As a professional wedding photographer (with hundreds under my camera straps), I’ve learned a secret–no matter what type of people are in your bridal party (shy, crazy, fun, nervous, relaxed, etc.)–they love taking bridal party photos when there are “extras” involved. Add a secret ingredient and BOOM something special occurs in the room and behind the lens! When the bridal party doesn’t have to be in charge of “bringing the fun”, you can count on a relaxed bridal party photo time and amazing photos. You add that secret ingredient and everyone forgets about the photographer and loosens up to engage with the fun.
Here are 6 amazing secret ingredients to add to your bridal party photo time to create epic photos and a fun time for all!
1. Flower Petals
There are a lot of things you can toss in the air for an effect, but I think flower petals are my favorite!
Not only are they biodegradable and smell amazing ;), but they also make incredible photos!
You can add pops of color for fun or keep it classic with white. Flower petals work so great! The way they show up on camera is amazing! And everyone gets involved in tossing all the petals!
Check with your local grocery store or floral shop for their unused petals.
2. Champagne
Pop some champagne! This is one of the easiest and most enjoyable bridal party photo activities for everyone!
Gather your bridal party and fire away! Every couple pops their champagne a little differently and you can guarantee it’s always entertaining. Whether it splashes from side to side or sprays through the sky and hits the light just right, you can always count on lots of laughter and epic photos!
It’s also fun to take champagne-popping photos in the dark with some artificial light to set the party vibe.
3. Confetti
I love confetti cannons! And the huge variety of confetti! Small, big, colorful, sparkly, simple, circles, rectangles, or even different shapes!
Confetti is the perfect option for your perfect day and vibe! It’s so fun to play with and is great for photos.
I think it’s especially awesome to buy multiple cannons so that everyone gets to enjoy the fun. More confetti cannons, more smiling faces, more memories, and more epic photos!
Also, if you purchase plenty you’ll have a few extras if you experience any malfunctions. Here are a few colorful confetti cannons from amazon.
4. Butterfly Confetti
Did you know there was such a thing as butterfly confetti? I love butterfly confetti!
It looks and feels like butterflies are a part of your special day! Like they’ve flown in to bless your wonderful bunch!
The butterfly confetti typically comes in 12-inch confetti cannons. You aim straight up, twist the bottom, and each popper uses compressed air to shoot the beautiful (biodegradable) confetti 15-20 feet in the air. The effect is magical.
I love seeing the larger shapes surrounding my couples to show more dynamic in the photos. Plus, it takes a little longer for the butterfly confetti to hit the ground than traditional confetti which gives an opportunity for even more amazing photos!
If you want a springy and joyful effect, snag some of these butterfly confetti cannons from Amazon.
5. Light Wands with Your Bridal Party
Light wands make epic night photos! I love the look of “safe sparkler” light wands!
They stay lit. No sparks fall (great for dry grass or nearby fields or heavily forested areas). They vary in size, color, and handles. And you have a chance to reuse them for New Year’s, a birthday celebration, or sell them!
Bridal parties love to step outside at night and have fun with light wands. The smiles, glow of white or colors, and contrast make amazing photos. Then you can also bring them on the dance floor for even cooler reception party photos!
These party favorites are sold in lots of places or you can snag some light wands from Amazon.
6. Sparklers
If you’re looking for an outdoor evening activity that can also double as a sendoff, sparklers are one of my all-time favorites. It’s a wonderful activity for everyone. I cannot recommend sparklers at night enough! You will love the fun and the photos!
A majority of my clients welcome guests to enjoy the sparklers outside as soon as it gets dark. All it takes is a sign with instructions by the sparklers and one person to start it and everyone wants to be a part of the fun!
It’s not a true exit, but more of a fun time for families, bridal parties, friends, and kiddos to enjoy some sparklers and fresh air before hitting up the dance floor again and some late night food.
Or if you wish to use sparklers as an exit, just give yourself enough room to safely (think hairspray and lots of fabric) move past the line of sparkling guests.
To get incredible, warm and fun photos while giving an amazing experience to your crowd, snag these sparklers from Amazon.
There’s so much to smile about on your wedding day! But adding extra special, secret ingredients gives everyone another opportunity for your bridal party and guests to be playful. And for me to capture even more amazing moments. I highly recommend filling the love that’s in the air with an extra special surprise for your bridal party and your wonderful guests.