Bridal Portraits 101: Everything You Need to Know

Plus, Some of My Favorite Bridal Photo Ideas To Get You Started

When it comes to timeless wedding traditions, bridal portraits are one southern favorite that deserves a modern revival. Whether you’re already planning yours or just curious what all the fuss is about, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Plus, I’ll be offering some creative bridal photo ideas that will make your session personal, meaningful, and FUN. 

Think of this as your no-pressure permission slip to celebrate your wedding look without the day-of rush. No timeline stress. No chaos. Just you, glowing and gorgeous, doing your thing.

How to Know If Bridal Portraits Are Worth It

Not every bride/groom/couple chooses to schedule a separate bridal session—and that’s totally okay! I always carve out time for solo shots of you on your wedding day. But if you’re envisioning more than two or three quick poses, want to wear your dress as many times as possible or have your heart set on a special location, booking a portrait session is highly recommended.

Let’s break down some favorite reasons to do a bridal portrait session:

1. Less stress. On your wedding day, you’ll be juggling a lot—timelines, vendors, nerves. A dedicated bridal portrait session is super lowkey. We can take our time, have fun, and capture stunning photos without feeling rushed along.
2. Use it as a hair and makeup test run: Bridal portraits are the perfect excuse to make the most of your hair and makeup trial. You’ll get to see your full look come together, and know exactly what might need tweaking on your wedding day. It also gives you a great idea of how long the look will take from start to finish.
3. You get to revel in the moment longer. Seeing yourself in your dress ahead of the big day? Absolute magic. Many of my clients tell me this session is when it all really starts to feel real, and they start to get really excited for their wedding day. Essentially, this is your day to just dress up, have fun, and enjoy the beautiful outfit they’ve put together just a little bit longer.

How to Prepare for Your Bridal Portraits

Schedule Hair & Makeup First

Your stylist team will likely need to lock in their availability in advance, so start by figuring out when they’re available to do your hair and makeup for your bridal photos. Once you have your hair and makeup trial on the calendar, I’ll help coordinate with your chosen location and schedule your shoot.

When to Book

The sweet spot is about 4–6 weeks before your wedding, once your dress is back from alterations. That gives us time to edit and order prints if you want to display them at your reception or give them as gifts.

Don’t Forget to Display Your Bridal Portraits

 It’s always the best personal touch when brides/grooms/couples use their portraits to help them decorate:

• Your guest book or cake table
• The welcome sign area
• Your home (we looove a good heirloom wall photo)

If you’re putting them up at your wedding, just make sure someone knows when and where to place them so your partner doesn’t sneak a peek before the big moment (if you’re wanting it to be a surprise). Planners are GREAT at this sneaky decor change (check out my Wedding Timeline Planning post for some of my fave planners).

Bonus Tip : Bring a Mini Bouquet

Ask your florist for a mini version of your wedding bouquet. It gives your hands something to do (trust me, it helps!) and helps you practice holding and posing with flowers. That said, do not worry if it’s not in your budget or if flowers aren’t your thing. We can still get BEAUTIFUL portraits without flowers, too.

Flower Vibes vs. No Flower Vibes (Both Equally Gorgeous)

Bridal Photo Ideas to Make It Your Own

Want your bridal portraits to really feel unique and all your own? Here are some unique and creative bridal photo ideas to help you think beyond posing with your bouquet. (Though those are timeless for a reason, so we can totally do that, too!)

1. Choose a Location You Love (It Doesn’t Have to Be at Your Venue)

Your bridal session doesn’t have to be at your wedding venue — unless you want it to be! Think of this as your chance to shoot somewhere dreamy, artsy, or just plain cool. One of my recent faves? Jasmine chose Sekrit Theater in Austin — a greenhouse-meets-magic wonderland that photographs like a dream. She really wanted something that would set her bridal photos apart from her wedding photos, and it was so much fun shooting these on digital and 35mm film.

ON 35MM FILM:

DIGITAL:

Brie also chose a few spots around South Alamo that weren’t just at her venue, and it was so fun to see her in soak in her dress in so many diverse spots before her downtown San Antonio wedding!

Other ideas:

• Your childhood home or family ranch
• A favorite park, garden, or downtown spot
• Literally anywhere that makes your heart happy, friend.

2. Celebrate with Someone Special

One of the sweetest bridal photo ideas I’ve seen? A bride bringing her grandmother to her bridal session because she couldn’t attend the wedding for health reasons. So. Stinkin. Sweet. If there’s someone special in your life who might not be at the wedding, this is such a thoughtful way to include them. Or do it simply because they are your favorite person. I’m here for it!

Bring your mom, maid of honor, or best friend along too — it’s more fun with company and they’re pros at fluffing your train! A bridal session is also great practice for getting into your dress, bustling it, and getting familiar with how your dress moves. Plus, it’s always nice having an extra set of hands to help keep your dress fresh and clean. I pride myself on being able to keep your outfit spotless, so you don’t have to worry about having it cleaned before the wedding day.

3. Bring Your Fur Babies

If your fur baby isn’t part of your ceremony or wedding day, your bridal portraits are the perfect time to include them. Bring your dog to your venue (or any other pet friendly location), and I guarantee they’ll end up being some of your all-time faves (and definitely mine, too!)

Pro tip: bring treats and a pup wrangler to hold the leash when they’re not in the shot!

4. Add a Sentimental Detail (or More!)

Bridal portraits are an amazing chance to capture something deeply personal. One bride held a sign that read “Forever Your Little Girl” — a surprise photo gift for her dad. Cue the tears. Think of anything meaningful or any little details you might want to incorporate that could get overlooked during the big day.

Other ideas:

• A charm from a loved one who’s passed
• A family heirloom or custom accessory
• Champagne, your fave lipstick, fun accessories! (I love that Gabi used it as an opportunity to wear her reception dress again, too.)

Bridal portraits are all about honoring your special day, just a little bit longer.

Bridal portraits are more than just a pretty photo op — they’re a chance to celebrate your personality and story before the big day. Whether you’re dreaming of twirling under oak trees, snuggling your pup, or booking a boudoir session that feels edgy and bold, my whole heart is invested in a session that feels completely right for you. And if it’s still not your jam, that’s totally okay, too!

Have more bridal photo ideas you’re dreaming of? Text me, and let’s chat about making them happen. Already booked your bridal portraits? Keep an eye out for an email soon with all the prep details.

And if you’re just now discovering me, hi friend, I’m Leah!