Planning your dream wedding can be stressful, but some aspects don’t have to be.  With proper planning your bridals photoshoot can be an exciting treat leading up to the big day!  After taking my bridals, these are some of things I found to be helpful when planning your bridal shoot!

#5: Plan Out a Meaningful Location

What’s important to you? Bridals are something just for you so when choosing a location, try to find a place that is unique and special. When it came time to decide where I was going to take my bridals, I chose to take them at my house. Since I knew I wouldn’t be getting ready for my wedding there, it was important for me to have photos at the home that I grew up in.

#4: Practice Your Wedding Hair & Makeup

How it looks on Pinterest, may look different in person! Bridals are a perfect opportunity to take advantage of your trial runs for your wedding hair and makeup.  When I booked my date for my bridals, I immediately locked in my hairstylist & makeup artist so I could have a better idea of what my look would be for my big day! After looking at my bridals, I was able to identify little details that I wanted to change for my wedding day.  Practice makes perfect!

#3: Have a Back Up Plan

Weather can be unpredictable, so you have to plan for any scenario.  Make sure to have an alternate location or date for the shoot so you don’t get stressed when the forecast isn’t looking great! For my bridal shoot, it started drizzling towards the end.  My photographer got creative and decided to do some photos inside my house that I totally fell in love with!

#2: Use Fun Props

Being the only one in a photoshoot can be intimidating! Adding a bouquet or umbrella to the mix could inspire different poses.  Having a trial run on your bouquet is always a good idea as well! It definitely helps to complete the wedding day look. I also took some photos with my custom-made umbrella that would be used for my Second Line at my reception. Find props that tie in with your wedding colors and theme to make for unique bridals.

#1: Bring a Support Team

Having a bridal team there for your photoshoot is a must.  If your dress has a train or delicate details, you’re going to need help getting from one spot to another.  Need to laugh for a photo? Your bridal team knows you and will make the laugh genuine! Moving your veil, holding your bouquet, or cheering you on: That’s their job! My Maid of Honor and Sister In Law were my support group for my shoot and I don’t think I could’ve done it without them. The boost of confidence that they can provide you during such a special shoot is so valuable.

So when your bridal shoot is here, don’t stress! Look back on these tips and get excited. Your wedding is a special time and you should enjoy every minute. It goes faster than you think! Besides, what other day in your life will you get all dressed up in a white dress and feel like a princess?

Wedding Photographer: Jen Menard Photography