How to Hold Your Bouquet for Wedding Photos – 5 Tips from Your Scottish Wedding Photographer

I know for many brides, holding a bouquet doesn’t feel as natural as you might expect. After all, it’s not something we do every day! Some brides worry about their arms looking awkward, others feel unsure about where exactly to hold it and a few are concerned about covering up the beautiful details of their dress. There’s also the nerves – walking down the aisle with all eyes on you can make even the simplest things feel a bit overwhelming.

That’s why I wanted to share these tips with you, straight from experience, to help you look your best and let your bouquet enhance your wedding photos.

This is the golden rule of bouquet holding. Keep it low, around your bellybutton. I know it might feel odd at first because it’s natural to want to hold it higher, but trust me, keeping it low makes all the difference. When you hold your bouquet too high, it can hide the stunning details of your dress or even block parts of your face in photos. By keeping it at bellybutton height, you’re framing yourself perfectly and allowing the bouquet to complement your look rather than take over.

As you walk down the aisle, remember my favourite phrase “low and slow.” Hold your bouquet low and walk slowly. This not only helps with your photos but also makes the whole moment feel more intentional and graceful. It’s your time to shine, so let everyone take it all in.

Your posture is key to looking confident and natural in your photos. Roll your shoulders back, stand tall, and let your arms relax. Holding your bouquet lower naturally helps with this as it keeps your arms from feeling stiff or awkward. Think of it as letting your bouquet rest gently in your hands rather than gripping it tightly.

If you’re worried about how you’ll look, just remember: when you feel comfortable, you’ll look comfortable. A relaxed bride always looks radiant, and keeping your posture strong but natural will ensure you look elegant in every photo. Plus, standing tall lets your dress and bouquet work together beautifully.

Your bouquet doesn’t need to stay in the same position for every photo. For the ceremony shots, keep your bouquet low and centred to showcase your dress. If you’re walking or sharing a quiet moment during newlywed shots, let it rest slightly to the side for a more relaxed feel.

Group shots are another area where bouquet positioning matters. When you’re with your bridesmaids, try to keep everyone’s bouquets at roughly the same height. This creates a cohesive and polished look. Don’t worry about figuring this out on your own though, I’ll be there to guide you and make sure everything looks perfect!

Like anything else, a little practice goes a long way. If you can, try holding your bouquet during a dress fitting or rehearsal. If your actual bouquet isn’t ready yet, grab something and pretend to hold it during your dress fitting or rehearsal – it’ll help you feel more comfortable and figure out how to hold it in a way that looks natural and works with your dress. Experiment with different positions to find what feels most comfortable and natural for you. Practising your walk with the practice ‘bouquet’ can also help ease any pre-aisle nerves.

Rehearsals are also a great time to remind your bridesmaids about the “low and slow” mantra. If everyone’s on the same page, it’ll make the group photos flow smoothly. It might feel like a small detail, but being prepared will make you feel more confident and allow you to fully enjoy the day.

On the day, I’ll be right there to give you guidance and make little adjustments as we go. You don’t need to remember every single tip or worry about how you’re holding the bouquet at every moment. My job is to make you look amazing, and I’ll be keeping an eye on all those details so you don’t have to.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. The best photos happen when you’re relaxed, happy and fully present in the moment. Take a deep breath, soak in the atmosphere and remember to enjoy yourself! Your bouquet is there to enhance your look, but it’s your happiness that will steal the show every time.

Holding your bouquet the right way might seem like a wee thing, but it’s one of those details that helps your photos stand out. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll look and feel amazing in every shot. And remember, I’ll be there to help you every step of the way.

If you’ve got any questions or want to chat about your wedding photos, get in touch with me here. I’d love to hear all about your plans!