The Do's and Don'ts of Wedding Party Photos
Here's how to make sure your crew puts their best face forward.
For all of the planning and prepping required, a wedding, in the end, is just one day. But your wedding photos? Those last a lifetime. Of course you'll want everyone in your wedding party to look their best, but as the bride or groom, you can't micromanage them all. Instead, share this tip sheet of last-minute checks with someone you trust (think: your mom or your eagle-eyed MOH who can keep the crew in order). While you're at it, take the first step to get your groomsmen looking great: Have them rent their looks from Generation Tux. With a wide selection of high-quality suits and tuxes, and a convenient online ordering system, you can at least ensure the guys' outfits are on point (making sure their ties are straight, however, is totally on them).
Pre-Photography Checklist for Your Wedding Party
Do button the top suit jacket button (but not the bottom). A suit is designed to give a slimmer silhouette, which is only possible with the top button fastened. Just make sure to unbutton it before sitting down, or you risk ripping the jacket.
Don't sling your arms around each other's shoulders, at least for formal portraits. This leads to what's known as "lapel creep" when wearing a suit jacket—lifting your arms causes the lapels to bend and the shoulders of a jacket to bunch up. Not a good look.
Do clear your pockets. Dudes, you're on notice: A bulky phone, an overstuffed wallet, house and car keys—all are noticeable (and distracting) in your pants pocket. If you must have them on you during photos, use your inside jacket pocket instead.
Don't smoosh your arms against your sides. It's just not flattering. The most natural-looking shots occur when the arms are slightly lifted, creating a small gap between your arms and your body.
Do pin your boutonniere properly. We get it; it's not every day you're asked to wear a flower on your lapel. But when you are, you should know where to pin it, which would be on or just next to the lapel buttonhole. (P.S. Do a quick check in the mirror to make sure it's straight.)
Don't hold your bouquet in front of your chest. It covers up the bodice of your dress and causes your shoulders to tense. Instead, keep your arms slightly bent and clutch your flowers at waist or hip level, which creates a longer line and looks more relaxed.
Do check for wardrobe malfunctions. Otherwise, an open fly, a partially zipped dress or a rogue bra strap will be what you notice in the pic, not your smiling faces.
Don't leave a behind-the-scenes mess. The photographer wants to capture the fun and frivolity of the couple getting ready with their loved ones. What they don't want is a stack of soda cans, bags of chips, or bottles of hair spray littering up their shots.
Do get dressed before the bride. These shots should be focused on the bride stepping into her dress and slipping on her veil or jewelry without others getting ready around her. Plus, she might need your help.
10.Don't get sloshed before the ceremony. It's easier than you think if the bubbly or beer is flowing freely while getting ready. Drinking too much not only will make you look weary and crazy-eyed in photos; it could also make life way more difficult for the unlucky photographer.
Do check your teeth. Eating spinach-artichoke dip while getting ready does have its consequences—as does swiping lipstick on in a hurry. Take five seconds for a quick mirror check before cheesing it up for the camera.
12.Don't force a smile. Instead of defaulting to a wide, toothy grin, go with a slight smile—you know you're doing it right if it's a smile you could wear for hours.
13.Do stand up straight. You might think this goes without saying, but it's an easy to slouch if you're not paying attention. Before the camera starts snapping, take a deep breath and pull your shoulders slightly back.
14.Don't stress! The best way to act natural in photos? Enjoy yourself! At the end of the day, it's all about capturing the joy of the moment.
Ready to get a leg up on outfitting your wedding party? Generation Tux lets you order free swatches so you can compare colors IRL, plus they offer a 48-hour free home try-on for the groom, so you can test-drive your look, risk-free. Browse their collection of tuxes and suits to get started.
