Imagine this: You’re dressed in your dream wedding gown, the light is hitting just right, and your photographer is capturing the essence of your love and excitement. Sounds perfect, right? But bridal portraits don’t just happen—they require thoughtful planning and a few key tricks to ensure they turn out breathtaking.
Whether you’re going for an editorial-style masterpiece or a soft, romantic vibe, these essential do’s and don’ts will help you create stunning, timeless bridal portraits!
Do: Choose the Right Photographer 
Your wedding photographer is your storyteller, and their vision will shape your final images. Take the time to research photographers whose work speaks to you—check their portfolio, read testimonials, and schedule a call to discuss your expectations.
Pro Tip: Book an engagement session first! This will help you feel more at ease and build chemistry with your photographer before the big day.
Need a photographer who captures both editorial elegance and real emotions? Let’s chat!
“I felt like a real-life princess during my bridal portraits! My photographer made the process effortless and captured my best angles beautifully.” – Emily R. Your wedding photographer is your storyteller, and their vision will shape your final images. Take the time to research photographers whose work speaks to you—check their portfolio, read testimonials, and schedule a call to discuss your expectations.
Don’t: Leave Everything for the Last Minute 
Bridal portraits take planning! From scouting the perfect location to selecting accessories, waiting until the last minute can leave you feeling rushed.
Checklist for a stress-free session:
- Pick your photographer early
- Choose a location that matches your vibe
- Schedule hair & makeup trials
- Plan your outfits and bring backups
“I wish I had planned sooner! Thankfully, my photographer helped me organize everything last-minute, and my photos still turned out amazing.” – Jessica L. Bridal portraits take planning! From scouting the perfect location to selecting accessories, waiting until the last minute can leave you feeling rushed.
Do: Pick a Stunning Location 
The right setting transforms your photos from beautiful to breathtaking. Whether you dream of a European-style estate, a whimsical forest, or a sun-kissed beach, choose a place that aligns with your wedding aesthetic.
Inspo-worthy locations:
- A chic rooftop for modern city vibes
- A historic mansion for an elegant, vintage feel
- A lavender field for dreamy, ethereal portraits
“Choosing a garden for my bridal portraits was the best decision! The natural greenery made my white dress pop, and the photos look so dreamy.” – Olivia M. The right setting transforms your photos from beautiful to breathtaking. Whether you dream of a European-style estate, a whimsical forest, or a sun-kissed beach, choose a place that aligns with your wedding aesthetic.
Don’t: Forget About the Weather 
Weather can be unpredictable, but don’t let it ruin your session! Always have a backup plan, whether it’s an indoor venue or a fun way to embrace the elements (hello, cute umbrella shots!).
Golden Hour Magic: If possible, plan your session just before sunset for that golden, glowing light that makes everything look magical.
“It started drizzling right before my shoot, but my photographer made it work. The raindrops actually added a romantic touch!” – Sophia T. Weather can be unpredictable, but don’t let it ruin your session! Always have a backup plan, whether it’s an indoor venue or a fun way to embrace the elements (hello, cute umbrella shots!).
Do: Wear Your Wedding Dress 
You spent months finding the perfect gown—why not wear it for your portraits? This helps you see how it moves, check for any needed alterations, and feel completely bridal before the big day.
Bonus Tip: Bring a second, elegant dress for variety in your shots!
“Wearing my wedding dress for the session gave me a chance to feel like a bride before the wedding! I even spotted a small alteration I needed to fix.” – Hannah W. You spent months finding the perfect gown—why not wear it for your portraits? This helps you see how it moves, check for any needed alterations, and feel completely bridal before the big day.
Don’t: Ignore Hair & Makeup 
Bridal portraits are the perfect opportunity for a trial run! See how your chosen look translates on camera and make adjustments if needed. Avoid heavy matte foundations, and opt for dewy, natural glam.
Bridal Beauty Essentials:
- Hydrating setting spray for a fresh glow
- False lashes for extra eye definition
- Soft, romantic waves or an elegant updo
“I’m so glad I did a hair and makeup trial! My first choice wasn’t quite right, but I had time to tweak it before the wedding day.” – Laura P. Bridal portraits are the perfect opportunity for a trial run! See how your chosen look translates on camera and make adjustments if needed. Avoid heavy matte foundations, and opt for dewy, natural glam.
Do: Strike a Natural Pose 
The best bridal portraits feel effortless and authentic. Instead of stiff, posed shots, embrace movement—twirl in your dress, laugh, walk toward the camera, or play with your veil.
Photogenic Poses to Try:
- The over-the-shoulder glance
- A soft twirl with your dress flowing
- The natural, candid laughter shot
“I was nervous about posing, but my photographer guided me so well! The twirl shots turned out to be my favorite.” – Rachel D. The best bridal portraits feel effortless and authentic. Instead of stiff, posed shots, embrace movement—twirl in your dress, laugh, walk toward the camera, or play with your veil.
Don’t: Overthink It! 
Worried about looking perfect? Here’s a secret: The most stunning shots happen when you’re in the moment. Trust your photographer, relax, and let your natural joy shine through!
Confidence-Boosting Tips:
- Play your favorite music during the shoot
- Focus on your partner, not the camera
- Take deep breaths and enjoy every second!
“I kept reminding myself to just enjoy the moment, and it made all the difference. My photos look so genuine and full of happiness!” – Mia K. Worried about looking perfect? Here’s a secret: The most stunning shots happen when you’re in the moment. Trust your photographer, relax, and let your natural joy shine through!
Do: Bring a Trusted Friend or Your Partner 
Having someone you trust nearby can make your session more fun and relaxed. They can help adjust your dress, fix flyaways, and keep the energy lighthearted.
Plus One Perks: Your partner can jump in for a few romantic shots, making the moment even more special!
“Having my best friend there was a lifesaver! She helped fluff my dress and kept me laughing the whole time.” – Natalie J. Having someone you trust nearby can make your session more fun and relaxed. They can help adjust your dress, fix flyaways, and keep the energy lighthearted.
Don’t: Skip the Golden Hour 
Want that dreamy, soft glow in your photos? Schedule your portraits around sunrise or sunset! Natural lighting makes all the difference, giving your skin a radiant, luminous look.
“We scheduled our session at sunset, and wow—the lighting was pure magic. The golden glow made my dress look even more stunning!” – Victoria S. Want that dreamy, soft glow in your photos? Schedule your portraits around sunrise or sunset! Natural lighting makes all the difference, giving your skin a radiant, luminous look.
Do: Have Fun & Be Yourself! 
At the end of the day, your bridal portraits should reflect YOU. Dance, laugh, embrace your unique style—because those are the moments you’ll cherish forever!
Let’s Make Your Wedding Unforgettable!
Your bridal portraits should be as magical as your love story. If you’re looking for a photographer who will bring your vision to life with elegance, creativity, and a touch of editorial flair, I’d love to be part of your journey!
Let’s make your wedding unforgettable—book your photographer today!
See my latest works: Weddings Portfolio
Follow my journey on Instagram: @alexmart_photo
Choose the best package for you: Investment Options
Let’s make your dream wedding a reality! Get in Touch
