If you're planning a wedding in Texas, or anywhere honestly, chances are you've heard someone mention bridal portraits. But what exactly are they, when should you take them, and do you really need them?
Bridal portraits have been a longstanding Southern wedding tradition, especially here in Texas! Traditionally, these sessions take place before the wedding day and feature the bride dressed in her wedding gown, with her hair, makeup, and accessories styled just as they would be for the big day. The photographs are often displayed at the wedding reception, giving guests a beautiful first look at the bride's portraits.
While traditional bridal portraits are still incredibly popular, they don't have to follow a specific set of rules. Today, bridal sessions can be tailored to fit your relationship, your wedding plans, and the photographs you want to create. Whether that means a traditional bridal session, portraits with your future spouse before the wedding, or a session after you've officially said "I do," there are endless possibilities!
Let's walk through the different options and how to decide which one might be right for you.
Traditional Bridal Portraits: Just the Bride
Traditional bridal portraits are exactly what they sound like... a dedicated photography session focused entirely on the bride before the wedding day.
This is an opportunity to get dressed in your wedding gown, have your hair and makeup done, and enjoy a session without the time constraints of your actual wedding day. Instead of squeezing portraits between your ceremony and reception, you can take your time capturing everything from full-length photographs of your dress to close-up details of your veil, jewelry, and bouquet.
Another wonderful benefit of scheduling your bridal portraits before the wedding is the opportunity to have your wedding-day hair and makeup trial completed beforehand. This allows you to see how everything photographs and make adjustments before the big day if needed. Many brides also choose to display a favorite bridal portrait at their reception, carrying on a tradition that has been part of Southern weddings for generations.
What do you need to bring with you for bridal portraits? This is simple! Everything that you will have on your wedding day, such as your bouquet, all jewelry, shoes, veil, and any other accessories. If your bouquet is going to be fresh on your wedding day, then I recommend getting some fake flowers and putting a similar one together. Because ultimately, only you and I will know they're fake, and it gives you something to keep in your home! Who doesn't love more decor!
Where should you do your bridal portraits? This is totally up to you. We can schedule them at the venue you're getting married at, book a studio, or go somewhere completely different. These pictures should showcase you, exactly how you're imagining them to.
Best for: Brides who want to preserve the traditional bridal portrait experience, showcase their wedding gown, or display a portrait at their reception. Or maybe it helps free up some time during your wedding day for other portraits!
Pre-Wedding Bridal Portraits: Together as a Couple
Who says bridal portraits have to feature only the bride?
For couples who are comfortable seeing each other in their wedding attire before the ceremony, a pre-wedding portrait session together can be an incredible way to create additional photographs without the pressure of a wedding-day timeline. This option allows you to get dressed in your wedding attire, choose a meaningful location, and spend dedicated time capturing portraits together before the wedding day arrives.
One of the biggest advantages is having the opportunity to use these photographs at your wedding reception. Whether you want to display framed portraits, incorporate them into your decor, or create a guest book featuring your images, you'll already have beautiful photographs of the two of you together.
It's also a wonderful option for couples who want a different setting than their wedding venue. Maybe you're getting married indoors but have always dreamed of romantic outdoor portraits, or perhaps there's a meaningful location that simply wouldn't be possible to visit on your wedding day. No matter what, these photos are possible and beautiful, even if they aren't traditional.
Best for: Couples who don't mind seeing each other before the wedding, want portraits to display at their reception, or would love additional photographs together in their wedding attire.
Post-Wedding Bridal Portraits: After the Celebration
Not every couple wants to see each other in their wedding attire before the ceremony, and that's completely understandable! For couples who want to preserve the excitement of seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day, scheduling a portrait session afterward can be the perfect alternative.
Post-wedding bridal portraits, sometimes called an after-wedding session, give you the opportunity to get dressed in your wedding attire again and enjoy a relaxed photography experience without the responsibilities or timeline of the wedding day itself. Maybe you didn't have enough time for all the portraits you envisioned, the weather didn't cooperate, or you've always dreamed of photographs somewhere other than your wedding venue. A post-wedding session gives you another opportunity to create those images.
These sessions can also be a wonderful way to explore a completely different location. From open fields and scenic landscapes to downtown architecture or a meaningful destination, you're not limited to the surroundings of your wedding venue. And because the wedding is already behind you, there's often less pressure to keep your attire perfectly clean or worry about getting back to the reception on time.
Best for: Couples who want to save their first look for the wedding day, would love additional portraits together, or want photographs at a different location.
Why Should You Consider a Bridal Portrait Session?
While bridal portraits aren't a requirement, they can be a meaningful addition to your wedding photography experience.
One of the biggest benefits is simply having more time. Wedding days move quickly, and even with a thoughtfully planned timeline, there are often limitations on how long you can spend taking portraits. A separate session allows you to slow down, explore different poses and locations, and create photographs that might not be possible during the wedding itself.
Bridal portraits can also provide:
More variety in your wedding gallery: Capture additional portraits in different settings, lighting, or locations.
Less pressure on your wedding day: Enjoy a dedicated session without worrying about keeping your guests waiting.
A chance to visit a meaningful location: Choose somewhere special to you rather than being limited to your venue.
Photographs to display at your reception: Pre-wedding sessions allow time to prepare framed portraits or other displays, provided the images are delivered before the wedding.
Another opportunity to wear your wedding attire: After all the time spent choosing your dress and accessories, why not make the most of them?
Whether you choose a traditional bridal session or something a little different, the purpose remains the same: creating photographs you'll love looking back on for years to come.
When Should You Schedule Your Bridal Portraits?
The best time to schedule your session depends on which type of bridal portraits you're planning.
For traditional bridal sessions or pre-wedding couples portraits, I generally recommend scheduling several weeks before the wedding. This allows time for your dress alterations, hair and makeup arrangements, and photograph delivery, especially if you're planning to display your images at the reception. If you're planning a post-wedding session, you have a little more flexibility! Some couples prefer to schedule their portraits shortly after the wedding, while others wait until their schedules allow for a special location or a particular season.
Regardless of which option you choose, it's important to communicate your plans with your photographer early so you can coordinate availability, locations, and any additional arrangements.
Making Bridal Portraits Your Own
One of my favorite things about bridal portraits is that there isn't just one way to approach them.
You can honor the traditional Southern bridal portrait experience, plan a romantic session together before the wedding, or wait until after your celebration to create something entirely different. You can choose the same venue where you'll exchange your vows or travel somewhere that holds special meaning to your relationship.
At 31:13 Photography, I offer bridal portrait experiences that allow couples to choose the approach that best fits their vision. Whether you're dreaming of traditional portraits of just the bride or want additional photographs together in a different setting, my goal is to create images that feel timeless, intentional, and true to your story. Your wedding attire deserves to be photographed beautifully, but even more importantly, your photographs should reflect the memories and moments you want to preserve.
Rooted in purpose. Created with intention.
Planning your wedding and considering bridal portraits? I'd love to help you explore your options and create a session that feels uniquely yours. Explore my wedding photography collections or reach out to start planning your experience!
FAQ
What is the difference between bridal portraits and wedding day portraits?
Bridal portraits are typically taken before the wedding day during a dedicated photography session, allowing the bride to wear her wedding dress, complete her bridal look, and capture beautiful portraits without the time constraints of a wedding timeline. Wedding day portraits, on the other hand, are photographed during the wedding celebration, often between other scheduled events. Both are meaningful, but a separate bridal portrait session provides additional time for creativity, beautiful locations, and a more relaxed experience.
When should I schedule my bridal portrait session?
I recommend scheduling your bridal portraits approximately 4–8 weeks before your wedding day. This allows time for your dress alterations to be completed, your bridal hair and makeup trial to take place, and your photographs to be delivered before the wedding. If you're planning to display a framed bridal portrait at your reception, scheduling your session early also gives you time to order your print.
How much do bridal portraits cost in Texas?
The cost of bridal portrait sessions in Texas varies depending on the photographer, location, session length, and what is included. Some wedding photographers offer bridal portraits as a separate session, while others include them in select wedding photography collections. At 31:13 Photography, bridal portrait sessions are included in select wedding collections, allowing brides to enjoy an additional photography experience leading up to their wedding day.
Can I take bridal portraits after my wedding?
Absolutely! While traditional Southern bridal portraits are typically photographed before the wedding, post-wedding bridal sessions are another beautiful option. These sessions allow you to wear your wedding dress again without worrying about keeping it pristine for the ceremony. They're also an opportunity to visit a different location, capture additional portraits with your spouse, or create photographs that weren't possible during your wedding day.
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