How to Get the Most Out of Your Bridal Session
A bridal portrait session is a dedicated photo shoot focused entirely on *you*—the bride in all your wedding-day beauty, captured before the big day arrives. Scheduled after your final dress alterations, this session gives you the perfect opportunity to see your full bridal look come together and get comfortable in front of the camera.
It’s a relaxed, no-pressure setting where we can create stunning, editorial-style portraits without the time constraints of the wedding day. Many of our brides use these portraits for framed prints at the reception or as cherished keepsakes to remember this once-in-a-lifetime chapter.
To help you prepare, here are 10 tried-and-true tips for a smooth, beautiful bridal session:
1. Schedule your hair and makeup trial for the same day
Doing your hair and makeup trial on the day of your bridal session gives you a full preview of your wedding-day look. It helps you feel confident in how everything photographs, and allows you to make any final tweaks before the big day. Plus, it adds to the overall polished feel of your portraits.
2. Contact your venue to confirm availability
Whether you’re using your wedding venue or a separate location, make sure the space is reserved and available for your session time. Some venues require a separate booking or have restrictions for portrait sessions, so it’s best to confirm in advance. Knowing everything is squared away allows us to plan creatively and photograph efficiently.
3. Bring your full bridal look
Arrive with everything you plan to wear on your wedding day—your dress, veil, shoes, bouquet, and jewelry. These elements help us capture cohesive, editorial-style portraits that reflect your unique style. Having it all ready also gives you the chance to see your full bridal look come to life.
4. Steam your dress ahead of time
Wrinkles are hard to edit and can distract from an otherwise perfect photo. Make sure your dress is freshly steamed or pressed before your session starts. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in creating crisp, clean, elegant images.
5. Bring someone with you
Having a trusted friend, your mom, or maid of honor with you can be incredibly helpful. They can assist with your train, adjust your veil, or simply help keep the mood light and fun. Sometimes just having someone familiar nearby makes the whole experience feel even more relaxed.
6. Pack a small emergency kit
A few simple items can save the day: bobby pins, blotting papers, a mini sewing kit, double-sided tape, and your go-to lipstick. Having these essentials on hand ensures you’re photo-ready at all times. It’s better to be prepared for any quick fixes that might come up.
7. Wear something loose before your session
Avoid tight clothing, straps, or elastic bands before the session that could leave marks on your skin. Instead, wear something loose and easy to slip off without disturbing your hair or makeup. This helps your skin look smooth and your dress fit just right when it’s time to start shooting.
8. Communicate with your florist
Ask your florist to create a mini version of your bouquet or provide a floral arrangement for your session. Flowers add a soft, romantic touch to your portraits and tie everything back to your wedding-day theme. Just be sure to keep them in water until you’re ready to use them!
9. Plan for golden hour if possible
Golden hour—just before sunset—offers the most beautiful, glowing light. It’s soft, flattering, and ideal for creating timeless bridal portraits. We’ll help you plan the timing so you get the absolute best light for your session.
10. Trust the process and enjoy the moment
You don’t need to know how to pose or perform—we’ll guide you every step of the way. This is your time to feel confident, radiant, and celebrated. Breathe it in, enjoy the experience, and let the magic unfold naturally.
PLANNING YOUR WEDDING?
Your bridal session is just a glimpse of the beauty, emotion, and meaning we’ll capture on your wedding day. At FincherFoto, we’re not just here to take pretty pictures—we’re here to tell your story with intention, artistry, and heart. If you’re looking for timeless, romantic imagery and a team who will walk alongside you every step of the way, we’d be honored to be part of your day.
