Understanding this Pre-Wedding Photography Tradition
In the world of weddings, "bridals" is a term that refers to a special photography session centered around the bride, typically taken in her full wedding attire before the actual wedding day. While this tradition has evolved over the years, it remains a cherished moment for many brides. If you're considering whether to include bridals in your wedding journey, here’s what you need to know.
What Are Bridals?
Bridals are a pre-wedding photoshoot that showcases the bride in her wedding gown, styled with her hair, makeup, and accessories, giving her a chance to see her complete bridal look before the big day. The session is usually done a few weeks or months before the wedding, allowing the bride to capture her beauty in a more relaxed and intimate setting.
The History of Bridals
Bridals began as a Southern wedding tradition but have since spread across the country. Originally, these photos were intended to be displayed at the wedding reception, often as a portrait of the bride in her dress. While the focus on formal portraiture has evolved, bridals remain an important tradition, especially for brides who want to commemorate the significance of their gown and overall look.
Why Choose to Do Bridals?
There are several reasons why brides opt for a bridal photoshoot:
1. A Trial Run for the Big Day: One of the biggest advantages of bridals is that they allow you to do a full run-through of your wedding look. You'll have the opportunity to test your gown, hair, makeup, and accessories to ensure everything is perfect. If any changes need to be made, you’ll have time to make adjustments before your wedding day.
2. Capture Timeless, Elegant Photos: On your actual wedding day, time is often limited, and the focus is on capturing candid moments with your spouse, family, and guests. Bridals give you dedicated time to pose and capture beautiful, artistic portraits that showcase your bridal look in all its glory.
3. A Confidence Boost: Seeing yourself fully dressed as a bride can be an emotional and empowering experience. Bridals give you the chance to get comfortable in front of the camera, which can help ease any nervousness about wedding day photography.
4. Preserving a Moment in Time: Your wedding gown is likely one of the most special outfits you'll ever wear, and bridals allow you to preserve this memory in photos you’ll treasure forever. Many brides choose to display their favorite bridal portrait in their home as a lasting keepsake.
5. An Opportunity for Creative Locations: Since the bridals take place before the wedding, you have the freedom to choose a unique location that might not be accessible on your wedding day. Whether it’s a picturesque outdoor setting, a historic mansion, or a meaningful spot, bridals let you get creative with the backdrop of your portraits.
How to Prepare for a Bridal Session
If you decide to include bridals in your wedding plans, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth and successful session:
- Schedule Your Hair and Makeup Trial: Coordinate your bridal shoot with your hair and makeup trial so you can see how everything looks together. This also gives you the chance to make any adjustments if something doesn’t turn out the way you envisioned.
- Have Your Bouquet Ready: If you're planning to carry a bouquet, ask your florist to create a similar version for your bridal shoot. This will help complete your look and give the photos an authentic wedding feel.
- Choose the Right Location: Think about a location that reflects your personality or complements the style of your wedding. Whether it's outdoors in nature or at a venue with architectural elegance, the setting will play a big role in your photos.
- Bring a Trusted Friend or Family Member: Having someone by your side can help with adjustments to your dress, assist with any last-minute details, and provide moral support.
Are Bridals Right for You?
While bridals are a wonderful tradition, they’re not a requirement. If you’re a bride who values the opportunity for a more personal, styled photoshoot before the wedding, bridals might be a perfect fit. However, if you prefer to focus on candid moments on your big day, you may decide to skip this step and capture all your portraits during the wedding itself.
Ultimately, bridals offer a beautiful way to celebrate your journey as a bride, giving you the chance to document your wedding look and reflect on the excitement leading up to your special day.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. We hope the inspiration we shared is helpful to you and your wedding plans! For questions regarding this blog contact The Barn at Poplar Springs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email: thebarnatpoplarspringsfarm@aol.com or phone: 864-680-7757.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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