HELLO TO ALL...NEW TO FORUM..HAVE A ? ABOUT BRIDAL SESSIONS

[lynnsphotography]

My question is..so many times brides want to schedule pictures before the wedding and I'm finding more often than I want that they end up not ready, running late and then the stress shows on their face. Is it common to do pictures anymore before the wedding (bridal sessions) on the wedding day or should this be scheduled for another day. Should bridal sessions be included in the package or should I charge extra for it? All input welcomed.....

[BJ Pulsipher]

I've done that several times but I also add extra 'time' to when I ask the wedding party to be ready. The only weddings that ever start on time are on television. Generally the men are ready first so I shoot them first and add the bridesmaids in and the bride and groom and family, etc. Then remembering that they can't start before the bride is ready, I ask her if she wants me to go tell everyone that she needs a minute. Generally she needs 5 or 10 but then things continue. I also ask if the bride wants the wedding party in the area while we shoot or to wait in the hall (if applicable). Lots of brides are stressed and mother's are nuts but the brides I've photographed are also generally happy even though the day is long and they are all beautiful. The formal shots are part of my package.

[D. Craig Flory]

I do pre-bridal sessions, in my studio, but they are weeks before the wedding. So no hurrying or stress.

D. Craig Flory PPA Certified, Cr.Photog., ASP
floryphotog@mindspring.com

[jillybean]

I always ask for 1/2 hour just for the bride and 1/2 hour for b&g together. I may not always get my full amount of time but 75% of time I do and it is time well spent.
90% of my wedding all "formals" are done BEFORE the wedding.

[SuzyView]

Believe it or not, sometimes, I shoot a week before the wedding with both B&G at the temple or church so the stress is gone. If it rains the day of the wedding, it's really awful, so we pick a nice day and go for it! Sometimes, though the bride only wants to be in her gown once, that is hard because anything can happen.

[Croasdail]

Yep - I start 2 hours before.... groom, him family and men first so they can get to work, then the bride and her family. There is never time after.