5 Must-Have Photos for Your Bridal Portrait Session

Before the actual wedding ceremony, your photographer will be busy taking photos of playful getting-ready moments, family members, and of course, bridal portraits. Since you've spent countless hours planning your big day, finding your dream dress, choosing the ideal wedding hairstyle, and perfecting your makeup look, it's essential that you leave ample time in your multimedia timeline for your photographer to capture your raw beauty before the ceremony.

Though many wedding photographers will have their own photographic style, we've put together a list of five must-have looks for your bridal portrait session – inspired by real brides. From artistic styles to images that capture the pure happiness you'll feel on your wedding day, find inspiration for your own wedding portraits from these five bridal portrait trends:

Photo by Ira Lippke Studios

1. The Beaming Bride
Your wedding day will be one of the happiest days of your life – so make sure that raw emotion is captured in your wedding photos. A radiant smile will always make you look your best, and your photographer will likely get this natural beaming look on camera. 

Photo by Kortnee Kate

Photo by John Solano Photography

Photo by Handeland Tesoro Photography

2. Behind the Veil
The wedding day is probably the only time in you're life that you'll ever wear a veil. Make sure to get a stylish and romantic portrait of yourself "hiding" behind the veil for true bridal style.

Photo by Kris Kan

Photo by Donna Newman Photography

Photo by Catherine Hall Studios

3. The Close-Up Beauty
You've likely hired a makeup artist and hair stylist to make you look your absolute best on the big day. Have your photographer capture your stunning bridal look in a glamorous shot that's just as artistic as it is stunning.

Photo by KLK Photography

Photo by Kristina Chartier; Bridal Gown by Claire Pettibone

Photo by Yogi Patel - Global Photography

4. Getting-Ready Shots
We've seen our fair share of popular bridesmaid photos showcasing 'maids in stylish and flirty robes, but brides who love to get ready will also want to have individual beauty shots taken of the moments before they put on their wedding dress.

Photo by Elizabeth Messina

Photo by Kris Kan

Photo by Travis Harris Photography; Bridal Gown by Ines Di Santo

5. All About the Gown
Your wedding dress is the garment you've been dreaming about since you were a little girl, so it's important to take quite a few portraits in your bridal gown. 

Photo by Caroline Tran

Photo by Callaway Gable

Photo by KT Merry Photography

Find more wedding photo inspiration here, and be sure to get photography advice from our experts. Looking for a wedding photographer? Visit our Directory to find a wedding professional in your area or one who is willing to travel.