How to Look Good in Wedding Photographs
The dress was beautiful, you got through the ceremony and reception without a hitch, but just when you thought your wedding was perfect, your pictures come back and you look awful. What can you do to make sure that your photos are as beautiful as the memories you have?
• Never scrimp on your photographer. Nobodys going to remember if your bouquets had daisies or rare, exotic orchids. But years from now, your great grand children will be looking at your wedding album. Theyre not just souvenirs, theyre heirlooms. Spend on them.
• Avoid complicated hairstyles and veils. Youll be walking around, too busy talking to guests to check the mirror. You dont want your veil hanging to the side, or your bangs plastered to your face. Keep it simple and elegant. If you want a dramatic veil for your walk down the aisle, look for a style that allows you to detach part of it, leaving you with something less cumbersome at the reception.
• Buy or make a small clutch bag or pouch that matches your gown. It should carry blotting paper, pressed powder, lipstick and blush. Ask your maid of honor to keep it handy for you.
• Wear waterproof mascara. You will cry a lot. Its guaranteed. Black mascara will run and leave unflattering raccoon eyes.
• Dont wear heavy powder eyeshadow. Again, you will cry. You will also sweat from walking around in heavy makeup, a thick gown, and hundreds of guests milling around you. Powder smears and cakes, and ends up under your eyes.
• Dont wear sheer lipstick. Youll eat it off. Or if you do, wear a matte or semi-matte base and apply the sheer lipstick as a top coat. Be sure to blot well, or itll end up around your mouth or on your teeth.
• Dont wear heavy shimmery makeup, unless its applied by a professional makeup artist. It doesnt photograph well under less than perfect lighting conditions. If you do, apply only on the eyes.
• Bridal makeup should be soft and romantic, not harsh. Natural pinks are most flattering, and really make you look like a "blushing bride". Avoid hard-edged contouring and dramatic browns, unless blended well and kept close to the eyeline. Even lipsticks should stick to the pinks and brownish pinks. Bright reds look too harsh worn against a white dress.
• Youll need good foundation that lasts long but doesnt cake. The trick is to apply moisturizer first and let it "set". This will prime your skin. Apply a matte or cream foundation, then concealer. Dust powder foundation with a brush.
• Take good photographs right after the ceremony, when everyones make up is still intact. You should have solo shots, couple shots, and group photos with your entourage, friends, family members.
• Ask for a few black and white photographs. They always have a soft, romantic feel.
• If youll be having outdoor photographs, light is most flattering in the morning and at dusk. Avoid any outdoor shots from 11 am to 2 pm; everyone will just be squinting.
Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with bridal guides, articles for the bride and bridesmaid, wedding etiquette advice for brides, tips for brides, bridal checklists, wedding planning worksheets, and more! The Bride, Groom, Best Man, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen can find it all at the http://www.WeddingTrix.com website.
