Photography by Kelly Costello

I can’t tell you how many times a bride has told me, “I’m not going to take bridal portraits,” and I probably give them the craziest look without meaning to. It’s not because I think they’re making a mistake – it’s because I know just how thankful they’ll be afterward. Every time, without fail, they come back tell me how glad they are that they took them!

Photography by Anna Haile, Kelly Costello, and Lauren Marie

So if you’re wondering whether bridal portraits are worth the effort, I’m here to gently say: absolutely yes. As an experienced wedding planner, I’ve seen firsthand the emotional and practical value they bring – and the peace of mind they give brides heading into the big day.

Photography by Caitlin Rose

---

Why Some Brides Say “No Thanks” to Bridal Portraits

A few of the most common reasons I hear:

• “I don’t see the importance.”
• “What am I going to do with a bunch of photos of just me?”

And hey, I get it. You’re juggling so many decisions already. But here’s what I always share in those conversations:

It’s the perfect day to have a complete trial run of your beauty look. Between your hair, makeup, bouquet, jewelry, shoes, and undergarments – you get to see how everything works together. That way, if you need to make any adjustments, you have time to do it before the big day.

Photography by Amy Odom and Britni Dean

Additionally, bridal portraits are a great opportunity to see what angles or poses you love (and don’t love!) in front of the camera. Plus, please tell me your parents won’t be over the moon to receive a framed photo of you in your gown. It’s the sweetest gift for them!

Photography by Britni Dean, Anna Haile, and Main Squeeze

---

What Happens When You Do Take Bridal Portraits?

Here are just a few real benefits we see again and again:

• You know exactly how long hair and makeup will take for your wedding day. We recently had a bride who left her trial realizing she needed to add 30 minutes to the timeline. Because her hair took longer to work with, and we were able to adjust before wedding day. Had she not taken bridal portraits and done a beauty trial, this would have been a surprise kink in the timeline on her wedding day!
• You learn what actually works when it comes to your undergarments. Being comfortable on your wedding day makes such a huge difference! I’ll never forget my own experience – the Spanx I wore for my bridal portraits kept rolling up throughout the entire session. I swapped them for something more comfortable before the wedding and was SO glad I did.
• You get a moment to breathe. Bridal portraits aren’t just practical – they’re a calm, joyful time to soak it all in. Your dress, your look, your excitement!

Photography by Allison Jeffers, Amy Odom, and Caitlin Rose

---

Still Not Sure? Here’s What Our Brides Said…

“I’m glad I ended up taking my bridals so I could have a full trial of my entire wedding day look. I was able to tweak things a little once I got my photos back.”

“I’m so thankful that I took bridals before the wedding day. It let us focus on the bride/groom photos more. Having a trial make-up/hair gave me a chance to change up the way I wanted my hair for the wedding day.”

“I am so thankful that I did bridals. It can be a lot of stress added onto an already stressful time – making sure your dress is ready, booking hair/makeup, nails and eyelashes, etc. – but it was the best decision!! It gave me time to enjoy being in my dress, and I have such fond memories of that day. I was able to bond with our photographer and get to have pictures in a place I otherwise wouldn’t have.”

“I am so thankful I did bridal portraits. You really get to look back on your trial hair and make-up and decide what you like and don’t like. You get to know your photographer better and become more comfortable with them. You don’t have to worry about taking as many individual bridal portraits the day of the wedding, allowing time for other things. Lastly, it was great for my mom and I to have our special moment together during bridal portraits, which I’m really thankful for because the wedding day is so busy! Taking bridals was a great experience.”

Photography by Anna Haile

---

Pro Tips for Planning Your Bridal Portraits

• Include your mom or someone special – it’s a sweet pre-wedding bonding activity before the big day. Your mom can be there for support, to hold your bouquet or veil, and take any mental notes for you.
• Don’t forget to order a bouquet from your florist.
• Clean your ring and have your nails done.
• Build in time to get your dress and shoes cleaned after your bridals.
  

Photography by Amy Odom, Shannon Wilson, and Mylah Renee

---

One Last Note From Your Planner

Still unsure? Just remember – this is a chance to do a full trial of everything: your look, your comfort, your timing. If anything, it’s a gift to your future self. Bridal portraits offer peace of mind and beautiful keepsakes… what’s not to love?

Photography by Shannon Wilson

Ready to feel confident and stress-free on your wedding day?
Let’s create a wedding experience that’s one-of-a-kind for you…bridal portraits and all. Reach out here to start planning with a wedding planner who’s got your back every step of the way.