How to Schedule for your Bridal Session

Houston Wedding Photography – Portrait Photography Tips:
It your Bridal Session!
In the next blogs, we are going to discuss:
- How to schedule your Bridal Session
- Prepare for the day
- How to look your best

You’ve spent hours dragging your maid of honor and mom around to find the perfect wedding dress. Or maybe you were the one hit wonder bride, who knew it was the first dress when you tried it on.  However, it worked out for you have made it to your Bridal Portrait Session.

Today, is dedicated to you as a bride. It’s going to be all about you, your dress, and all those details. You know the details I am talking about. The shoes which only took 60 hours of internet research to find. The veil, necklace and earrings, and of course the cute little sparkling hair clip that matched so well with your dress. You will also have a chance to see what your hairstyle, makeup, your bouquet will look like for your wedding day. It’s like a mini test run.

To keep things running smoothly, there are some things you want to consider and prepare for a successful shoot. With close to 2000 Bridal Sessions under our belt, we have a few things to say to help out all brides.

How to Plan the Day?
This is where we see the most drama occur. With all the wedding day planning going on, sometimes it seems like the Bridal Session may not have had enough attention. The other thing, we understand you maybe close to maxing out your vacation days at work, but save one for your Bridal Session. You do not want to attempt to do your Bridal Session on your lunch break. I repeat you do not want to attempt to do your Bridal Session on your lunch break.

Okay, now that we have that out of the way. Here is what you should do to plan for your day. When your dress is in and out of alternations and you are between 2 – 4 months away from your wedding, you want to get into Bridal Session gear. Gather all the accessories, shoes, veils, jewelry, anything you need for your Session. Start to look at your schedule, find a couple dates you can potentially have your Session on. Keep in mind, being flexible will be easier for you. You’ve got a list of other partners to work with.

- Your Bridal Session Companion
- Photographer
- Location Avability of your Session
- Hairstylist
- Makeup Artist
- Florist for your Bouquet

You will see the proofs in 3-5 days and from the time you order until the time that the prints come back from the lab it will take 3 weeks. If the session is on location (outdoors) you will want to schedule this early in the morning or later in the evening for optimal lighting. (We find that Bridals are usually better in the evenings so that you have time to go to all your appointments earlier in the day). Besides, you should feel like a rock star all day and get pampered! If your session is in the Studio then you won’t have to worry about lighting. In the Studio we have a full dressing room for you to use, just let us know and we will block off some time for you.

Once, you’ve got the date locked. Plan for the Day. Think in Reverse. Start with the time of your Bridal Session start time. Go backwards from there..Consider the following:

- Getting into your dress and do final touchups
- Hair and Makeup
- Snack/lunch break
- Travel Time
- Cushion Time

Starting 5 – 6 hours prior to the start of your Bridal Session is normal and should be expected. Be liberal with your travel time, getting from the makeup artist to your photographer’s studio.  Always always give extra time for traffic. And give the unexpected some time too. This could be anything, from mom forgetting the veil to a second hairstyle when you weren’t so crazy about the first. It happens, so be prepared for it.

When the day arrives, enjoy your Bridal Session. Enjoy being pampered, getting your hair and makeup done. Savor the first moment you get into your dress and have a chance to look at yourself in the mirror. Hug your family and friends with you, share the excitement with them.  Walk out to your Session with your elegant crystal beaded dress and hot red shoes for some of the most memorable photos you will take. Have an absolutely fabulous time.