Tips for Bridal Party Photos that Feel Natural, Not Stiff

When you think of bridal party photos, it’s easy to picture stiff, everyone-in-a-line poses that don’t feel like “you.” But here’s the thing - bridal party photos can absolutely look classic and timeless without feeling awkward. Here’s how I approach them with my couples:

1. Start Big, Then Break It Down

I like to keep things moving and efficient. We’ll start with the full bridal party together, then move into just the bridesmaids, just the groomsmen, and finish with a few smaller groupings if needed. This way no one is left waiting around too long, and you end up with a solid mix of photos without the process dragging on.

2. Keep It Simple (and Traditional)

Your bridal party photos don’t have to reinvent the wheel. The classic groupings are classics for a reason - they’ll still look good decades from now. While I do give prompts and light direction so everyone looks natural, I keep things fairly traditional on purpose. These are the photos your parents and grandparents will love just as much as you do.

3. Add Just Enough Personality

Even with traditional groupings, we can add little moments that show personality - maybe the bridesmaids laugh together, the groomsmen cheer for the couple, or everyone shares a quick candid moment before going back into formation. It’s those small in-between shots that make the gallery feel balanced.

4. Don’t Stress the Poses

My job is to guide your group so they look great without feeling like they’re being micromanaged. You don’t have to plan poses ahead of time - just show up, and I’ll handle the rest.

Final Thought

Bridal party photos don’t need to be over-the-top to be meaningful. By keeping them clean, classic, and a little bit fun, you’ll get photos that feel natural in the moment and stand the test of time.