The Benefits of Doing Bridal Party Photos Before the Ceremony

If you’ve ever stood in heels for hours or worn a suit through Missouri humidity, you know that timing matters. That’s why I’m a big fan of getting bridal party photos done before the ceremony. Not only does it make the day flow smoother, but your bridal party will genuinely thank you for it. Here’s why.

1. Your Bridal Party Will Thank You

Unless your bridal party members are family (who usually stick around for family photos anyway), they’ll get to head straight to cocktail hour after the ceremony. Translation: food, drinks, mingling - while you’re off doing just a handful of portraits. It’s a win-win: you get your photos, and they get to celebrate sooner.

2. They’ll Look (and Feel) Their Best

When photos happen before the ceremony, everyone is fresh from hair and makeup, not tired from hours of standing or sweaty from dancing. The result? Happier, more comfortable expressions in photos. Nobody’s secretly counting down the minutes until they can kick off their shoes - and it shows.

3. More Time for You Two After the Ceremony

This is my favorite perk: when the bridal party photos are already done, you get to your spouse so much faster after the ceremony. Instead of wrangling twenty people for group shots, you can go straight into newlywed portraits and then head to cocktail hour. Yes, that also means food sooner - and I’ve yet to meet a couple who regrets that.

The Bottom Line

Bridal party photos before the ceremony keep everyone happier, fresher, and free to celebrate sooner. It also means more relaxed time for just the two of you after the ceremony - without feeling like you’re missing out on the fun.