Wedding Poses for the Bride & Groom

Posing for Photos in General

1. Golden Rule – Be comfortable in whatever position the photographer asks you to pose – If you’re not, adjust your position until you are – If you are uncomfortable, then the photos will reflect it!
2. Standing up properly looks so much better than slouching and it also makes you look a lot slimmer.
3. Never stand square to the camera.  Put the one foot in front of the other, one shoulder a bit forward and turn the hips towards the camera.
4. A sexy look out of the corner of the eye does much more. So point your nose away from the camera and then look in the direction of the photographer.

5. Avoid a double chin and practice by pushing your chin down and out, whilst stretching your neck and rolling your shoulders back. Obviously, there is a limit on how far and you’ll know when too far is too far.
6. Unless told otherwise, always shift more weight to one leg – this will help with relaxing and create better posture and curves.
7. Pull that stomach in – chest out – shoulders back – long neck.  There’s nothing worse than a slouching bride.  Get that regal look going!
8. A hand on the hip will make the waist look slimmer. But remember to keep your shoulders relaxed and down. 
9. And the groom? Have his body angled, hand(s) in the pockets with a casual natural stance.

Couple Photos

1. Take an extra pair of comfortable shoes with.  Us crazy photographers will make you trek through vineyards and fields – rather do it in something comfy instead of your Jimmy Choo’s.
2. Don’t bother about the dress too much –  you will probably wear it only once, so wear it well!  Chances are that it will get dirty before the night is out, so you will have to get it dry cleaned in any case.  By the time the couple shots are taken, the formal ceremony and family shots are over and only the reception lies ahead.   In most cases the reception is dark, so even if you do pick up a dirty spot or smudge, you will be the only one to know!

3. Go wild and listen to the photographer – the better he feels, the better shots you will get.  If you moan and groan about things he suggests it will upset his/her rhythm and drain his creative juices – big no-no.
4. Compliment your hubby on the way he looks – for most men this photo-taking business is quite foreign – Distract his attention with subtle whispers into his ear or give him some hints of what you have planned for when the night is over – I guarantee you, these tactics will get that natural look and smile out of him.
5. Take a bridesmaid along on the couple shoot.  She can keep a good eye on your hair and makeup and double up an assistant when you don’t need your veil, bouquet and glass of bubbly anymore.
6. When asked to walk hand in hand, remember not to look down all the time – look ahead and at each other – and why not give your man a spontaneous kiss on the cheek.

Health & Beauty Tips for Photos:

1. Don’t overuse the sunbed!  Sunbed tans tend to be yellow and overdoing it will ruin your photos!
2. Watch your diet in the months leading up to the wedding – no no no, I am not referring to your weight – rather your skin.  A good healthy diet without a sugar and chocolate overdose will ensure beautiful and smooth skin.  Photoshop is advanced when it comes to smoothing skin, but most photographers charge extra to re-touch photos.
3. Do not have a facial 3 days before the wedding – facials help with opening the pores and can cause your skin to break out.
4. Drink lots of water in the week running up to the wedding – this will purify the skin and avoid breakouts when the stress levels rise before and on the wedding day.
5. Invest in a personal trainer – Not all of us have the same levels of self-motivation and discipline.  It just helps to have another person motivate you and help you to get to the gym.  If you have a target weight, your trainer will not only help you get there but also help you get that toned look!

OK, now it’s your time to go and practice these wedding poses in front of the mirror…  Perfect them to ensure stunning photo on your wedding day! Follow the links below to the other two posts in this 3-part series that covers the full A to Z of getting to look your best in your wedding photos!

Part 1 – Importance of a pre-wedding shoot

Part 2 – Advice for the bridal preparations and group & family photos

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