How to Look Your Best in Your Wedding Photos

I truly want everyone to look their best on their wedding day and get the most out of their wedding photos. While I am unable to be at every wedding (the laws of physics being what they are), I am happy to share some of my knowledge and experience with you. Todaym I am going to focus on what you can do to actually look your best. I am not telling you to do anything that makes you feel unnatural or uncomfortable. These are just pointers. And this is not just for the bride or groom; everyone who might have their picture taken on the day of the wedding should take note — so listen up bridesmaids and groomsmen!

1. Stand Up Straight

Yes, I probably sound like your mother, but people underestimate the power of good posture. Many of us spend so much time hunched over at our desks all day that we have developed a sloped shoulder look that is far from elegant. You do not have to be a ballerina to take some tips from them and imagine a string pulling at the top of your head — your body elongates, your shoulders naturally start to fall back, and you look ten times better in a matter of a few seconds.

2. Chin Up

Double chins can plague even the slimmest among us if their chin is nearly touching their chest. So keep your chin up! It elongates your neck. But remember, everything in moderation — you don’t want to look like a giraffe. If it feels awkward, you have gone too far.

3. Lay Off the Booze!

A good reason for not having the bachelor/bachelorette party the night before the wedding is that the next day, you will show up looking puffy and bleary-eyed. The same holds true for the rehearsal dinner and the day of the wedding. Too much alcohol has a visible effect on your body. And a big part of looking good is feeling good — would you really feel like having your picture taken when you have a hangover? Didn’t think so… Also, you should put your drink down during the portrait session. Don’t worry, it will be waiting for you when the pictures are over.

4. Say It With Your Eyes

This goes into the ‘less is more’ category. You don’t need to have an ear to ear grin to show that you are happy. Plus, if you try to hold that huge smile too long it is going to look forced, and that does not look good in pictures. Let your eyes do the talking. You will be surprised how the rest of your face naturally lights up!

5. Take a Breath, Relax, and Have Fun

You are probably going to have a lot of photos taken of you on your wedding day. You are going to feel like your face is frozen. Stop, take a breath, blow it out. You will feel more relaxed. Remember, this is a joyous event. Feel free to have fun! Laughing makes for beautiful photos too…

—Casey Fatchett

Casey Fatchett is a New York City-based photographer with more than 10 years experience photographing weddings. He also recently went through the wedding planning process himself, giving him a unique perspective on the wedding industry from both sides of the fence.