Bridal Sessions. “What are they? What is their purpose? Don’t I take these photos on my Wedding Day?” These are probably a few questions you are asking yourself right now. In today’s post, I am going to go over everything you need to know about Bridal Sessions and why you should have one before your special day!
What is a Bridal Session?
Let’s start from the beginning. To understand what a Bridal Session is, we must first understand where the idea came from.
Bridal Portraits originated before WWII and was used as a way to commemorate a sweet time in the couples lives. Back then, photographers weren’t usually present on the day of the wedding, so this was a great way for the Bride and Groom to have portraits of them in their wedding attire. These sessions would take place in the photographers studio before or after the wedding and in some cases, would be displayed beside the cake or guest book on the day of the wedding.
Bridal sessions are still used and just as popular today as they were back then. Most brides like to schedule their session right after they receive their fitted, wedding gown and have scheduled their hair and makeup trial. In todays time, bridal sessions normally take place outside or at the brides desired venue.
5 Reasons Why You Should Have A Bridal Session
1.) Trial Run
Hair and Makeup trials are not uncommon in the wedding world. It’s good to have a general idea of what everything is going to look like before your special day, that way if any changes are needed, you may do so before hand. With a Bridal Session, you will be able to see what your hair, makeup, flowers, dress and MORE looks like! This is a great way to reduce any stress you may have about your bridal look and allows you to make any final changes. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to get more than just one use out of that beautiful, pricey dress!!!!
2.) No Stress, No Problem
Here’s what I love the most about Bridal Sessions.. they are just too dang FUN!! It’s every little girls dream to play dress up in their wedding gown some day. With a bridal session, it allows you to do so without having to worry about timelines and set schedules! It’s also a great way to connect with your photographer on a more personal level and to have a fun day trying out beautiful, creative poses. Annnnd lastly, who doesn’t enjoy feeling like a model for a day?! Get your nails done, go shopping afterwards, make it a “Girls Day”!
3.) Location. Let me say it again, LOCATION!
The good thing about bridal sessions is that there is no rule that says you have to have your portraits taken at your venue (unless you just want to, of course!). Having a bridal session gives you free range to shoot wherever you’d like! Maybe you’re having a rustic, barn wedding but would also like to have a more elegant feel in your wedding photos. Or maybe you’re having a fall wedding but you were really wanting bridal portraits in the spring when everything is in bloom. The locations are endless when you plan a bridal shoot!
4.) Bring Props, Pets and More!
Do you have a pet that you wish could be present on your wedding day, but you don’t know how they would react around a large group of people? Maybe they would be fine, but you’re just not sure who would “pet sit” during the reception? Having a bridal session lets you have these images of you and your four-legged friend without actually bringing them to the wedding!
You might even have a hat to throw in with your bridal look but you just can’t convince yourself to wear it down the aisle. Bring it to your Bridal shoot!! That way you can have those creative, fun shots you want without actually having to wear it when your big day comes!
5.) Great Gifts for Mom, Dad and Grandparents
When your wedding day comes, you’re going to want to gift those special people in your life with something beautiful. Having the images from your bridal session makes a wonderful gift to mommas, dads and grandparents. These images will be passed down to your kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and so-forth. It’s truly a beautiful, full-circle moment and they are guaranteed to shed a few tears.
In conclusion, having a bridal session can be very beneficial and a fun way to create beautiful portraits that will be passed down for many generations! I hope that you found this post helpful when decided if a bridal session is right for you and your needs. I understand that a bridal session isn’t for everyone but I don’t think you would regret having it either!
All of the images taken above were from my very first bridal shoot. Mason was a dream bride to work with and we had the absolute best time together! Here are a few images from her wedding day compared to our bridal session together!
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