As you dive into wedding preparations and start on your search for the perfect photographer, you might find yourself pondering, “What exactly is a bridal session, and what’s the significance?” If you’re in this contemplative boat, you’ve come to the right place. Bridal sessions may not be obligatory, but they create many benefits – plus, they offer you the fun excuse to dress up in your gown once more!
Whether you’re a camera pro or you get shy in front of the lens, the opportunity to capture images in your wedding attire before the big day offers a sneak peek into your bridal look. For those not accustomed to being photographed, it’s the perfect chance to feel at ease in front of the camera. Typically, you’ll spend about an hour exploring various locations and poses, gradually becoming an expert in striking those perfect bridal poses. It’s essential to build a rapport with your photographer, and in return, they learn how to work with you as a model. What could be better than having the freedom to experiment with various poses and angles without the constraints of time pressures or scheduling worries? This experience during your bridal session also makes posing with your spouse on your wedding day a breeze!
Engaging in a bridal session and receiving your edited photos provides an excellent opportunity to assess how your hair and makeup appear on camera. Brides typically schedule a hair and makeup trial when booking their stylists, so why not seize this moment to put on your dress as well? While some brides absolutely love their chosen look and everything is perfectly aligned, others may experience doubts. In cases where adjustments are needed, your bridal session acts as a dress rehearsal for candidly discussing your preferences with your hair or makeup artist, ensuring your look aligns with your vision.
On the topic of trials and pre-wedding test runs, although entirely optional, you might consider acquiring a sample bouquet from your florist. Bridal sessions can be equally captivating with or without floral arrangements. Opting for flowers can beautifully enhance the portraits by weaving more elements of your wedding theme into the scenes, complementing your dress, hairstyle, and accessories. If you decide to forego flowers for these pictures, ensure you provide precise instructions and expectations for your arrangements. Being detailed is essential, as disappointment over bouquet aesthetics on your wedding day is a situation best avoided. Still, it’s not too late to make any necessary adjustments based on your bridal session experience.
As previously mentioned, these sessions usually last about an hour at a chosen location. While your choice of location may vary, some brides prefer to conduct their bridal sessions at their wedding venue. This early exploration of your venue without the constraints of a tight wedding day schedule can save precious time. You’ll have a better idea of where to capture photos with family and friends, making the photography process on your special day smoother. If your venue is extensive and hosts multiple events concurrently, this might offer unique photo opportunities in areas not accessible on the wedding day. Even if you opt for a different location for your bridal session, it’s an ideal way to feature diverse settings and expand your collection of photographs.
Bridal sessions are an absolute blast to photograph, allowing me to capture individuals in settings where they’re somewhat out of their comfort zone. It’s not every day that the average girl gets glammed up and wears an exquisite gown JUST for a photo shoot. Each bridal session is special, and every time I schedule one, I get excited! Drawing from my experience, I’d like to share some tips that can significantly contribute to a successful shoot:
- Have a Latch Hook Handy: This will make putting on your dress a much simpler task.
- Bring a Handheld Mirror: Ensure you adore your look throughout the session with quick mirror checks.
- Pack Alternate Shoes or a Plastic Shower Curtain: For outdoor sessions, especially when your shoes or the dress bottom might get dirty, these items can be a lifesaver.
- Schedule a Dress Cleaning: Particularly if your session involves any outdoor elements. This way, you can enjoy yourself without fretting over dress stains.
- Bring a Support Squad: While I’ll be your biggest cheerleader, having a family member or friend with you is invaluable. They can help you get dressed, hold your bouquet, and provide essential encouragement from the sidelines.
Bridal sessions are more than just photo shoots – they’re journeys of self-confidence, comfort, and beauty. Whether it’s at your wedding venue or an alternative location, these sessions help you build a relationship with your photographer, your dress, and your overall bridal look, ensuring you radiate with elegance and confidence on your big day!
