Before we even discuss the question, “are bridal portraits worth it?” some of you may be wondering what the heck bridal portraits even are. Let’s dig into it!

What are bridal portraits?

Simply put, bridal portraits are pictures of the bride all by herself. So if you’ve seen pictures of just the bride on her wedding day, you’ve looked at a bridal portrait!

Some brides love to expand their portrait time, which is why they book an entire bridal portrait session.

Are bridal portraits worth it?

So if you’re already getting solo pictures of yourself on your wedding day, are bridal portraits worth it?

The short answer is, of course, yes!

Here’s the longer answer:

Bridal portraits are worth it because it allows both the bride and the photographer space to create editorial, heirloom images that will be treasured right now and in future generations.

So often it’s easy to dismiss photography as just a vain little ritual that we go through. Some might look at all the pictures and wonder why we need so many.

But photography is all that we really have to fight against the tides of time. Have you ever had a memory fade over time? When something happens a week ago, you might be able to recall what you thought, how you felt, and all of the little details of everyone and everything around you. But when months and then years go by, those details become slippery. Like tadpoles wriggling out of a child’s hand, those memories dull and warp.

Thanks to modern technology, whether it’s with archival printing techniques or cloud backups, it’s much easier to preserve photos.

You get to look back, see all the little details, and then suddenly those emotions and small details are able to come back. Photos are one of the strongest memory aids!

And it’s not just the bride looking back. It’s her parents, her sister, her college roommate. It’s her childhood best friend that she played dress up and did gymnastics with. It’s her own daughter, her nieces and nephews, and her grandchildren looking back. It’s sharing a legacy with everyone you care about and that cares about you.

When should you schedule a bridal portrait session?

If you’re seeing the answer to the question are bridal portraits worth it and thinking of booking one of your own, where do you begin?

The exact timing is definitely up to you. Typically, brides will wait until closer to their wedding date so that their dress is all set and ready to go after alterations.

Another thing to consider is if you can overlap a bridal portrait session with your hair and make up trial. Of course, this isn’t always a possibility, but when it is, you really get the full benefits of your trial! You don’t have to imagine one bit what you’ll look like for the big day!

Some brides also like to surprise their guests with printed images at cocktail hour or reception. If this is one trick up your sleeve that you have to have, you’ll want to make sure that your photographer has enough time to edit and deliver your gallery. And, you have to factor in image printing and delivery times, too.

I recommend 6-8 weeks before the wedding date if factors like the hair and makeup trial and surprise images are important to you. But really, the best timing is whatever works for you!

How do you prepare for a bridal portrait session?

How do you prepare for a bridal portrait session? Here’s my list:

• Make sure that your wedding dress is altered, ready to wear, and steamed
• If you have a veil, make sure that it is steamed as well
• Hire professional hair and makeup. It makes all the difference in photography!
• Bring your wedding shoes
• Bring any and all of the necessary undergarments that you plan on wearing for the wedding day
• Bring all accessories that you plan on wearing. Examples can include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches, hair accessories, perfume
• Bring any sentimental items that you want to remember for your wedding day. This can include trinkets to represent, remember and honor family members, family heirlooms, etc.
• Eat and drink before you go! It doesn’t have to be a lot, just enough so you aren’t famished.
• Bring your smile and personality. This is supposed to be fun!!

So, are bridal portraits really worth it? For me, the answer is always yes!

It’s a fun yet powerful way to slow down and enjoy the bridal experience. A bridal portrait session beautifully captures who you are right now as you enter this new phase of your life. It’s documenting and romanticizing your life. It’s creating and preserving your legacy.

Want a bridal portrait session of your own? Inquire with me today! We can talk through all of your questions and make sure that you have the best experience possible!

Inquire with me by clicking here!

Want more photography advice? See more below

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Looking to see more of my recent work? Take a peek below!

Sarah and Dan’s Central MA Elopement

Courtney and Schuyler’s Boston Seaport Engagement

Ashley and JJ’s The Coonamessett Wedding

Vendors:

Photographer: Christine Hazel Photography

Dress Designer: Desiree Marie Designs

Venue: House of Jules Blog