A photoshoot is an integral part of any wedding. And of course, every bride wants hers to be perfect, as the photographs will stay with you forever. However, there are a number of nuances to a wedding photoshoot that not all newlyweds know about.

Our detailed guide on preparing for your photoshoot and our posing checklist will help you cover every detail, leave nothing to chance, and achieve stunning wedding photos!

Bride’s Preparations

The golden rule: the location for getting ready should be close to the ceremony venue, so as to minimize travel throughout the wedding day. This way, you and your groom won’t get tired and can fully enjoy the experience.

The morning before the wedding must start with breakfast. Even if you feel so nervous that you think you won’t be able to swallow even a bite, make sure you eat! A long and busy day lies ahead, and you need to stock up on energy (not to mention it would be a real shame to get tipsy from the very first glass of champagne). Remember: breakfast is absolutely essential!

Another important point that is seldom discussed – make sure to use the restroom before you put on your wedding dress.

Don’t invite too many people to your preparations. Your mother and a few close friends are more than enough, as in addition to you, there will be a photographer, videographer, coordinator, and stylist present.

Getting Ready in a Hotel

Choose a spacious room with large windows and an interior that you love (a balcony with a beautiful view is optional). Natural light is the key to great photos.

Morning in Nature

An ideal option if your wedding ceremony takes place at a villa. This eliminates the need for unnecessary travel, meaning you’ll have more time to sleep, get ready without haste, and spend the morning with your loved ones.

Liliya and Vladislav Wedding on Lake Como

Morning Together with the Groom

If you are not superstitious and don’t believe that the groom is forbidden from seeing the bride before the wedding, spend that morning together with your beloved. Various options are possible: a sensual morning and breakfast in pajamas, getting ready together in the same room, or a playful photoshoot in the hotel interiors.

If you still prefer that he doesn’t see you in your wedding dress before the ceremony, you can have a joint breakfast and then head to separate rooms to get ready.

Breakfast and coffee together with the groom

Separate Preparations

This is an option for those who follow tradition. The groom and bride get ready separately in different hotel rooms. The men usually need less time, so the photographer and videographer will first go to your groom’s room, and only afterward to yours.

The First Meeting

Meeting at or near the Hotel

If this is a wedding just for the two of you in Italy, you can choose a beautiful spot in the hotel, such as a terrace, or nearby in the garden. Another option is for the groom to enter the room where the bride is waiting, either standing on the balcony or by the window with his back to the door.

If you desire something unique, you could arrange a meeting with your eyes closed or blindfolded (just ensure that the bride’s hairstyle remains intact!). Your genuine emotions when you open your eyes and see each other will be priceless for your wedding album.


The Groom Waits for the Bride at the Altar

A classic option for hopeless romantics. If you dream of a cinematic moment – attend the ceremony separately. Savor the look of admiration in his eyes when he sees you in your wedding dress for the first time, walking towards him along the green lawn of a country villa.

Photoshoot

On your wedding day, you might think that every moment must be captured by a photographer, but trust me, that is not absolutely necessary. The photographer and videographer should begin their work when the bride is almost ready, so they can capture the final touches of the preparation as well as the morning itself.

Avoid extremes by allocating either too much or too little time for the photoshoot. In our experience, the optimal timing is as follows:

  • Bride’s morning and preparations: 1 hour (this time is solely for photography, not for the actual getting ready)
  • Meeting of the groom and bride: 30 minutes
  • A walk: 2 hours

Don’t try to do it all and photograph every beautiful spot at once. It’s impossible; you and your groom will only get exhausted. It’s better to come back to Italy on your anniversary and arrange another photoshoot 😉

It is best to conduct the newlyweds’ photoshoot after lunch, in the afternoon. The midday sun is not the best lighting for photos. And don’t forget about Italy’s climate – from May to September, it can be very hot during the day! A photoshoot after sunset, in twilight, is also not ideal. But the most beautiful photos will undoubtedly be taken just before sunset – during the so‑called “golden hour”.

No matter how comfortable your wedding shoes are, for outdoor shoots you will likely need a second pair – something super comfortable, like ballet flats or even sneakers. They won’t be visible under your dress, and you won’t have to worry about maintaining your balance while balancing on high heels that keep digging into the ground.

The groom should also have a spare shirt in case the weather is too hot, so he can change after the stroll.

Photographs

Not every couple has a clear vision of exactly what they want to see in their wedding photos. wowitaly photographers are professionals; they will help you relax and always advise you on what to do so that your photos come out as natural as possible. All that is required from you on this special day is to enjoy each other, while the photographer captures your genuine emotions.

However, if you have any requests regarding your photos, be sure to inform your photographer in advance.

For many couples, a wedding photoshoot is their first experience with professional photography – in other words, their first experience with posing. How can you avoid excessive theatricality and unnaturalness? Our checklist will help both of you relax and achieve beautiful, natural photos!

Posing Checklist

  1. The key to a great wedding photoshoot is to not look at the camera, but rather enjoy the moment, cherish each other, and your love without trying to pose!
  2. In the morning, during the preparations, move slowly and unhurriedly so that the photographer can capture shots from various angles, and you won’t have to repeat the same actions multiple times.
  3. Posture! It has ruined photos many times! Even the most beautiful bride will look poor in photos if she slouches. Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed – that’s the first thing to remember. However, don’t overdo it, because an unnaturally straight posture in photos is no better than a slouched one.
  4. What to do with your hands? Let the bouquet be your guide! You can casually adjust your hairstyle, lift your veil or the hem of your dress, flirtatiously touch your neck, blow a kiss, or simply rest your hands on the armrest of a chair.
  5. When shooting together with your partner, hold hands, look at each other, and face the same direction.
  6. The secret to looking slim and graceful in photos: stand with a half-turn towards the camera and shift your weight onto the leg that is farther from the camera.
  7. If at any point you feel overly tense, tense your muscles and then relax them. Clench and release your fingers, massage your neck, and rotate your head and shoulders.
  8. If you simply cannot relax, ask your groom to embrace you from behind, gently kiss your neck, and whisper tender words in your ear.
  9. The best wedding photos are taken one second before the kiss. Kiss each other slowly, allowing the camera to capture your emotions just before the kiss, seizing the “chemistry” between you.
  10. Music will help you relax! Play your favorite songs on your phone, sing, laugh, hug, and hold hands – there is nothing more beautiful than genuine emotions!

Be yourself, don’t put on a show! Don’t try to control every move and gesture. Forget that there is someone with a camera following you; imagine that you are alone and simply let your emotions take over! In short, ‘dance as if no one is watching!’

Why Choose the WowItaly Weddings Team for Organizing a Wedding in Italy?

WowItaly – it’s when you feel like saying Wow! from the genuine emotion, the real beauty of nature, history, art, and the authentic atmosphere of Italy.

  • We simplified the process. You don’t need to arrive weeks in advance to prepare all the documents. You can fly in just 2 days before the wedding and leave all document matters to the professionals.
  • We will prepare all the documents remotely in just one month. Forget about bureaucratic problems – enjoy your love!
  • We work transparently. In our package offers there are no hidden clauses or tricks. We include absolutely every service necessary for organizing a beautiful, cozy wedding in Italy. We honestly and openly state that our packages do not include: flights, hotel accommodation, or restaurant dinners. Why? Because we don’t know where you are flying from, what hotels you prefer, or what type of restaurant you want. Why pay extra for services you won’t need?
  • We meet deadlines. We provide the certificate of your registered marriage in Italy within one month after the wedding, and all photographs within three months. All our obligations are regulated by a contract. We don’t just promise – we take responsibility for our word.
  • We love our work for the incredible happiness and the atmosphere of love it brings. For the opportunity to see the joyful eyes of our clients and to make your dream wedding in Italy come true. In a place where family and marriage remain the highest values, where European civilization began, and where true love and sincere emotions are deeply cherished.

Planning your wedding with WowItaly will be an easy and enjoyable process! Write or call (+39 334 840 20 86 /  hello@wowitaly-weddings.com) to book a free consultation on organizing your wedding in Italy.