Top tips for your bridesmaids (from a wedding photographer)

As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen bridesmaids in action at weddings across Niagara and Southern Ontario. These little details will help you make your best friend’s big day go from beautiful to unforgettable!

Bridesmaids have one of the most important jobs on the wedding day! They’re there to support the bride from the moment she starts getting ready all the way through to the last dance. While you can’t control every moment (and shouldn’t try to!), there are a few key things that bridesmaids can do to make the day run smoothly—and take the wedding photos from good to perfect. Share this blog with your bridesmaids to make sure they know exactly what they can do to help out!

1. Make sure the bride eats and stays hydrated

This is probably one of the most important jobs you’ll have during the getting ready process. Between all the excitement and nerves, some brides forget to eat and drink throughout the morning. That’s where you come in! Be sure to remind her to stay nourished and hydrated—bring her a water bottle while she’s sitting in the makeup chair and have easy-to-eat snacks on hand that won’t mess up her makeup or hair (think granola bars, fruit, or a handful of nuts). Trust me, it’ll make a huge difference for her energy levels later in the day!

2. Smile when you walk down the aisle!

It’s a simple tip, but it can make a world of difference. Bridesmaids (and groomsmen) often get so focused on walking down the aisle that they forget to smile! Remember, this is an exciting moment—not just for the couple but for you too. Your smile will not only make the ceremony more joyful, but it’ll also result in photos that feel full of positive energy. Keep your chin up, smile, and enjoy the moment—it’ll make all the difference when you look back at those photos.

3. Don’t stress too much about the bride’s dress

I know, I know, it’s tempting to constantly adjust and fix things, but hear me out—sometimes it’s okay to let the bride’s dress be a little “imperfect.” In candid moments, it’s far easier to edit a stray bug from the veil than to edit you out of a shot if you’re adjusting her train in every photo. By the end of the day, her dress will likely have a little dirt on it, but that’s part of the story! Carry it when you can, but let it trail when it needs to. Trust me, the perfect shot often happens when everyone lets go and lets things flow naturally.

4. Trust me, your hair looks amazing!

Bridesmaids, you look incredible—don’t overdo it with last-minute adjustments! It’s easy to get caught up in fixing flyaways or smoothing down your dress, but that can actually ruin a shot if you’re looking down at your skirt instead of at the happy couple. Remember, as a photographer, I’ve got an eye on all the details. So, take a deep breath, relax, and trust that your hair and dress look fantastic in every shot. I promise, you’ll thank yourself when you see the photos!

5. Enjoy the day!

The bride chose you to be one of her bridesmaids because she values your friendship. That means, in between helping out and making sure everything runs smoothly, it’s so important to take some time for yourself and enjoy the day too. Share a laugh with the bride, offer her a hug when she needs it, and take in the little moments as they unfold. She’s about to marry the love of her life, and it’s a day worth celebrating, so make sure you’re fully present for all of it!

Final thoughts: the important role of bridesmaids

Bridesmaids play such a vital role in the success of a wedding day. They’re not just the bride’s support crew—they’re there to keep everything running smoothly, help with all the little details, and ensure the bride has the best day possible. I hope these tips help elevate your bridesmaid performance and take you from five stars to off the charts! Thanks for helping make the wedding day perfect—and for making the photos unforgettable!

Looking for more wedding day tips?

If you're planning your wedding in Niagara or Southern Ontario, I'd love to help capture the moments that matter most to you. Reach out for personalized photography advice or to book a consultation today!