Where do I hold my wedding bouquet?

As a wedding photographer, I get asked this question all the time, so let’s talk about it.

In this post you’ll learn:

What’s the number one mistake while holding a wedding bouquet
Why it's important
And how to avoid it.

I’ll get right to it because it's simple, but not always easy: Don't hold your bouquet too high.

Let's be real for a moment. You most likely spent a good amount of time and money picking out the perfect wedding dress. And most dresses have beautiful detail on the top of the dress, that a bouquet can so quickly hide.

In the 8 years that I have been photographing weddings, I have never asked anyone to raise their bouquet. I am often asking ladies to lower their bouquets. So here’s a quick trick to think about while holding your wedding bouquet.

Instead of thinking about where to hold the bouquet (since all bouquets are sized and designed differently), think about where your wrists are. Your wrists should be near your waist or hip area.

Wedding photographer in Vancouver Washington.jpg

Here’s what happens when your wrists are near your hips.

1. Your arms will be relaxed & this does several things. — Relaxed arms, will help relax shoulders. Relaxed shoulders will help elongate your neck, which can even help with reducing double chin. That's right, everything is connected, girlfriend. ;)

2. Your arms will be elongated. Which is flattering and will also help the eye to elongate your torso.

3. Any time that your physical body is in a more relaxed position, your mind can't help but take the cue and join the party.
Relaxing your body will help you to actually be more relaxed. -- This is especially true for when you're walking down the aisle. And trust me, I want you to have a relaxed day, as much as you do.

Throughout the day, take a few deep breaths, and pay attention to any tight spots in your body. Relax those shoulders and it will do wonders for your state of mind & also your photos.

Here's a bonus tip.
Who doesn't love a bonus?

Now that you know where to place your wrists let’s quickly talk about your elbows.

Elbows should be slightly — and I mean slightly — away from your torso. This will provide just enough negative space between your arms and your torso and will help to define everything.

Below is a great example!