Professional photos of the bride in her dress ahead of the big day are timeless keepsakes. Known as bridal portraits, these professional shots are often taken well before the wedding day. This allows the bride-to-be to document this time in life on a day of her choosing. Serving as a dry run for the big day, the portraits can then be used as a gift, reception décor, and lasting heirlooms. Here’s a look at everything to know about bridal portraits.
Bridal Portrait vs. Wedding Photos
Bridal portraits are different from photos of the bride taken on the wedding day. Instead, these photos are booked weeks to months ahead of the big day. Taken in the location of the bride’s choosing, she is photographed in her dress, either in the same venue where the wedding will be held or at a unique location. Many brides opt to use the final photos as part of the wedding reception décor and to gift the photo after the wedding to her partner or parents.
Benefits of Bridal Portraits
Scheduling a private photoshoot with a professional wedding photographer before your big day has numerous benefits. Having these private shots taken can also act as a safeguard against the unexpected, which may arise at your ceremony.
Serve as a Trial Run for Hair and Makeup
Most brides schedule a hair and makeup trial run before their big day. This allows for modifications to be made and planned for well ahead of the wedding day when emotions can be running high. By booking your hair and makeup trial run for the same day as your bridal portrait photoshoot, you’ll not only look gorgeous for the portrait, but you’ll also be able to make suggestions to your stylists ahead of your wedding day so that everything looks the way you want.
Use an Incredible Backdrop
Many brides opt for portraits in a location different from where they will be married. Perhaps you want a photo in nature, at the beach, or in a garden. Alternately, if you’re getting married outside, you may choose to have the portraits shot in a church or another eye-catching venue.
Safeguard Against Stress on the Wedding Day
Although your wedding day is likely to be one of the happiest days of your life, the reality is, it can also be a stressful day. A private wedding portrait ahead of your big day won’t have the same external stressors, so you’ll be able to fully relax and enjoy the photoshoot.
Ensure Weather Doesn’t Affect Photos
Private photo sessions of the bride ensure that you have stunning photos no matter how the weather decides to behave on your big day. For brides planning an outdoor wedding, portraits can be a safeguard against rain, snow, or wind. By choosing to have pre-wedding portraits taken, you can rest easy knowing that no matter what Mother Nature does on your wedding day, you will have beautiful photos unmarred by windswept faces or wet hair.
Add Pets or Props
One of the biggest advantages of a private pre-wedding photoshoot is that you can have fun with the photos. If your four-legged best friend isn’t included in your wedding day, you can still make sure they are a part of the memories. Or you can get playful with your shots. Some brides want to add a bit of whimsy, such as balloons, or they ask for a fan to be turned on for a windswept effect.
Tips for a Successful Photoshoot
Once you’ve booked your private portrait session, follow these tips to ensure the photoshoot goes perfectly.
- Coordinate with your tailor ahead of time so your dress fits perfectly
- Bring a friend or family member to help with getting dressed, fluffing your train, or adjusting your veil
- Practice poses ahead of time
- Bring props, including a prop bouquet if you’d like to use it in your portraits
Schedule a Bridal Portrait Session in Oregon
LifeSlice Photography is one of Oregon’s top wedding and bridal photographers. As award-winning photographers, Mike and Elsie Nordtvedt capture beautiful photos of the bride, groom, family, and event. To book a wedding photoshoot or a bridal session before your wedding, call 541-914-7977 or send a message online.