What Are Bridal Portraits?
If you are new to the Raleigh area, and haven’t heard of bridal portraits before, I want to answer a few questions: What is a bridal portrait session? Why should I take bridal portraits? How should I prepare for my bridal portraits & bring to my session? Where can I take bridal portraits in the Raleigh area?
The concept of bridal portrait sessions originated in Europe. The bride schedules a session that is focused on just her – she gets in her wedding dress with her hair & makeup done, her bouquet in hand, and her full bridal look is put together for the first time. The photos from the session are kept secret until the reception, where a favorite image is displayed on a large canvas or frame. In modern times, bridal portraits are utilized for a variety of reasons to provide couples with high quality images from their wedding.
Why Should You Have a Bridal Portrait Session?
I get it – we are all camera shy. We are unsure of how to pose, what to do with our hands, and worried our images won’t look good. During the wedding day, schedules are busy and finding time to squeeze it all in can become worrisome.
Bridal portraits give you the chance to try out your complete bridal look without the pressure of the wedding. You’ll get practice posing in front of the camera and be able to get comfortable with your photographer before the wedding day. Classic bridal poses are not usually innate natural movements we are familiar with, and your wedding photographer will coach you on how to pose. You will have the ability to spend time in your wedding dress before your wedding. Bridal portraits can be scheduled anywhere! Bridal portraits don’t have be taken within four walls, and you have flexibility on locations that are not available on your wedding day.
Give yourself an opportunity to celebrate your wedding! The most valuable item on your wedding day is time. Time is very limited on your wedding day, but especially time to yourself to enjoy the moment. Between all the planning and the flash that the wedding will blaze by in, you deserve quality bridal portraits and time to yourself that otherwise can get lost on your wedding day.
When to Schedule Your Bridal Portrait Session
I recommend scheduling bridal portraits for 4-8 weeks prior to your wedding date so that your dress alterations are finished. If you are getting professional hair and makeup for your wedding, talk to your HMUA about a trial run. Most artists will do a trial run before your wedding to test the exact look you’d like for your wedding day, and is a perfect time to schedule your bridal portraits. Check with your florist, as many will make the exact bouquet from your wedding for bridal portraits. If desired, canvas prints can also be made beforehand to display at your wedding ceremony.
How to Get in the Right Headspace for Your Bridal Portraits
Bridal portraits begin with headspace. Show up to enjoy the process, celebrate being a soon-to-be-bride, trust your photographer, genuinely have a kick-a* time, and believe you are a gorgeous bride. That is the secret recipe to any portrait session.
Remember that you don’t need to know exactly how to pose or model. Your photographer will guide you along the way.
What to Bring to Your Bridal Portraits
Bring your dress, veil, shoes, undergarments, touch-up makeup, any jewelry or hair piece(s) that you’re going to wear on your wedding day, and engagement ring. Ensure to have clean nails, clean hands, and clean your ring beforehand. Bring your bouquet, and keep it in water before your session. I also recommend bringing one or two people with you, like your mom or a bridesmaid. They’ll be helpful in fluffing your dress, carrying your bouquet, and making sure that your veil and hair remain in place, and a great hype crew throughout.
Don’t Forget to Bring:
- Dress
- Veil
- Shoes + comfortable shoes
- Undergarments
- Jewelry
- Hairpiece or hair accessories
- Touch-up makeup and hairspray
- Bridal bouquet in water
- Clean engagement ring
- Comfortable shoes for walking from location to location
- A sweater or jacket if it’s cool outside
- A friend, family member, or bridesmaid to help out!
Where to Have Your Bridal Portraits
- Your venue
- Top local parks
- Local indoor studios and indoor studios nearby
- Local greenhouse studios
- Overlooks & sweeping views
- A sister venue – many venues can be rented for portraits sessions. Just because it isn’t your wedding venue, doesn’t mean you can’t utilize other options they offer
Chat with your wedding photographer about the vibe you are going for, and areas they recommend for your session.
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