Bridal portraits are a tradition that originated as a rite of passage for southern debutantes to provide a family keepsake that was displayed on an easel near the guestbook and then hung in the bride’s parents’ home. It’s not uncommon for bridal portraits to be passed down through generations. I’ve learned over the years that Southerners love tradition (almost as much as they love sweet tea and gravy), but even if you don’t think it’s for you, there are some key reasons why you should consider a bridal portrait session.
Perhaps it’s not a tradition in your family, or you just aren’t a traditional kind of bride. All of that aside, there’s some serious perks to having bridal portraits. It’s an amazing opportunity for you to be pampered and feel glamorous! Who wouldn’t want that?! Most likely, you’ll have a hair and make-up trial before the wedding right? This is the prime opportunity for you to have a trial run in your dress, and see yourself in print before the big day so you can make any necessary adjustments to your look. When I did my own bridal portraits, my dress was done being altered and aside from the portrait session, it was all set to go for the wedding date a few weeks later. I noticed, though, as the session went on that the dress was pretty loose on me! I can’t imagine just finding this out on the wedding day. I would have been MISERABLE having to pull it up all day and it would have looked strange in my pictures. You’re investing so much in your wedding day, why not give yourself ample opportunity to insure you get it right?
One of the biggest differences between wedding day and bridal portraits is stress and time. On your wedding day, everything will be timed and mapped out for you. You’ll be excited and filled with nervous energy. During a bridal session, you’ll be relaxed and stress-free. You can really take your time without worrying about how the humidity is affecting your hair after the ceremony, or if the rain will hold out long enough to wrap up your pre-wedding shots. It’s one less thing you’ll have to worry about on the big day because this is a day solely about you.
It’s also a good idea to ask Mom if she would like for you to have bridal photos. Since it is a southern tradition, even if you may be on the fence about it, your mom may want to ensure you partake in the family tradition. She may even be willing to pay for it if it’s not something you’d planned in your budget!
April 7, 2016
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