It’s your wedding day! Naturally, you want to look your best!

This is the day you’ve been dreaming of since you were little and you’ve been planning it for many months. You’ve probably invested a lot of time and money into making sure it’s the perfect day. The spotlight is going to be on you and your partner.

You don’t just want to look good for yourself, your partner, and your loved ones, but you want to look your best in your photos. Not only are your wedding photos an investment, but they are also something you’ll look back on for decades. You want the photos to reflect all the love, joy, and beauty of the occasion.

Part of that comes down to choosing the right photographer (that’s where I come in!), but part of it comes down to feeling confident on your big day.

After spending years photographing couples, I’ve gathered a few expert tips that can help you look and feel your best. Capturing those picture-perfect moments doesn't just happen by chance — some preparation can go a long way!

Tip #1: Schedule an Engagement Shoot

A lot of couples do an engagement shoot soon after they announce their engagement. One of the reasons they do this is to capture photos they can use on wedding invitations, but they also do it because it gives them practice getting comfortable in front of the camera.

If you’ve never been the focus of a photoshoot before, it can feel a little awkward at first to be in the spotlight. Plus, you might not know how to pose with your partner. An engagement shoot gives you the chance to do just that. You’ll see what you do and don’t like.

Plus, an engagement shoot is the perfect opportunity to build trust with your photographer. You’ll be more likely to open up and let loose in front of someone you know and trust than a photographer you meet for the first time on the day of your wedding.

Tip #2: Practice Poses with Your Partner

Leading up to the wedding, practice poses in the mirror with your partner. This helps you both get comfortable with how to pose naturally together.

You’ll likely have an idea of what poses you like after your engagement session. Practice those poses and see if there are other poses you like.

A little practice can ease those nerves!

Tip #3: Hydrate and Eat Well

Staying hydrated in the days leading up to the wedding helps your skin glow, and it also keeps your energy levels up. I’m not recommending you follow some sort of crash diet, but try to focus on eating the foods that make you feel good leading up to the wedding. For example, if you know a certain food makes you break out, try to avoid that the week before the wedding.

Don’t skip breakfast on the big day, either — the day can be long, and you don’t want to risk being so hungry that you start to pale and feel faint in the middle of your first round of photos.

Tip #4: Get a Good Night’s Sleep

You’ve probably heard it a million times, but a well-rested couple is a happy (and photogenic!) couple. A full night's sleep will help you look refreshed and keep those under-eye circles at bay. It also makes it easier to stay in a positive, relaxed mood throughout the day.

I don’t recommend hosting a bachelorette or bachelor party the night before unless you plan on calling it quits by 10 p.m. so you can be well on your way to counting sheep for a full eight hours (at least).

Tip #5: Wear Comfortable Wedding Attire

Comfort is probably not the first thing you’re thinking about when choosing a wedding outfit, but it’s a crucial detail! Your wedding attire should be stunning, but comfort is key.

Make sure your outfit allows you to move, dance, and breathe with ease. If you feel uncomfortable in your dress, suit, or shoes, it will show in your photos and it can make it difficult to get into different poses. Unless you’re already wearing comfortable shoes, bring a backup pair of shoes (think boots, flats, or sandals) to slip into for more relaxed moments.

If you’re going to be out in the elements during colder months, it’s a good idea to wrap yourself in an elegant blanket, shawl, or scarf. Either accessorize with warm garments or limit your exposure to the cold. Otherwise, you may end up with photos where you look cold – complete with goosebumps and bodies tense and shivering.

Tip #6: Trust Your Photographer

You hired your photographer for a reason, so trust them. They’re experts in making people look beautiful on camera.

Whether it’s capturing candid moments or guiding you into the perfect pose, trusting the process allows for more natural, beautiful photos. If there’s anything specific you want captured, feel free to mention it beforehand, but then let them take the lead.

This is another reason why an engagement session is a good idea: You’ll have the opportunity to meet your photographer and see how they work. If an engagement shoot isn’t feasible for you, meeting with your photographer beforehand can build trust. When you meet with them, you can also let them know what you’re uncomfortable with and do or don’t want to focus on in the photos.

Tip #7: Make and Follow a Timeline

Timing is everything! Discuss your wedding day timeline with your photographer to ensure there’s ample time for each part of the day. From the first look to family portraits, you don’t want to feel rushed. It can show in the photos. Build in extra time to account for any hiccups.

When you’re making the timeline, consider the time of day photos will be taken. Light plays a huge role in how your photos turn out, and certain times of day offer better lighting than others.

For example, golden hour – which is about an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset – provides soft, warm light that’s flattering and creates dreamy photos. Midday light can be harsh, so if your ceremony is in the afternoon, it might be worth planning key portraits around softer light later in the day.

Make sure to discuss lighting and timing with your photographer to capture the best moments in ideal light. This will take your photos from good to absolutely stunning.

Tip #8: Bring Touch-Up Essentials

A few makeup and hair touch-up products can work wonders throughout the day. Between the happy tears, countless hugs, and bustling around, you may want to fix your hair or makeup.

Keep an emergency kit on hand — think blotting paper, lipstick, hairpins, and tissues.

Tip #9: Don’t Be Afraid to Get a Little Messy

Some of my favorite wedding photos have been when couples were willing to get a little messy by hiking into the woods or hopping into a canoe.

If you want extra special, unique photos, consider getting a little dirty to get the perfect shot.

Tip #10: Be Yourself and Have Fun

The best wedding photos come when you’re relaxed, in the moment, and having fun. Try not to overthink every pose or angle. Let your personality, connection with your partner, and genuine emotions shine through. The more at ease you are, the more magical your photos will be.

Some of the most memorable photos come from candid, playful moments. Whether it’s a goofy pose, a spontaneous dance, or a burst of laughter, these authentic moments add personality to your wedding album and remind you of how much fun you had.

Groom dipping bride in the aisle with people sitting in chairs.

Choose the Perfect Location

By following these tips, you’ll feel confident, comfortable, and ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. Remember, your wedding photos are about celebrating love, so relax, smile, and let the camera capture the magic!

Another tip for looking great in your wedding photos? Choosing a location you love! Check out the best spots to take engagement photos in Central Minnesota and some of the best venues to host your wedding.

If you want to learn more about me and the wedding photography packages I offer, contact me today.

How to Look Great in Your Wedding Photos