bride was able to change something BEFORE the big day. You’ll do a trial run of your hair and makeup anyway – this is a great time to get some gorgeous photos of you all dolled up.
Here are a few tips on posing and things to remember during your own bridal session.
We’ll start with some things to remember.
- Accept that your dress will get dirty. Not rolling-in-the-mud dirty, but yes, the hem will get a little dusty. Accept it, embrace it and ad time to your schedule for a dress cleaning before the wedding. Most bridal shops will let you bring the dress back for a spot cleaning.
- Don’t do your hair and makeup or flowers yourself unless you plan to do them for your wedding day. Half the point of a bridal session is to test your wedding day look so the same people that will be doing it on your wedding day should be doing it for your bridal session.
- Bring a sister, bridesmaid or friend to help you during your session. Every princess needs someone to fluff their train, fetch them water and help them up and down stairs. She’ll stand off camera and make conversation with you. Nothing is more attractive and fun than a sincere laugh and that’s what you’ll want most in your bridal portraits.
- Don’t bring your mom. Moms are the most wonderful people on the planet, but they are biologically incapable of attending a bridal session without fussing and driving you crazy worrying about every little detail and speck of dust on your dress. If you desperately want your mom there, then by all means bring her but it is not something I recommend. You want to be relaxed on the day of your session and you can’t relax with someone fussing over you and your dress.
- Make sure to eat a solid meal before your session and bring cold water and snacks. This is the most important piece of advice. You probably won’t be hungry but you MUST eat before you come. Modeling is hard work and you’ll be carrying around a heavy dress as well. While you will look gorgeous, it can be tiring. We will make sure that you stay hydrated and being well fed before arrival will make the session easier. Make sure you’re not hangry during your session.
- If a pose feels uncomfortable let your photographer know. If you feel like your veil is off, or you start to feel lightheaded please say something. This is your session and communication is so important. Some poses do feel a little uncomfortable but if you feel like it’s not you then it’s important to say something so I can change the posing accordingly. Your veil might slip as well with all the walking and adjusting. This is the time to see if your hair will stay up all day and your veil will stay in place so if it’s feeling loose let me know so I can fix it. Your photographer will also be looking to make sure everything is perfect and will fix anything they see that doesn’t look right.
- Bring props if that’s your thing. Some girls like to include their pets or an item that is special to their fiance or a fun pair of shoes. If you want to mix up up a bit, go for it! Bring your gown accessories of course. To add a little color and interest to your shoot, bring your bouquet (fresh, not silk), veil and jewelry. Holding something in your hands adds interest and makes for a great photo.
- Make sure to consider your bridal session if you plan to do one when purchasing your dress and having alterations done. Most dresses take 6-8 months to come in once purchased, and then require another 1-2 months for alterations. Ideally your dress should be finished and ready to go no later than 2 months before your wedding, which will give you time to do your bridal session, get the dress cleaned and have final alterations done before the big day.
Now that you have a few things to remember when planning your session, let’s get onto the tips about posing. Everyone wants to look their best in photos and these tips will help you look your absolute best in your wedding day attire.
- The first thing I always get asked is where to hold your flowers. Always aim for just below the belly button. This pushes your arms out and avoids giving you a too straight look to your body or chicken wings. You can also try holding the bouquet with one hand and let the other hang by your side for a more relaxed look.
-
I’m going to say it again because it’s so important. Separate your limbs! Keep your arms away from your body so that it slims down your whole body shape.
-
The dreaded chin. Your ultimate enemy is your double chin and no matter how skinny you are, everyone has one. I even have one! Practice in the mirror by pushing your jaw down and out. Stretch your neck and push your shoulders back. It will feel awkward at first so be sure to practice before your session. Your photographer will also help you with posing to minimize the look of a second chin.
-
Be sure your dress sits properly so that when you lean you don’t get the dreaded back fat and armpit boob.
-
Find your waist. This is not your hips. You want to put your hands on the smallest part of your waist so that your legs are elongated and you are drawing attention to your smallest body feature. Also don’t be afraid to put your hands on your “hips”. This is usually a dreaded Facebook pose but it really does give you a long and sexy appearance.
-
Alongside that comes finding your light and your angles. Everyone has a good side and be sure to know yours. Also know how to find the best light. Your photographer will be a huge help in this but shaded areas are usually the softest light and make your skin glow.
-
Know how to sit pretty. This includes sitting up straight with your ankles crossed not your knees. Gently place your hands in your lap.
-
You don’t always have to look at the camera. This is when bringing a trusted friend can be helpful. Chatting and laughing with them can provide natural poses and laughs that will be gorgeous for your portraits.
- Another great tip is to walk. Your photographer might have you relax your bouquet by your side and walk towards them for some pretty movement to your hair and dress. Don’t think about walking too much as that can make it look stiff. A good idea is to talk with your girlfriend who is just out of site as you walk for a natural and fun look. Don’t be afraid to play with your dress. The movement is always pretty and it makes you feel like a little girl twirling around in her dream gown.
Finally and most importantly is to remember to relax and smile. I know it’s easier said than done but be sure not to tense up or you’ll be sore all day. This can also add tension to your images that might not be flattering. Trust your photographer and know that they will get great images of you in all your bridal beauty. Be sure to smile and have fun. Bridal sessions are all about you and make you feel beautiful so smile, laugh and have a great time being pampered!
