When planning a wedding, and budgeting for photography, one of the most common questions we get is “Do I really need bridals?”.
Whereas I am a firm believer in Bridals being essential, there is a bit of wiggle room to these shoots. Let’s look at some of the more common questions and myths:
What are they?
Bridal portraits (Bridals) are the pictures we take prior to wedding day of you in your dress after the last fitting.
When do you take them?
Typically, we schedule these the same day as your trial hair and makeup run with your beautician. Average time is about 8 weeks prior to the wedding.
So, what’s the big deal about Bridals?
This is your opportunity for a trial run before the big day. We typically schedule the shoots when you do your trial hair and makeup because you are already dolled up and ready to go. Then, you get the opportunity to match makeup and hair to your dress and get an awesome look at what you will look like on your big day. It’s important, because any flaws or issues there may be with the dress, the hair, the makeup, can be worked out beforehand so that your big day pictures are absolutely perfect. Sure, Photoshop fixes a multitude of makeup travesties, but if we can prevent them altogether, you owe it to yourself to have that confidence when you walk through the doors! Plus, this gives you a chance before the wedding to wear your gown, and see what hang ups could present themselves. Think of this as a rehearsal for the bride only. We get the leisure of taking our time to get incredible images of you in your dress, before the hustle and bustle of the wedding day happens.
But Heather, we really can’t afford to take them before the wedding. What do we do?
Multiple times a year, we have free bridal giveaways when you book a wedding of 5 or more hours. Take advantage of these offers, or consider adding them to a wedding package to get a discount. If not, add an hour to the beginning of your wedding day session, and we can shoot them the day of the wedding to make sure we have pictures of you in your dress and that everything is looking spot on.
Remember: The most important day of your life is not one to worry about your dress, hair and makeup. By that day, we really should know how this all is going to go. Bridals are an excellent way to do so. My brides who opt to make that happen have the confidence that they are walking in looking like superstars because they already know how they photograph in that entire ensemble. Not to mention, can relax that those pictures aren’t needed the day of the wedding, allowing precious time to get more pictures of the two of you, friends, family and the like. Anything we can do to make the wedding day go smoother, is a winner in my book.