How to Look Your Best in Wedding Photos
When your big day finally rolls around you are going to want to make sure you look absolutely stunning for your wedding photos.
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and we know you'll want to ensure your wedding photo album is one you can be proud of.
From getting the perfect bridal look to the best posture and poses, we've got all the tips you'll ever need and more!
So how do you look breathtaking in your wedding photos..?
Be Yourself
Above all, be yourself!
Be the best self you can be and don't try to look or be anything other than that.
If you are self conscious about something it will show through in your photos.
While you want to look flattering, you also want to make sure it still looks like you.
Photo by Justin Vorbach
Pre Wedding Shoot
A pre wedding shoot will provide the perfect opportunity for you to get to know your photographer and in turn get comfortable with them taking photos of both you and your partner.
As a rule of thumb, never book a photographer that you haven't met in person.
Practice Makes Perfect
It might sound silly but practicing what poses and angles work for you in front of the mirror can improve your wedding day photos exponentially.
Better yet, why not have a friend take some snaps of you trying out different positions to help you figure out your best side.
Photo by Alexander Rentsch
Forget the Camera
Forget about the cameras and flashes and have fun.
The brides that take the best pictures are those that look like they don't have a care in the world.
Don't be afraid to show emotions, it is your wedding day after all, and that's pretty darn emotional we'd say!
The only time you should be thinking about the camera is for your formal photos after the wedding ceremony and reception.
Savor the Moment
If you want your photographs to be a true reflection of your special day you need to cherish the moment.
Capturing the romance, excitement, emotion and intimacy is what it's all about!
Don't spend the whole time looking at your photographer, your gaze should be fixed on your new spouse.
Photo by Alexander Rentsch
Smize
Take Tyra Banks' advice and smile with your eyes.
There is a reason that this woman is a world class supermodel, media personality and host of one of the most popular TV shows of all time 'America's Next Top Model'.
She knows how to work it!
You don't have to be all teeth in your wedding pics for them to be successful.
The less smiley, more serious poses are extremely trendy and are especially great for those that struggle with natural looking smiles.
Laugh
Serious has its place, but so does laughing.
Laughing is flattering on everyone and can really help to bring your photographs to life.
Photo by Hey!Cheese
Tone Down the Makeup
Go easy on the makeup and stick with a classic, timeless look that will accentuate your best features.
Now is not the time to experiment!
Hire a professional makeup artist who knows what they are doing and which colors are right for your skin tone.
Look for Natural Light
Natural light is your best friend, so use it to your advantage whenever possible.
Natural lighting is beautiful, flattering and can help to make your skin look amazing.
And who doesn't want to look amazing, right?
Even if your ceremony and reception are indoors, open the shades and let the light in.
Photo by Alexander Rantsch
Make up for Missing Light
If your reception is particularly dark make up for this by adding extra lighting, especially around the dance floor, cake and table arrangements.
Use spotlights for the first dance and/or ask your venue not to dim the lights too low!
Be Mindful of Your Arms
Don't press your arms against your body, as this can make even the slimmest of arms look heavy.
By placing a hand on your hip you will define your arm and the shape of your body.
Photo by Alena Nikiforova
Stance
Put your weight more onto one leg rather than both to avoid looking too stiff, and instead of standing face on to the camera turn your body at a 45 degree angle.
You'll look slimmer and feel much more confident.
The Power of the Tongue
A classic model trick, and one that will help you rock your wedding day photos, is to push your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
This little action will create tension under your chin and subsequently make your neck look longer.
Photo by Briana Wollman
Stand Up Straight
Slouching won't do you any favors, so put your back into it and stand up straight.
Put your shoulders back, chest forward and pull your belly button in towards your spine.
You can still be relaxed when standing upright, just remember to breathe!
Don't Just Stand There
You don't have to be standing in every pic.
Shake things up a bit!
Sit, dance, run, jump...whatever, just be aware of your posture if you want to avoid looking schlumpy....yeah we just said schlumpy!
Photo by Kelly
Eliminate the Squint
If the sun is really bright it can be hard not to squint in your photos.
A little trick that works every time is to ask the photographer when they are going to take the shot, and open when they tell you.
This is also a great tip for those who usually wear glasses but want to go it solo for their portraits.
Go Easy on the Drink
It's easy to get carried away and have one too many on your big day to help calm your nerves, but the last thing you want is to look as boozy as you feel in your pics.
Ditch the alcohol and stick with soft drinks instead.
Photo by Ian Davis
Use a Straw
Don't want to ruin your makeup?
Drink through a straw to help your lipstick stay on for a longer period of time.
Love Yourself
No matter what, you are going to shine on your wedding day.
Even if you didn't manage to lose those extra few pounds be confident and believe the camera will see your inner beauty!
Photo by Alexander Rantsch
Your Turn...
Have Any Tips To Add? Let us know in the comments below.