Ultimate Bridal Shower Guide
Capturing the Magic: A Bridal Shower to Remember
As a photographer, there’s something uniquely special about bridal showers. They’re filled with genuine emotion, contagious laughter, and the kind of beauty that only close friendships and heartfelt moments can bring. I recently had the pleasure of photographing a stunning bridal shower that truly captured the essence of love and celebration—and I’m so excited to share a glimpse behind the lens.
My goal as your photographer is to capture your vision as BEST as I can. This is an exciting day, and something you will want to remember forever. That means that I want to effectively capture everything- from the gorgeous table-themed details, to the flower bouquet from the groom. The recent bridal shower I attended was absolutely magical, with its “lemon squeeze” theme radiating throughout the event. Not to mention, this particular bridal shower was in a backyard, on a rainy day… and it was nothing short of perfect!
A Day Filled with Love and Laughter
There are several bridal showers that hold a special place in my heart. From the moment I arrived, there was an undeniable sense of joy in the air at Jenna’s event. The venue was beautifully decorated with soft pastels, fresh florals, and personalized touches that spoke to the bride’s style and story. Every detail, from the delicate place cards to the custom mimosa bar, was thoughtfully curated—and it made for some seriously dreamy shots.
But more than the aesthetics, what really made this bridal shower unforgettable was the people. The bride-to-be was surrounded by her closest friends and family, each one beaming with excitement for her next chapter. The way they toasted, teased, and celebrated her was nothing short of heartwarming. It’s moments like these that I live for as a photographer—the candid laughs, teary eyes during heartfelt speeches, and spontaneous dance moves that no one saw coming.
Finding Beauty in the Details
Photographing a bridal shower means staying alert to the little things. A bride’s reaction as she opens a hand-written card. The way her grandmother looks at her, holding back tears. The clinking of glasses, the delicate icing on cupcakes, the flicker of candlelight during golden hour—these are the small pieces that tell the bigger story.
I always aim to capture not just how the day looked, but how it felt. My goal is for the bride to be able to look back on her photos and feel the same warmth, joy, and love she felt that day. For that reason, I make sure to always show up at least an hour before the event to capture detail shots, before it gets too busy with guests.
I always recommend flat lays to my clients, which are photographs taken directly above, capturing the arrangement of special, sentimental objects on a surface that I bring with me. What is beautiful about these images is that they reveal a creative story connected to the bride’s theme and upcoming wedding. I will ask the bride-to-be or family member to make a box filled with a themed bridal shower invitation and games played during the event, jewelry, heels, and more that have meaning. I use professional, top-tier flay lays and a kit of extra details filled with ribbon, flowers, and more, to help achieve the bride’s vision. Be sure to reach out before your event, if you are interested in flay lay photos to cherish forever.
Details are Everything!
Flay lays are photographs taken directly above, capturing the arrangement of special, sentimental objects on a surface.
Why Every Bridal Shower Deserves a Theme (Yes, Yours Too!)
Bridal showers are already sweet, sentimental, and full of love—but you know what takes a bridal shower from “cute” to completely unforgettable? A THEME.
Now, before you start picturing over-the-top Pinterest boards and dollar signs, take a breath. A theme doesn’t have to be extravagant, expensive, or stressful. It’s all about setting a vibe, tying the day together, and giving your bride (and your guests) a beautifully curated experience they’ll actually remember.
Here’s why a themed bridal shower is the way to go:
1. It Makes Planning a Breeze
Once you pick a theme—boho picnic, garden tea party, disco glam, coastal chic—you suddenly have a clear direction for everything. Decor, food, colors, dress code, invites, playlist, favors… it all flows. No more decision paralysis because everything fits into the theme. Easy peasy. Since I am a light and airy photographer, I always suggest sticking to lighter colors, such as neutrals, pastels, and baby colors. I highly recommend staying away from dark themes, such as reds, blacks, purples, etc, as well as busy patterns, including stripes.
2. It Feels More Personal
A thoughtful theme shows you know the bride. Is she a Swiftie? Think "Lover"-inspired pastels. Obsessed with travel? Do a “Bon Voyage” theme. Total minimalist? Monochrome magic. Your theme becomes a love letter to who she is—and that’s what a bridal shower should be.
3. It Elevates the Aesthetic (and the Photos!)
Let’s be real: we all want those Instagrammable moments. A cohesive theme means your venue, table settings, and backdrop all look intentional—and totally photo-worthy. The pictures will pop.
4. It Sets the Tone for the Day
Themes create atmosphere. A brunch shower with a "Champagne & Charcuterie" theme feels totally different from a laid-back backyard BBQ or a glam rooftop soirée. Whatever energy you want—elegant, cozy, fun, fancy—a theme helps set the mood from the moment guests walk in.
5. It Gives Guests a Shared Experience
A theme isn’t just for the bride—it’s for everyone. When guests walk in and see everything from signature cocktails to games tied into the theme, it instantly brings people together. It makes the day more interactive, more cohesive, and just plain more fun.
So… Should You Go with a Theme?
Short answer: YES.
Long answer: Only if you want to plan a shower that’s stylish, meaningful, easier to organize, and way more memorable for everyone involved.
At the end of the day, the goal is to celebrate love, friendship, and the bride-to-be in a way that feels unique to her. And a theme? It’s the secret ingredient that brings it all together.
My Top 5 Pieces of Advice For Your Bridal Shower
Plan around the sun! I am a light and airy photographer, which means I plan my photos around the golden hours. This is what gives my photos the “look,” (along with hours of editing), that you will see on my instagram or website. I always suggest events take place before sunset to do so, especially if the event is outdoors. If an event is occurring during the day, you will want to think about where you will be sitting (you will not want the sun directly in your eyes!!!! Harsh sun + photos= a big no. So, plan to put backdrops adjacent to the window or with the sunlight behind the subject. Believe me when I say this will make the biggest difference in your photos. I will also help guide you on the day of your event to avoid harsh sunlight and find the best spots for photos!
Choose a Theme! A theme does not have to be be crazy…it can be as simple as white and blue florals. Be sure to elevate your event and enhance your photos by making themed invitations, game cards, and more. A flat lay is highly suggested to, to capture these special objects and items of your event. Contact me before your event, if you are interested. :)
Outfit Choice is Important! I can’t stress enough that details and colors are everything. When choosing an outfit, I want you to feel as comfortable as possible. A bridal shower dress can be simple! The colors of your outfits can totally transform how your images ultimately turn out! If you LOVE that light and airy style that I do, then this section is super important to read! I always recommend selecting lighter tones and more muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other. The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown, navy, and white. Additionally, some of my top recommendations is to wear a light-colored dress, with lace, sheerness, or embroidery. A pop of nude looks amazing too. On camera, these look magical. Some of my favorite brands are Dress the Population, Anthropologie, For Love & Lemons, ASTR the Label, Altar’d State, Shop Impressions, and Free People. Although pricey, they make for best photos, AND there are many websites that you can rent the outfits without paying full price, such as Rent the Runway! How amazing is that? Also, Long, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. There are so many beautiful poses we can create with a long beautiful dress! Cute, shorter-length dresses photograph beautifully as well. This would also give you an opportunity to show off any killer heels you may have! These are all just suggestions, so feel free to wear anything your heart desires…you will look beautiful either way!
Treat Yourself! Stress-Free Experience
Your bridal shower morning can be a whirlwind. A pro takes the pressure off so you don’t have to worry about eyeliner mishaps or curling iron disasters. You just sit back and get pampered. I highly recommend getting your hair and makeup professionally done- you deserve it! Not only that, this will enhance your photos for sure! I always say wear a little more than your everyday look. Also, a spray tan can look amazing too. It is always suggested to get those done at least 2-3 days prior to your event, since the color becomes more noticeable with time.
Relax and Enjoy
My job is to capture the beauty of your event and make sure to give you both candid and posed memories that you will be able to remember forever. I will guide you through poses when necessary, and take photos of the laughs, cries, and surprises throughout the event. This is your special day…have fun and enjoy every moment as it often goes by fast. Oh, and if your groom shows up with flowers at the end, that’s a total bonus! These picture-worthy moments will last an eternity.
Colors and Outfit Choice Makes a Difference
Dress comfortably, but remember, selecting lighter tones and more muted shades is the way to go.
By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other.
The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown, navy, and white.
Lace, sheerness, and embroidery also gives your photos an extra WOW feeling.
Why I Love What I Do
Being invited into such an intimate celebration is an honor I don’t take lightly. These are the chapters people will remember for the rest of their lives—and having the chance to preserve those memories through my lens is something I’m incredibly grateful for.
To the bride: thank you for letting me be part of your journey. Your joy was contagious, your smile lit up every frame, and your love story is just beginning. And to anyone planning a bridal shower—don’t underestimate the beauty and emotion of this pre-wedding celebration. It deserves to be documented just as much as the big day.
If you’re looking for someone to capture your special moments with heart, artistry, and a whole lot of love—I’d be honored to be behind the camera.
