{Wedding Wednesday Tips} Preparing For Your Bridal Shoot

One of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process for the bride-to-be is donning on her wedding dress. If she can wear it more than once, that's even more exciting. Whether it's a tradition to appease mom and grandma, 75% of the times, a bride will be getting her bridal portraits done. Problem is, most often than not, brides are not completely prepared for this fun experience. So let's change that for you!

We offer some fabulous tips on what to do, in preparation for your bridal session:

• First thing, make sure you schedule your portraits with your photographer, hair & make-up artist and florist one to two months prior to the wedding. This should coincide with the time your wedding dress should come in once it has been ordered and you’ve had at least your first fitting. NOTE: The best days for a bridal shoot are Monday – Friday. Most photographers, hair and make-up artists and florists are booked on weekends with weddings and/or events. Not to mention, locations are more congested with people.
• Once you have a date pinned down, start thinking of style of shoot you want. Will it be an urban feel, chic rustic, vintage, traditional? When you’ve decided what you want, consult with your photographer. He/she will have some excellent recommendations, as well as best times of day for the shoot.
• The bridal shoot is an excellent trial run/dress rehearsal on many different levels, allowing you to become comfortable not just in your wedding gown, but testing out hair & make-up and even your bouquet.

{Photo Credit: Blake of Adam Nyholt Photography}

So, now that you’re prepared for the shoot, here are some things to bring with you for the actual shoot:

• Depending on the start location, you may want to come dressed in your gown, so be sure to have access to a larger vehicle (SUV, sedan, etc.) so that you can have the back seat all to yourself. NOTE: Many times, you can get ready at your hair & make-up artist’s studio. It never hurts to ask them if this is a possibility.
• Be sure to bring with you some bottle water with a straw. Last thing you want is to dehydrate (especially for Houston’s fabulously hot weather in the summer) and smear your lipstick in the process.
• Bring with you a white or ivory (depending on the color of your dress) bed sheet. Why, you ask? To help avoid your dress getting so dirty, you want to have that sheet placed underneath to protect the hem.
• Bring comfortable shoes to walk around in. Most shots will not even show your shoes.
• Bring your wedding shoes for those fun shoe shots!
• Bring some touch up make-up. Usually a powder or blotter is good, along with lipstick and lip gloss, to refresh your look in between shoots.
• Bring hairspray and bobby pins. You can never have enough of these items, especially if the shoot will be taking place outdoors. NOTE: Don’t forget the veil, tiara or hair piece!
• Bring with you your mom, maid of honor and/or bridesmaid to help assist you with the driving, assist in straightening out your dress and most importantly to help keep you relaxed.

{Photo Credit: Miabella Photography}

I always recommend a glass or two of white wine, champagne or your favorite beverage to help you relax a bit. So many brides become shy in front of the camera or will automatically pose for the camera with a huge smile (or what I like to call, the “Say Cheese” pose). Fortunately, your photography will guide you and position you for the poses, but if you are more relaxed, you won’t be so self-conscious!

The most important thing: relax, have fun and enjoy the moment!

For those ladies who have already had their bridal portraits done, I’d love to hear from you and give us your opinions and share your experience!

{www.daytoremember.net}

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