Wedding dresses are a sentimental aspect of the wedding for every bride!

Every bride usually chooses this dress after much thought and deliberation. Unfortunately, it is often one of the most significant wedding day expenditures. So, isn’t it rather sad that you will wear this dress just once?

So, on the special occasion that is your wedding, it is only fitting that you show it off to the maximum. Also, there is a way to immortalize this dress forever, and that is through your wedding photos. Gorgeous pictures of your beautiful wedding gown, taken from all the right angles, will serve as beautiful souvenirs of your lovely dress. Discuss the options to capture your wedding dress’s full glory with your photographer. Or think up shots that will highlight your dress and share this list with your photographer.

Here are some of our ideas to inspire you to get the best possible shots of your wedding dress.

Your must-have list of wedding dress photos

The classic shot of the dress on the hanger

Give your wedding dress its moment of glory when your photographer captures its magnificence all by itself. Whether your wedding dress is an opulent ball gown or a minimalist sheath, it deserves to be shown off all by itself in your wedding album. All you need is the perfect spot to display it and a beautiful hanger to hold it upright. Choose from silk-draped hangers, fancy vintage hangers and colourful beauties that match the tone of your wedding theme for more impact. Your photographer will do the rest. More ideas here on the Junebugs Wedding blog. Hang it up against a mirror or between two windows in a clean and uncluttered location to capture every detail in its full glory.

Wedding dress with bridal accessories

If you aren’t too fond of the wedding dress on the hanger idea, you can instead have it photographed with the rest of your wedding day accessories. Create the perfect arrangement of your bridal bouquet, shoes, wedding bands and jewelry, and your photographer can shoot it with your wedding dress in the backdrop. Here the focus will be shared on all the items that will complete your transformation into a beautiful bride. Although the wedding gown will not be the center of attention, it will still receive its due attention.

Being zipped or buttoned up

Whether your wedding dress has buttons, zippers, clasps or a corset at the back, have a close-up shot of your wedding dress while it is being put into place. This is usually the last step of wearing your wedding dress. The image of it can bring back memories of the entire process and remind you of the many emotions you went through at the time. So, make sure you have this sentimental image in your album.

The side-shot

When you ask your photographer to get a full-length profile picture, capture your dress from a different perspective. Identify your better side of the face, and show this to the camera. You can even include accessories like the veil and bouquet to enhance the impact of this photograph. Then, look away from the camera and focus your gaze on a distant object to make this a masterpiece photo.

Photos with your bridal party

There will be a lot going on while you get ready. Your bridesmaids will (hopefully) fuss over you as you wear your wedding dress and accessories. Ask your photographer to document the action and excitement of the scene since it will be a memorable picture. Have the image taken when your bridesmaids help you step into your shoes, straighten your train or set the veil. It would be best if your bridesmaids were also dressed in their respective attires at the time to get the full effect.

Full-length portrait

A full-size photograph in your gown will be a great addition to your album. It will capture the same effect that your guests experience when they see you for the first time on your wedding day. Try to have this photo before you wear your veil, so the sheer layers of your cover don’t hide these details. Pick a dramatic setting for the image, which is brightly lit with natural light. If your venue has a spectacular view, make this your backdrop. Else, pose before a portrait or in an outdoor location to get stylish pictures.

Image of the back

Many modern dresses have showstopper back details like beautiful keyhole or illusion designs, stunning fabric button trains or even low-cut daring information. If your dress has any unique modern style elements in the back, ensure it is captured in your wedding photos. For this, have a picture taken as you face away from the camera. This will also draw attention to your hairstyle and any hair accessories you may have specially chosen for the occasion.

Photo of the wedding dress skirt

If your wedding dress has an exciting skirt and train, highlight it in your photographs with a suitable picture. Whether the skirt features tiered details, has a beautiful hemline or has perfect ruffles, show it from the right angle in an image. Try sitting down with your dress spread around you to capture the effect of a full skirt in its glory. For a ball gown skirt or one with ruffles, you can also sit with your feet up and the skirt spread out to display the various details. This idea is perfect for lace dresses.

Image of the fanned-out train.

If the dress has a long train, an image from the back with the train spread out to its full length will showcase its effect. This will also look great if the pictures are taken as you climb a staircase. The impact of the train and skirt will be magnified when taken from above or below and also be unique for the aerial positioning of the shot. For a longer train, get the full impact directly from the back.

With the veil

The veil is often one of the most striking bridal accessories that instantly enhance the bridal look. If your outfit includes a cover, get a picture of yourself in it. Lifting the veil also is a magical moment that makes for a fantastic photo. Ask your photographer to capture the effect of the cover on the dress from different angles and find the one that is most appealing to include in your album.

Zoomed-in image of intricate details

If your dress features intricate beading, lace appliques or embellishments, a close-up shot of these intricate details will capture it well. It is a good idea to look closely at your dress and find out which pieces you love the most. Please share this information with your photographer, so he can do justice to the shot by focusing on that one unique feature of the dress.

Above-the-waist shot

The neckline and waist add definition to a wedding dress. Let these features get their place in the spotlight with a photograph of the bodice. Zoom in on this area and include jewelry like necklaces or earrings for the full effect. An aerial image will also create a unique perspective and make it an exciting picture.

With the groom holding you

There is immense scope to experiment with this shot. You can even showcase the back of your dress in this shot as you face away from the camera. Include your bouquet for a pop of colour and prop that will work well in the setting. Other ideas are to hold hands and walk while the images are captured. Or sit in a strategic position, highlighting your dress’s direct focus.

An outdoor shot

Make the most of the natural lighting to get a beautiful portrait. Choose the golden hour, an hour before or after dawn and dusk, for the best pictures. Since the natural light at these times of the day is most flattering, your images will turn out great. If it is impossible to plan an outdoor shot at these times, make sure you step outdoors for a few pictures when there is plenty of natural light. Or choose a room with a window through which natural light streams in to get photos with similar effects.

Bridesmaids holding the train

Take a look at this picture, and I won’t have to say anything more to convince you. This will be a beautiful and classic picture of your wedding day. As you stride forward, have your bridesmaids pick up your train and hold it visible from all sides. This will enhance the beauty of your dress and create beautiful imagery with the contrast in colour with that of your wedding party.

Photo with your bouquet

This is one picture that cannot go wrong. Let the pure white colour of your dress pop against the bright colours of your bouquet when the image focuses on your dress and the smell in your arms. Unless it is a close-up shot, ensure that this image is taken in a clean backdrop with few other distractions. The bouquet should preferably be the only colourful element in the entire frame to capture the impact with full effect. Such photos are beautiful if there are saturated colours in the bouquet. However, your photographer may also be able to adjust the settings to make this picture unusually attractive.

Bride looking in the mirror

This is another wedding dress shot that is sure to be beautiful. The photograph will focus on the image in the mirror and the real bride with less clarity. Black and white photos of this scene will be stunning, and this is one you should consider. Make sure the mirror is clear, the surface below it uncluttered, and the background clean for the image to look its best.

On the dance floor

This is the chance to have yourself photographed at an angle that emphasizes the beauty of the dress while you dance with your husband. The dance floor, especially if it is a reflective surface, will form a beautiful backdrop when your photographer clicks the image from a low angle. A talented photographer will be able to capture this emotional moment with perfection. It will also be an opportunity to showcase your dress from a different position and highlight its statement features.

Walking away with your husband

This is a very symbolic photo and one that creates a nostalgic image. While the picture will also show off the back of your dress, it will help you relive the unique emotions you felt as you stepped into the new chapter of your life. So, make sure your photographer captures it.

Once you get your hands on your unique wedding dress, you may feel that no number of photos is enough to capture the beauty of the dress. While that is true, including it from all possible angles is the next closest thing you can do. Discuss the specific features of your clothing with your photographer, so he can ensure no detail is missed in the photographs.

For photogenic wedding dresses that are perfect for your special day, visit our bridal gallery at Best for Bride. With a wide range of designer wedding dress collections suitable for any taste, budget and body type, you will have no trouble finding your dream dress at our store. Visit our website today to shortlist your favourites.