Deciding whether to book a bridal session is one of those wedding planning decisions that can feel both exciting and overwhelming. As a photographer, I’m often asked, “Should we do a bridal session or just focus on wedding day portraits?” There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are ten things to consider to help you decide if bridals are right for you:
1. Show Off Multiple Looks or Versions of Your Gown
Whether you’re wearing multiple wedding-day gowns or have different ways to style a single dress, a bridal session gives us all the time we need to capture every version of your wedding-day look. I’ve had brides shoot with and without sleeves, veils, or in ceremony and reception dresses. Some brides have included fun touches like Chanel sunglasses in a few portraits or even brought their pups along to join. Bridal sessions create a relaxed, creative environment where we can capture every detail without the day-of pressure to keep good time.
2. Explore Multiple Locations
Bridal sessions allow us to capture portraits in a variety of settings – either on your venue property or at a second, unique location that might not be accessible on the wedding day. Think lush gardens, a scenic overlook that’s meaningful to your love story, or every favorite part of your venue.
3. An Additional Bid for Good Weather
No one can guarantee sunshine on your wedding day (or even on your bridal session day), but booking a session increases the chances we’ll get that golden, glowy light you’ve been dreaming of.
4. Trial Run with Hair, Makeup, and Florals
Your bridal session is the perfect time to test out your hair, makeup, and your bouquet. You can give feedback or even pivot your look entirely, ensuring you feel 100% confident and beautiful on the big day.
5. Stress Relief on the Wedding Day
With so many moving parts on the wedding day, knowing you’ve already captured some stunning portraits means one less thing to worry about. I’ll often shoot a few additional portraits on the wedding day for sentimental reasons, but most brides feel more at ease knowing they love how they look all their bridal glory!
6. Budget Considerations
I totally get that every bride has to draw the line somewhere. If you’re prioritizing other elements of your wedding, it’s totally okay to skip bridals. We’ll still capture plenty of beautiful portraits on your wedding day.
7. Make It a Fun Experience
Imagine a relaxed afternoon with your mom, sister, or best friend – and your photographer! A bridal session can be as much about the memories you create as the photos themselves. Bridals can be another sweet piece of your bridal era, another fun thing to experience and enjoy as a bride.
8. Family Heirlooms
A bridal session is the perfect opportunity to create timeless portraits that become cherished family heirlooms. I often recreate mothers’ bridal portraits, linking generations through beautiful photographs that celebrate your family’s story. These portraits can be displayed alongside your mother’s or grandmother’s, contributing to a rich, meaningful legacy.
9. Highlight the Details
From your dress to your veil, shoes, bouquet, and jewelry, a bridal session is the perfect opportunity to showcase every thoughtfully chosen detail that makes your wedding style uniquely yours.
10. Gifts for Parents and Your Partner
Bridal portraits make incredibly thoughtful gifts for both your partner and your parents. Imagine surprising your mom with a framed print or a beautiful album of her daughter as a bride. It’s also a sweet surprise for your partner on the morning of the wedding or as an anniversary present. Saying “I love you” in such a visual, tangible way makes for an unforgettable gift.
The Bottom Line
There’s no right or wrong answer – bridal sessions can be a fun, stress-reducing, and detail-loving experience, and, as a photographer, it’s hard not to be bias toward a chance to shoot and be creative with every beautiful bride. I also understand that bridals are not for everyone! If you’re on the fence, let’s chat! I’m here to help you decide what works best for your vision, timeline, and budget.
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