12 Breathtaking Bridal Photos And How To Get Them Just Right

Bridal photos are a collection of poses, moments and memories that bring out the different shades of joy and happiness experienced by a bride. These pictures are full of emotions, while also capturing the many beautiful details that go into creating the bridal look.

Bridal photos range from posed bride-like shots to candid and natural pictures that capture the bride’s true personality. Modern-day brides are not shy to show off their quirky, fun and wild side; that’s some of the many sides to a bride that these bridal photos capture. Stereotype poses like the bride looking down all coy are a thing of the past, and so are the boring sit straight, chin up kind of photos.

Today, bridal photos are all about capturing the moment and the emotion. So laugh your heart out, giggle with your girlfriends, get emotional, cherish the last of your single moments and let the camera do the work. Take inspiration from a Bollywood style photoshoot and get your groove on. 

Here are 12 bridal photos that every bride needs:

1. Wakhra Swag Ni

Wear your heart, your swag and your attitude on a proverbial sleeve and your bridal photos will never go wrong. If you've made sartorial and Insta-worthy choices for your wedding outfit, look or even the expressions on your face, there's no better time to click and share them on the given feed. 

While the outfit adds bonus points to the equation, it is the sunnies, the expression of casual deference and the honest smile which bring it together.

Expert tip: Plan this picture around your most-happening outfit. Get it done when you're feeling comfortable for the mood or have just taken a break from the dance floor.

2. The Twinkly-eyed bride

Bring the stars to your eyes, as you're entranced by your own self, in this set of bridal photos! This is the spotlight picture, the one which depicts a timeless sense of emotion to every girl's who waiting for that moment when she would be wed. 

This is not the veiled, shy bride. This is an uber-confident woman who knows that the moment she's waiting for is right around the corner.

Expert tip: Get these bridal photos done right after you're done with your makeup. Possibly, have a pep talk with your mum or your girls before you get clicked. And if getting the twinkle may seem like an issue, look into a lamp placed discreetly to the side.

3. The Goofy Girl

Why? Because you have a crazy-goofy side, everyone does, and it brings out the adorable girl in you, an important must-have for your bridal photos.

When? This is the perfect picture for ceremonies held at home- your comfort zone, your den.

How to plan for this? Get this picture clicked when you are calm, not surrounded by too many people and most importantly feeling excited.

Expert tip: Plan this picture with or around your bridesmaids who bring out the crazy in you. Also, this is best when you are dressed comfortably and looking at your naturally beautiful self.

4. Of Veils and Screens

Why? It captures the whole shy-bride feel and enhances the bling of your wedding jewellery and bridal makeup.

When? This bridal shot can be captured moments before you make your bridal entry, when you are calm and collected, and all dolled up.

How to plan for this? Get ready, wear all your finery and stay calm. Let your face look natural and show the emotions you are going through.

Expert tip: Sit near a window (daytime) or a lamp for a glow behind the veil that enhances your facial features.

5. Black n’ White Beauty

Why? With so many bright colours and a whole lot of bling, black and white pictures stand out and capture just you and your beauty.

When? This is one of those bridal shots that you can capture at all and any wedding ceremony.

How to plan for this? You could either look calm and collected, looking into the distance or show off a wide smile and look straight into the camera.

Expert tip: Stand in a place where there are not too many lights and lamps so the focus is just you in the picture.

6. Through the Looking Glass

Why? It tells the story of a beautiful bride waiting for her handsome groom. It also portrays the feeling of looking towards a future that awaits.

When? This is perfect just before the bridal entry after you have dressed up and waiting for the ceremonies to begin.

How to plan for this? Stand near a glass window/door and let natural light work its magic. If it’s an evening ceremony, you can add drama with tea lights or candles.

Expert tip: Just clear your head and think about the beautiful future that is about to begin. Allow feelings of love and calm to surround you.

7. Show off the wedding jewellery

Why? You have spent months picking out the perfect wedding jewellery why not show it off and capture it in all its glory.

When? This is one of those bridal photos that you must capture before every wedding ceremony, once you are all ready to bedazzle.

How to plan for this? Keep Dupattas and hair away for this one. Let your bridal jewellery be the central focus without being hidden by anything.

Expert tip: As soon as your bridal makeup is done, wear all your jewellery and tie up your hair in a neat bun for this picture.

8. Laugh your heart out

Why? Make sure your wedding photographer captures a picture of you laughing your heart out to show the real happiness and joy you are feeling.

When? This is captured best when you are surrounded by your loved ones. A close family function or a photo shoot with your girlfriends is the perfect moment for this picture.

How to plan for this? Just have a great time and be yourself- just forget there’s a camera.

Expert tip: Ask your photographer to capture this photo when you are with your closest people. Don’t try to force this one and let it be a natural happy moment.

9. The world at your feet

Why? Most pictures of you will focus on the face and top half of the body, make sure you capture the pretty anklet, the well-pedicured feet and the beautiful Mehndi on the feet too.

When? This is perfect during the Mehndi ceremony or just after when the colour is rich and beautiful.

How to plan for this? Get this picture clicked during the daytime for natural light and be barefoot so the feet and anklet are the centre of attention.

Expert tip: Go to the garden and capture the Mehndi decorated feet against natural green grass instead of a carpeted floor.

10. And we Twirl

Why? It shows the gorgeous flare of your wedding Lehenga and the playful side of you.

When? The Sangeet and the Wedding night are perfect for this picture as you are all excited and dolled up.

How to plan for this? Practice twirling a few times to make sure you don’t trip and stand in a large corridor or open space where nothing constricts the flare.

Expert tip: Get barefoot if you haven’t practised twirling in heels. Keep your hands to both sides like you are about to break into a dance jiggle.

11. Dancing Queen

Why? Because when your heart is dancing with joy your feet and smile dance too. It’s a great picture that captures fun and joy.

When? Click during close family functions when you are feeling loved and surrounded by loved ones.

How to plan for this? Don’t plan, just dance to your heart’s tune and go crazy with all those moves.

Expert tip: Practice a few moves that allow your face to show fully, like the Desi Bhangra. Be calm and enjoy the dancing.

102. Different Shades of Drama

Why? Every girl has a drama queen within that makes her unique, crazy and adorable- let it show.

When? Anytime you want to let loose and be crazy.

How to plan for this? Surround yourself with your best friends and loved ones who bring out the best in you and then go for it.

Expert tip: Don’t try to look picture-pretty, just be you.

Tips to Keep in Mind for That Perfect Portfolio

• It is one of the happiest days of your life and therefore you should incorporate a range of facial expressions, for every mood and moment.
• Schedule your preparation time as you might take longer to get ready in your bridal glory than anticipated so that you have a buffer time and you do not stress out.
• Get ready in a well-lit place so that you are aware of all the colours and makeup and not go overboard with it.
• Try to work around the golden hour of sunset or sunrise, as you would get the best photography results with these lightings.
• Comfort and ease should always be on top of your mind. Wear an attire that you are comfortable to move around in so that you can focus more on striking good poses rather than the heaviness of your dress.
• Make the most of your outfit. It is not every day that you get to wear such a stunning attire, so style it just the way you want and feel comfortable in.
• You can always browse for fun photo inspiration. You might come across a pose that you want to incorporate in your wedding album.
• Work with a professional and trained makeup artist and hairstylist so that they can help you get ready for your bridal portfolio.
• Always stick to your tried and tested skin routine. Do not experiment before your photo shoot, you do not want blemished to be highlighted in your photos.
• Choose a meaningful location or a location that would make a stunning backdrop for all of your photos. 

Bridal photos are for keeps; memories and moments that will bring back happy tears, joy and laughter for generations to come. Don’t be shy to let the bridal photos capture who you really are. Every bride has a different personality, let your bridal photos capture it. Get in touch with a wedding photographer and a wedding videographer now!

What kind of bridal photos are you planning and prepping for?