Preparing for your Bridal Session | What to Bring, What to Know, What to Expect
So, this is my first post of 2018 and I am so excited about this year and all that God is doing in it already! One of my goals in 2018 is to blog more often and communicate helpful tips for the wedding day, bridal session, engagement session and more! I have sent so many emails to my Brides telling them this same thing, that I’ve created a Bridal guide that will be in the hands of my 2018 Brides this month telling them this information and much more. But in the meantime, I wanted to help other Photographers, Brides and Mother’s of the Bride have a digital resource that they can read and share.
Aimee
Let’s talk about how to prepare for a Bridal Session. If you aren’t from the South, you might not be familiar with a Bridal Session. Think of a Bridal session as a trial run for the Bride in preparation for the wedding day. During this session, she’ll have professional images taken that are often displayed on large prints or canvases in the lobby of the reception area on her Wedding Day. Bridal sessions are a lovely tradition that I have eagerly adopted!
Erin
6-1 months before your Bridal Session:
1) Bridal Boutique. Call your Bridal Salon/Boutique and find out when your dress will be available.
2) Contact Your Photographer for availability. Ask for your photographer’s preferred time of day to shoot in that season (light is different during each season). Get a few different dates as options.
3) Venue. Reserve your venue, date and time. Bridal sessions are anywhere from 1-2.5 hours. If you are planning on using a public space, secure any necessary permit required for your professional photographers to shoot there.
Erin
4) Hair stylist and make up artist (MUA). Make your trial hair and make up appointments. Bridal sessions are the perfect time to perfect your wedding day look. Always plan to give yourself extra time in your stylists chair, so you can tweak lipstick, eyeshadow, etc. Don’t forget to take pictures of your look to remind your MUA of what she used. If your MUA blends lipsticks, find out which colors they used and put it in the notes in your phone.
Katherine
5) Contact your Florist and order a Bouquet for the session. If you are concerned about budget, speak with your florist and see if they are willing to do substitutes or give you day old flowers. There are ways to save. If all else fails, Costco sells roses and mixed florals. Grab a couple arrangements and wrap the stems with ribbon.
Katie
6) Purchases your Jewelry. Personally, I love Kendra Scott’s wedding jewelry collection.
The week of your Bridal Session:
1) Get a manicure/pedicure.
2) Pick up your Dress.
3) Have your Engagement Ring cleaned
4) Confirm with your venue/photographer
Krystina
What to Bring with you:
1) Dress (don’t laugh, it’s happened).
2) Veil & hair pieces
3) Shoes
4) Jewelry: Engagement ring, bracelets, earrings, etc.
5) Special “Mrs.” hanger (optional)
6) Perfume (optional – I like to photograph some of these details during the Bridal session)
7) Undergarments
8) Bouquet
9) Borrowed & Blue items (optional)
Marina
If you are one of my Brides and need vendor recommendations, please don’t hesitate to send me an email. I want to put you in good hands.
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun. Breathe. Embrace that you are beautiful and lovely! It shows in your images! Being a bride is a once in a lifetime experience, this is your moment, don’t be afraid to shine.
Katie
With gratitude (especially for my beautiful Brides),
Kate
Pictured in order of appearance:
Aimee
Venue: The Lost Mission
Dress: David’s Bridal
Hair & MUA: Vixen Onsite Hair and Make Up
Erin
Venue: The White Sparrow Barn
Bridal Salon: Posh Bridal
Florals: Inspired By
Katherine
Venue: The Lost Mission
Dress: Martina Liana
Hair & MUA: Vixen Onsite Hair and Make Up
Florals: The Elegant Bee
Katie
Venue: Aristide
Dress: David’s Bridal
Florals: Details Dallas
Hair & MUA: JMN Hair
Krystina
Venue: The Grand Ivory
Dress: Made with Love Bridal
Hair: Hair by Jessica
MUA: The Blessed Bride MUA
Marina
Venue: La Cantera Resort
Dress: Eve of Milady
Florals: Freesia Designs
