Planning a wedding is an exciting whirlwind, and as a bride-to-be you’ve probably heard about bridal portrait sessions. Perhaps you’re curious – or even a little unsure – about taking solo photos in your gown before the big day. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything about bridal portraits, from what they are (and their charming history) to the many benefits of a pre-wedding session. We’ll also cover how to prepare, tips for posing with confidence, and timing your session just right. By the end, you’ll see why a bridal portrait session can be a fun, stress-relieving, and rewarding part of your wedding journey.

What Are Bridal Portraits? (A Look Back in History)

Bridal portraits (sometimes just called “bridals”) are solo portrait photo sessions of the bride in her wedding attire, taken before the actual wedding day. This tradition originated long before modern photography – historically, bridal portraits were oil paintings of brides (often royalty) commissioned to commemorate the special occasion. These elegant paintings celebrated the bride’s beauty and her wedding regalia. Fast-forward to the early era of photography: before World War II it was rare to have a photographer at the wedding itself, so brides would visit a studio either before or shortly after the ceremony to have a formal portrait taken in their gown. 

In many families (especially in the American South), a bridal portrait became a rite of passage – the large framed photo would be displayed on an easel at the wedding reception and later hung in the bride’s parents’ home as a treasured keepsake.

Today, bridal portrait sessions are making a comeback in a modern, personalized way. Unlike the stiff studio poses of the past, today’s brides opt for natural, fun pre-wedding photo shoots that showcase their personality as well as the dress. 

Essentially, it’s an opportunity for you to get all glammed up in your wedding outfit and capture stunning images without the time pressures of the wedding day. The results are often kept secret (so your fiancé and guests only see the dress on the wedding day), and you can even display a favorite portrait at your reception if you like – just like tradition, but with your own fresh spin.

Top Benefits of a Pre-Wedding Bridal Session

You might be wondering, why add another photo session to your already busy schedule? Trust us – a bridal portrait session can be one of the most rewarding experiences leading up to the wedding. Think of it as a stress-free dress rehearsal for your big day, where it’s all about you. Here are some top benefits to consider:

• A Dress Rehearsal for Your Bridal Look: This is your chance to see your entire bridal ensemble put together – dress, veil, shoes, bouquet, hair, makeup, everything – before the wedding. You get to make sure you adore every detail. If something isn’t quite as you imagined (maybe the hairstyle looks a bit different in photos, or you realize you’d prefer a different lipstick color), you have time to tweak it now. It’s far better to discover these things before the wedding than on the day-of. As one photographer put it, a bridal session lets you try out your complete bridal look without any wedding-day pressure – “it’s like a dress rehearsal before the big day!” lisastaffphoto.com. You’ll walk into your wedding day feeling confident that your look is perfect from head to toe.
• Test Hair, Makeup, and Accessories: Along with the above, doing your hair and makeup trial on the same day as your bridal portraits is incredibly efficient. You’ll see exactly how your wedding hairstyle and makeup translate on camera emilychappellphotography.com. For example, maybe that dramatic smoky eye you wanted looks heavier in photos than expected – you can switch to a more natural look after seeing the pics, or vice versa. It’s a safe space to experiment with your beauty look and avoid any unwanted surprises later. Many brides also use this time to confirm their accessories are just right (that statement necklace might be too much with the dress, or perhaps you’d prefer Grandma’s earrings instead). Think of it as ensuring no regrets when you look back at your photos. As wedding experts note, skipping a hair/makeup trial can lead to unnecessary stress on your wedding day – a trial run gives you confidence and peace of mind. By testing your look during the portrait session, you’ll know your hairstyle holds up and your makeup stays flawless, so you can walk down the aisle feeling like the best version of yourself.
• Less Stress on the Big Day: One of the biggest advantages of a pre-wedding session is taking pressure off your wedding day timeline. On the actual day, you’ll already have gorgeous solo photos in your dress, so you won’t need to cram as many posed portraits in between the ceremony and reception (when time is tight and guests are waiting). You can be fully present on your wedding day, knowing “we’ve got those beautiful bridal shots done.” During the bridal session, there’s no ticking clock, no guests or wedding party looking on – it’s just you and the photographer. This means you can relax and focus on enjoying the moment. Brides often say this huge stress relief alone is worth it. You’ll still take some photos on the wedding day, of course, but anything you get then is a bonus. The bridal session guarantees you a collection of stunning portraits no matter what happens on the wedding day (rain on the wedding? no problem, you already did lovely outdoor bridals on a sunny day!). Plus, you won’t have to miss cocktail hour or rush through family greetings just to snag solo pictures. It’s a win-win for your schedule and your sanity.
• Boosted Confidence in Front of the Camera: Not everyone feels like a supermodel the first time they step in front of a professional camera – and that’s okay! A bridal session gives you extra practice posing and moving in your wedding dress ahead of time. Consider it a warm-up: you’ll get comfortable with your photographer and learn tips for flattering poses that suit you. By the time the wedding day arrives, you’ll be much more at ease and camera-confident. Think about it – you’ll know how your dress feels when you sit, stand, twirl, and you’ll have mastered that graceful smile or over-the-shoulder glance. This practice can make a world of difference. If you’re a bit camera-shy, the one-on-one environment of a bridal shoot (with no audience) can really help you come out of your shell. You can laugh, be goofy, and find your natural groove without feeling like all eyes are on you. The result? Genuine, radiant photos – and a bride who looks relaxed and radiant on the wedding day too.
• Gorgeous Photos in a Low-Pressure Setting: A bridal session is all about creating beautiful images in a fun, low-pressure setting. You have the freedom to get creative in ways you might not on the busy wedding day. Want to shoot at a dreamy location that’s not your venue? Go for it! Always envisioned photos in a golden field at sunset, or among spring blossoms, or in a chic studio with perfect lighting? A pre-wedding shoot lets you capture those visions. You can take your time to get picture-perfect shots of your gown – the kind that belong in a magazine – without worrying about rushing back to guests. Many brides love having this dedicated time to really show off the dress. After all, you spent ages finding the one, so why not get as many photos in it as you can? “It’s not every day you get to wear a gorgeous gown,” one photographer notes – a separate session gives you an excuse to wear it more than once and fully enjoy it. With unlimited time, you can try fun poses, use dramatic backdrops, and just enjoy feeling like a model for a day. The camera will capture that joy. And here’s a secret perk: because you’ve already done this, you’ll likely be uber relaxed when taking photos on the wedding day too, making those images better as well. It’s confidence and practice rolled into one (like getting two photoshoots for the price of one!).
• A Treasured Keepsake (and Décor for Your Wedding): Aside from the experiential benefits, don’t forget the gorgeous keepsake you get out of it – the portraits themselves! Many brides choose their favorite bridal portrait to display at the wedding reception (near the guest book or entryway) as a personal touch. It’s a lovely way to greet your guests – they’ll get to swoon over your portrait up close. After the wedding, that framed photo becomes a beautiful piece of art for your home (and yes, a wonderful gift for parents or grandparents). This tradition of displaying a bridal portrait has been around for generations, and it adds a sentimental, classic flair to your wedding ambiance. Even if you don’t display it at the wedding, you now have a collection of professional images of you at this special time in your life – a moment when you’re glowing with excitement and love. Years later, you can show your children, and even simply look back and appreciate how radiant you looked in your gown. It’s an empowering reminder of that unique time when you were a bride. As one expert said, doing a bridal session is almost like a gift to your future self, capturing you in this moment before you transition into married life. You’ll never regret having those extra memories documented.

How to Prepare for a Bridal Portrait Session

Once you decide to do a bridal session, a little preparation can make it go smoothly and maximize the results. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Schedule at the Right Time: Plan your session after your final dress fitting and alterations are complete. You want your gown fitting perfectly for the photos (and this ensures you have your dress ready!). Most brides schedule the bridal shoot about 1-2 months before the wedding date, which is ideal – your dress will be ready, you’ll have your accessories on hand, and you’re close enough to the wedding that your look (hair length, tan, etc.) will be the same. This timing also gives the photographer a few weeks to edit photos and order prints. Pro tip: if you’d like to display a framed photo at the reception, aim to do the session at least 3-4 weeks before the wedding so there’s plenty of time for editing and printing. If you’re planning an outdoor shoot, having it a month or two out also provides a buffer in case you need to reschedule for weather (nobody wants to pose in a downpour while juggling a white dress!). We’ll talk more about timing in a later section, but in short – don’t leave it to the last minute.
• Choose a Meaningful Location: One fun part of bridal portraits is picking the location. Think about what backdrop fits the vibe you want. It could be your wedding venue (many brides love using their ceremony site or a beautiful spot at the venue – this can make the photos flow nicely into your wedding album). Or, you might pick a totally different spot that you won’t get to go to on the wedding day. Is there a picturesque garden, an elegant historic mansion, or even a cool urban setting you love? Since it’s just you, you have more flexibility to travel and get that dream setting. When choosing, consider practical factors too: does it suit your dress? For example, if you have a long cathedral train or a delicate lace gown, a muddy field or sandy beach might not be ideal unless you’re very careful. You want to keep your dress safe and clean (laying down a sheet for outdoor shots can help). Also think about whether the location requires any permits or fees for photography – many public parks or museums do, so do a bit of research or ask your photographer; they often know popular spots’ rules. On the upside, if you’re using your booked wedding venue for the shoot, most venues will allow that at no extra cost (since you’ve reserved the space). Finally, aim for a location that matches your personality – whether that’s a chic city rooftop or a quiet forest – so you feel at home and in your element during the session.
• Get Your Outfit Ready: This one’s obvious, but prepare your bridal outfit just as you would for the wedding. That means your dress should be steamed or pressed and fitting flawlessly (again, final fitting first!). Bring everything you plan to wear: veil, hairpieces, jewelry, shoes, and even special undergarments shapewear if you’ll use them on the big day. It’s smart to keep a checklist so nothing gets left behind – you don’t want to realize you forgot the veil or the earrings halfway through the shoot. If you’re undecided between two veils or two pairs of earrings, bring both! This is a perfect chance to try out options and see which looks best in photos. Pack a small bag with all your accessories (to easily carry around). And don’t forget any sentimental items you want included, like a heirloom hairpin or your engagement ring (if you normally don’t wear it day-to-day, be sure to have it on for the portraits). Basically, treat it like your wedding day in terms of wardrobe – dress up fully, so the photos are as authentic as can be.
• Hair and Makeup Trial: Coordinate with your hairstylist and makeup artist to schedule your trial for the same day as your bridal session, if possible. This way, you’re killing two birds with one stone – you get to test your wedding look and have it captured in professional photos. Be sure to communicate with your beauty pros about timing; let them know you have a photoshoot afterward so they allot enough time to get you ready. On the day, try to stick with the look you think you want for the wedding, but don’t be afraid to tweak if needed. One thing to keep in mind: makeup often looks different on camera than in person. It’s common for bridal makeup to be a bit heavier than your everyday look – it might even feel like “too much” in person, but trust the process because it usually looks fantastic in photos (cameras can wash out color). When you get your portraits back, notice if anything seems off – maybe you want a softer eye, or a brighter lip – and communicate that feedback to your makeup artist for the wedding day. That’s the beauty of doing the trial; you can adjust. The same goes for hair: see how your hairstyle holds up outdoors and over the course of the session. If your curls fell flat in an hour, you might need extra hold spray or a tweak in technique. It’s so much better to find that out now than on the wedding. Overall, using the portrait session as a hair/makeup test run will ensure you walk into your wedding day confident that you love your look and it will last.
• Don’t Forget a Bouquet: Pictures of a bride holding a bouquet always look lovely – it gives you something to do with your hands and adds a pop of color to the images. Check with your wedding florist about getting a trial bouquet for your bridal session. Many florists are happy to create a smaller version of your wedding bouquet or include a bridal portrait bouquet in your package. If not, even a simple bunch of flowers from a local shop that approximates your wedding flowers will do. The idea is to mimic your wedding day look as closely as possible, and the bouquet is part of that. Keep the bouquet in water until it’s time to leave for the shoot so it stays fresh. And handle it carefully to avoid bruising the blooms. (Tip: If your florist provides a trial bouquet, treat it as a practice run for you too – note how heavy it is, whether it’s comfortable to hold, etc. You might decide to adjust the size for the real one.)
• Bring a Helper (or Two): It’s so helpful to have an extra pair of hands and some moral support during your session. Consider bringing one or two people you’re close to – maybe your mom, sister, or a bridesmaid – to come along as your “assistant.” They can help carry your train, hold your bouquet between shots, blot sweat on a hot day, or fix a stray hair. Perhaps most importantly, they can make you laugh and help you feel more comfortable if you’re nervous! Choose someone who is supportive and upbeat – you want a positive vibe only. A good friend who can be your personal hype-woman (“you look gorgeous!”) will boost your confidence on camera. Just ensure your helper is someone who will focus on you (and not treat the time as their own mini photo shoot or a chance to boss you – you need constructive help and good energy). With a trusted pal by your side, you’ll feel more at ease and actually enjoy yourself more. Plus, they might notice little details like if your necklace is crooked or lipstick needs touching up. Teamwork makes the dream work!
• Pack an Emergency Kit: Just as you might on the wedding day, pack a small kit of essentials for any quick fixes. Include things like bobby pins, safety pins, a sewing kit (in case of any dress mishaps), tissues, blotting paper or powder (to manage shine), lipstick for touch-ups, and a mirror. Also, bring snacks and water – shooting can be more tiring than it looks!You’ll be in a heavy dress under bright lights or sun, possibly moving around a lot. Staying hydrated and having a granola bar or some fruit can keep your energy up and prevent any faint spells or crankiness. It’s amazing what a 5-minute water break can do to keep you feeling fresh. If your session will last a while, you might also bring flats or comfy shoes to walk between locations (you can switch into your heels for the actual photos). Taking care of your physical comfort will reflect in the photos – you’ll look more relaxed if you’re not starving or thirsty.
• Communicate with Your Photographer: In advance of the session, chat with your photographer about any ideas or concerns you have. If you’ve been saving inspirational photos or Pinterest ideas for poses or lighting, share them. They’ll get a sense of what style you love (airy and romantic, bold and editorial, etc.). A good photographer will guide you, but it’s totally fine to mention shots you definitely want, like “a full-length shot of the back of my dress,” “one with my veil blowing in the wind,” or “a close-up with my bouquet.” They’ll make sure to prioritize those. Also discuss the best time of day for the lighting you want – photographers often love shooting bridal portraits around golden hour (the hour before sunset) for that dreamy glow, or in the morning for soft light. Plan the session start time accordingly. And ask any questions you need, like “How do I transport the dress?” or “Should I bring a stool for getting into poses?” Your photographer is there to help. The more prepared and on the same page you both are, the smoother the session will be. Then on the day, trust their expertise – they’ll direct you through poses and angles that flatter you most, so you can relax and shine.

Tips for Posing Naturally and Feeling Confident

Worried you’ll feel awkward in front of the camera? You’re not alone – lots of us aren’t used to being the center of a solo photo shoot! But don’t fret, there are plenty of ways to loosen up and get natural, glowing shots. Here are some posing and confidence tips for your bridal session:

• Relax and Breathe: It’s normal to feel a little shy at first. To avoid looking stiff, remember to take deep breaths and roll your shoulders to release tension. Sometimes we subconsciously hold our breath when posing – don’t! Keep breathing, it will help you look more natural (plus oxygen is good for a radiant complexion). If you feel your neck or shoulders tightening up, shake it out and reset. Your photographer might remind you to relax certain areas – listen to their cues. The more you focus on enjoying the moment rather than “posing,” the better. Try to be present: feel the breeze if you’re outdoors, enjoy the swish of your dress, and think happy thoughts. Many brides find that after the first few minutes, the nerves fade and it actually becomes fun being in front of the camera! 
• Trust Your Photographer (and the Process): You do not need to know how to pose like a Vogue cover model – that’s your photographer’s job to guide you! Professional wedding photographers have tons of experience posing brides in flattering ways. They will direct you with simple instructions: “tilt your chin a little,” “hold your bouquet lower,” “look over your shoulder at me.” All you have to do is follow along and let them lead. If something feels odd, it probably looks great on camera (there’s a reason they asked you to do it). Trust them, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand what they want. Once you see a few gorgeous shots on the camera preview, you’ll gain confidence. Remember, photographers also love when you be yourself – candid moments can be the sweetest. So laugh, smile, and channel your inner confidence. As one bridal photographer assures her clients: “You don’t need to know how to pose – I’ll walk you through it. All you need to do is smile and be yourself!” . In other words, you can’t mess this up – just trust the pros and enjoy.
• Find Your Posture and Pose Prep: A quick hack for looking great: good posture. Before each shot, roll your shoulders back and down (imagine trying to tuck your shoulder blades into your back pockets) – this elongates your neck and automatically looks elegant. Then think about creating subtle curves with your body rather than standing straight-on stiff. Photographers often suggest the classic “S-curve”: shifting your weight onto one foot, which pops one hip slightly, and angling your torso a bit. It sounds technical but basically just don’t stand like a soldier – a gentle angle is flattering on everyone. Also, lightly bending one knee (the one closest to the camera) can look more relaxed. They may have you hold your bouquet down by your hip or in both hands at waist level; experiment with what feels comfortable. A pro tip: if you have a “best side” or a side part in your hair, let your photographer know – they can focus on that side for close-ups. And for portraits, “smile with your eyes” (think about something that genuinely makes you happy, your eyes will convey it even if your smile is soft). Little adjustments like these will make your poses look natural and you look confident.
• Use Movement to Your Advantage: Some of the best shots happen when you’re in motion rather than perfectly still. Don’t hesitate to move around during the shoot. Take a few steps, do a gentle spin to make your dress flare out, flip your veil in the air, or even walk toward the camera. These actions can produce wonderful candid-looking images. For instance, looking down and adjusting your earring or veil can create a lovely serene pose. Walking away while glancing back over your shoulder can appear very romantic. If your dress allows, sitting down on a pretty chaise or steps and then looking up can also be gorgeous. Movement helps you avoid feeling like “what do I do with my hands?!” – you’ll naturally interact with your dress, hair, bouquet, etc. Your photographer might prompt you like, “Okay, I want you to slowly twirl in a circle” or “Laugh and swing your bouquet gently.” It might feel silly, but give it a try! Often those in-between moments – a laugh, a graceful turn, a wind-blown veil – result in magical photos.
• Bring in Emotion: One way to get genuine expressions is to focus on emotion rather than the camera. Think about your fiancé and how excited you are to marry them – that will bring a soft, authentic smile to your face (maybe even a happy tear in your eye that translates as pure joy in photos!). Some brides like to bring a meaningful object, like a letter from their partner to read during the session, to evoke real feelings. Others play their favorite music in the background to get in a happy mood. If you start feeling anxious, pause and remind yourself why you’re doing this: to celebrate you and this beautiful chapter in your life. Feel the confidence of wearing that gorgeous dress. Embrace the moment – you are literally a bride-to-be, radiating love and happiness. Let that feeling show. When you tap into sincere emotion, your eyes light up and your smile is truly yours – and that’s incredibly photogenic.
• Have Fun With It: Above all, have fun! This is meant to be an enjoyable experience, not a serious, rigid task. It’s okay to be a little playful. If you feel like twirling like a princess, do it. Laugh at yourself if you strike a pose that feels funny. Your laughter might become your favorite shot. Some of the most engaging bridal portraits happen when a bride is genuinely laughing or showing personality – twirling, throwing up her hands, or even making a silly face in between poses (don’t worry, your photographer won’t include outtakes unless they’re adorable and you approve). Think of your bridal session as an adventure: you get to dress up, be doted on, and celebrate you. By approaching it with a light-hearted attitude, you’ll ease your nerves and your confidence will shine through naturally. The more fun you have, the more you’ll glow – and that is the real secret to amazing photos.

Lastly, remember that feeling a bit nervous is completely normal. But by the end of the session, many brides say they felt empowered and beautiful, and they’re so glad they did it. You might even start channeling your inner Tyra Banks and working the camera like a pro by the final shots! And that boost of confidence will carry into your wedding day, knowing “I got this.”

When to Schedule Your Bridal Session

Timing your bridal portrait session is important to get the best results and less stress. Here are some guidelines on when to do it:

1-2 Months Before the Wedding: Most brides schedule their bridal portraits about one to two months prior to the wedding date

brides.com. There are a few reasons this timeframe tends to work best. By this point, nearly all your major wedding details are finalized – your dress alterations are done, you’ve chosen your accessories, and your beauty routine is set – so you can fully focus on the portrait session without a million other loose ends. Also, you’ll still have that bridal glow of excitement in the final weeks leading up to the day (not that you won’t on the day-of, but let’s be honest, the last week or two can get hectic with final arrangements). Doing the session a month or two out means you’re close enough to be in “wedding mode,” but not so close that you’re crunched for time. As expert photographers note, having the session about 4–8 weeks before the wedding allows you to factor it into your planning timeline smoothly and ensures you’re mentally free to enjoy it brides.com.

After Your Final Dress Fitting: A key marker for timing is your final gown fitting. You definitely want to wait until your wedding dress is fully altered and fits like a glove. Once you know what date your dress will be ready, you can schedule the portrait session shortly after that. Some brides even coordinate to pick up the dress the day of the shoot (just make sure it’s steamed and you have a safe way to transport it without wrinkling). The dress is the star of these photos, so its readiness drives the timing. Never schedule your bridals before the final fitting, or you risk having photos in a dress that doesn’t fit exactly right or is missing final details.

Leave Wiggle Room for Prints: If you intend to have a large print or canvas from the session on display at your wedding, factor in the extra time needed for post-processing and printing. Photographers usually appreciate 2-4 weeks to edit your images with care. Then you’ll need time to select your favorite and get it printed and framed. For example, if your wedding is July 30 and you want a portrait at the reception, try to do your session by early to mid-June. One photographer advises doing bridals at least 3-4 weeks in advance of the wedding to comfortably accommodate editing and print orders. This way, you won’t be biting your nails waiting for a print delivery days before the wedding.

Consider the Season and Lighting: Think about what season and time of day will best suit the photos you want. If you’re having a summer wedding but you love the look of spring flowers, you could schedule the session in late spring when blooms are out. Or maybe you want fall foliage in your portraits even though your wedding is in winter – that can be arranged with an October session for a December wedding. Just ensure your dress is available and you’re okay keeping it for that long before the wedding. Also, consider temperature and weather: wearing a heavy ball gown in the peak of summer heat for an outdoor session can be taxing (and melting makeup is no fun), so you might opt for an early morning or late evening shoot in hot months. The time of day matters for lighting: golden hour (shortly before sunset) offers warm, soft light; morning light is cool and gentle. Discuss with your photographer – they might suggest starting a couple of hours before sunset to get a mix of looks. And always have a backup plan for rain if you’re scheduling outdoors, especially if it’s close to the wedding date. That’s why doing it a month or two out is nice; if weather fails, you typically have time to reschedule for next week without panicking.

Not Too Early, Not Too Late: Try not to schedule your bridal session too far in advance or too close to the wedding. Too early (say, six+ months out) and you risk changes happening – you might change your hairstyle or even your mind on certain accessories, or you’ll have to keep your dress secret and pristine for a long time. Some brides do it early for scheduling reasons and it’s okay, but generally closer to the date is better so everything is current. Too late (like the week of the wedding) and you’ll be stressed, plus if anything goes wrong (bad weather, a breakout, etc.), there’s no buffer. One to two months out is the sweet spot where you’re ready, but not rushed. Photographers agree this timing frees up your mind to focus on just being the bride for a day, without a hundred other things swirling in your head.

In short, mark your calendar for a bridal portrait session about a month or two before you say “I do.” Coordinate with your seamstress and stylist, check with your photographer for availability, and lock in a date. Once it’s scheduled, you can look forward to a day of dressing up and celebrating you, away from the chaos of final wedding prep. Many brides say that their bridal session day, nestled in the busy planning timeline, was a welcome break – a day that was purely joyful and all about the bride. You deserve that, too!

Final Thoughts

By now, you can see that a pre-wedding bridal portrait session is more than just extra photos – it’s an experience that can enhance your wedding journey. It blends practical benefits (like testing your look and easing wedding-day timelines) with personal ones (confidence, fun, and capturing memories of you in this moment). If you’re excited but unsure, that’s perfectly okay. Most brides have never done this before! But rest assured, with a bit of preparation and an open mind, a bridal session can be incredibly rewarding.

Imagine a stress-free afternoon where you get to wear your beautiful gown and feel absolutely amazing, without a schedule to keep or a crowd watching. It’s just you, looking and feeling your best, with a camera capturing that magic. You’ll come away with stunning images that you (and your family) will cherish forever – and a boost of confidence for the big day itself. As wedding planners often remind us, the engagement period and bridal moments go by fast, so it’s worth savoring and commemorating them. A bridal portrait session is one wonderful way to do that.

Finally, don’t forget to leverage all the great resources out there as you plan. If you need help picking the perfect dress or accessories, bridal fashion guides can be a lifesaver (remember, the most important thing is that your gown makes you feel confident and like yourself). For hair and makeup, check out tutorials and bridal beauty guides – they offer tips to ensure your look lasts all day and night. And for overall wedding planning sanity, consider using a wedding planning timeline or checklist to keep you on track. (Scheduling your bridal session will be one of those to-do’s to tick off!) The more informed and prepared you are, the more enjoyable each step will be.

So here’s to you, future bride! Embrace the bridal portrait session as a chance to celebrate your glow before the “I do.” With the tips in this guide, you’ll be ready to rock it. Warmly invite your inner model to shine, trust your team of professionals, and most importantly, have fun with it. You’ll create incredible images and memories that serve as a joyful reminder of this special time in your life. Go ahead – indulge in being a bride before the wedding day, and enjoy every minute. You’ve got this, gorgeous!