A bridal session is a traditional photography experience that focuses exclusively on the bride—no sharing the spotlight required! With fewer subjects and distractions to consider, we’re able to take our time and enjoy creating gorgeous photos of you in all your bridal glory. The best news? Beautiful portraits are just one of the many benefits of booking a bridal session. Keep reading for the top 5 reasons every bride should consider solo portraits before their big day, and pick up a few tips about how to prepare for your own bridal session while you’re at it! 

1. A bridal session serves as a trial run for your hair and makeup team.

A bridal session is the perfect opportunity to see your finished look in-person before the big day. In addition to getting to know (and feel more comfortable with) your hair and makeup artists, a trial run will also give you the chance to let your beauty team know if you’d like anything to be tweaked before the big day. As a result, you’ll feel confident going into your wedding day because you know exactly how your hair and makeup will photograph. This greatly reduces nerves and allows you to stay more present on your wedding day!

2. You can evaluate the way your dress and veil look on camera.

Your bridal portraits will give you a head-to-toe sneak peek of how your wedding look photographs. Use this time to take a close look at the fit of your gown and evaluate if any further alterations are needed. If your dress has a malfunction or imperfection, it’s much better to find out during your bridal portraits than a few hours before your ceremony! Your bridal session also provides the perfect opportunity to find the best placement for your veil or hair accessories. 

No need to worry about your dress and veil getting dirty. We take extra precautions during bridal sessions, including moving slowly between locations and helping you carry your dress. On that note, it’s always useful to have an extra pair of hands on set, so feel free to invite a close friend or family member to keep you company and assist as needed!

3. Bridal portraits can help relieve some of the wedding day pressure.

Vows. Guests. Pictures. Dancing. Mingling. There is so much to think about on your wedding day. A bridal session allows you to secure beautiful portraits ahead of time, which relieves some of the picture-taking pressure on your wedding day. As a result, you’ll remain more present with your fiancé and guests…and have more time to take photos with your wedding party as well.

4. You can try out different jewelry options.

Statement earrings, a drop diamond pendant…or both? Bridal sessions are a great way to see how your jewelry selections work with your gown, hair, and makeup. Feel free to bring multiple options so you can try out different combinations, evaluate your images, and finalize your accessory game plan for the wedding.

5. You’ll be able to preview your bouquet.

Without a bridal session, you may not get to see your finished bouquet prior to your wedding day. Your bouquet will be in approximately 80% of your photos, so it’s important that you are carrying a clutch of blooms you absolutely love. Not crazy about what you’re seeing on camera? After your session, you’ll have plenty of time to speak with your florist about adjustments.

Have we convinced you yet? Bridal sessions are one of the best ways to “test drive” your wedding look. Chances are, by the end of the day you’ll be even more excited about putting on your gown for the real-deal occasion! If you’ve decided that a bridal session is for you but aren’t quite sure where to begin, here is a short checklist that will help you prepare for your portraits.

Bridal Session Preparation Checklist

• Reach out to your photographer to decide on the best location. 
• Wait to pick a date until your dress is ready. We’ll help you find a calendar slot that works for your florist, hair and makeup team, and your chosen venue. We highly recommend booking your bridals no less than one month before your wedding to ensure you have ample time to make changes to your dress, hair, makeup, or florals if needed. Don’t forget to factor in your photographer’s turnaround time too. 2-4 weeks is standard, but if you’re in a hurry, we can coordinate rush processing and deliver your gallery within one week.
• Choose a time that gives optimal light—preferably two hours before sunset. If your photoshoot location isn’t accessible in the evening, or if you’d prefer an earlier session, we can also create gorgeous images at sunrise.
• Schedule an appointment to have your nails done. Neutral colors typically photograph best! It’s also a great idea to have your ring polished for extra sparkle and shine.
• Make a comprehensive list of what to bring to your shoot. You’ll need your gown, veil (if applicable), any jewelry you’re considering, a pair of shoes similar in height to your wedding shoes, and a pair of flats for walking between locations.