29 Wedding Dress Pictures You'll Regret Not Taking

If you're like most of the brides we know, searching for the perfect dress was (or is) time consuming, wonderful, and just a tad stressful. Since you're only going to be wearing it once, make the most of your big day by taking all kinds of photos. While you're working on a shot list to hand over to your photographer, be sure to spend time drafting up scenarios and events that'll show your dress from the best angles possible. To help, we've rounded up some gorgeous pics to inspire you, including detail shots and pretty lighting you might not have thought of yet.

— Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak

01
Showing Ruffles to Maximum Effect
Esther Sun Photography

Showing Ruffles to Maximum Effect

Get inventive! We love the eager bride peering out the window, which, handily, shows off the ruffles of her skirt to full effect.

02
Being Zipped Up
Getty | Roberto Westbrook

Being Zipped Up

Emotions come straight through a photo if you can get one of your mother or a close friend helping you into your dress.

03
From the Waist Down
Getty | Tobias Titz

From the Waist Down

If you're besotted with your dress, let it have its own big moment. A classic shot from the waist down means viewers are forced to take in the gown in all its glory.

04
On the Hanger
Pasha Belman Photography

On the Hanger

There's a reason on-hanger shots are so popular! The styled pictures evoke the calm before the storm and don't let anything compete with the dress.

05
The Back
Getty | Sejal Singh / EyeEm

The Back

Plenty of dresses are just as stunning from the back. While options abound to get a picture of you walking away, consider playing with a few different poses and even trying some in-action moments.

06
Being Fussed Over by Your Bridesmaids
Milton Gan Photography

Being Fussed Over by Your Bridesmaids

Ask your photographer to capture all the primping action, especially if folds and pleats of your skirt will require some hands-on bridesmaid action.

07
The Buttons
Getty | Hinterhaus Productions

The Buttons

A row of classic buttons is a gorgeous dress detail we love to see — especially if it's an important part of your look. Be sure to capture an image of it during a special moment.

08
Delicate Veil Trimming
Getty | Reggie Casagrande

Delicate Veil Trimming

Lacy or embroidered edges are often the final finishing touch that offer just the right bit of romance. Zoom in on yours to get the full picture.

09
Lifting the Veil
chrissy lynn LOVE

Lifting the Veil

Not only is the moment the veil is lifted over your head magical, but it also makes for a stunning photo.

10
Walking Away
Lavender & Twine

Walking Away

A shot of you and your groom walking away has a nostalgic feel, as if you're officially stepping into your new life, but it's also perfect for showing off the back of a dress.

11
Being Picked Up
Sarah Bradshaw Photography

Being Picked Up

This adorable picture is equal parts sweet and smart: by lifting you off your feet, your groom's allowing your dress (and veil) to be shown off even more.

12
The Train Fanned Out
Getty | Anna Mardo

The Train Fanned Out

Dramatic trains are at their prettiest when fanned out. Contrasted against nature, it's even more shocking.

13
The Glorious Train
Getty | ValaGrenier

The Glorious Train

If you really went for it with a long train, make sure you take images from all angles, even from the side when you're getting set up to pose!

14
Sitting With Your Skirt Piled Up
Jen Lauren Grant from Birds of a Feather Photography

Sitting With Your Skirt Piled Up

There's so much fun to be had by showcasing the volume of a full gown when sitting with it piled around you. Bonus: it shows off your shoes!

15
An Aerial View
Getty | Aleksandr Kuzmin

An Aerial View

So you've instructed your photographer to take shots from the front, back, and side, but what about from up above? This bird's-eye view puts your dress and accessories in a totally new perspective.

16
Alone by the Window
Getty | Ruslanshug

Alone by the Window

Quiet, solo shots have a serene vibe to them that we love, and they allow for more attention on your dress!

17
A Classic Veil Shot From Behind
John Schnack Photography

A Classic Veil Shot From Behind

A shot this classic could've come from any generation. Make sure your veil is arranged perfectly, and have your photographer stand directly behind you.

18
On the Dance Floor
Cooper Carras

On the Dance Floor

While flashbulbs are sure to go off during your first dance, enlist someone to make sure that they're focusing on the dress, rather than just the dancers.

19
Details on the Hanger
Anna Roussos

Details on the Hanger

The hanger shot is a sure thing, but why not try some zoomed-in details, too? Belts, lace, and embellishments are worth their own close-up moments.

20
Movement While Walking
Getty | Nadtochiy

Movement While Walking

Professional models know just how to move to bring life to a picture. Give your wedding day some of that same energy by swishing or moving your gown as you walk.

21
Catching the Sunlight
Susan Stripling Photography

Catching the Sunlight

If your ceremony is happening around sunset, use the light to your best advantage. Ask the photographer to scout out an area that'll allow the evening light to illuminate your dress and veil.

22
The Swell of a Trumpet Skirt
Hilary Cam Photography Sydney

The Swell of a Trumpet Skirt

A trumpet or mermaid dress is undeniably glamorous — make sure you're capturing it as such.

23
Just the Skirt
KT Merry Photography

Just the Skirt

Whether your skirt is elaborate or simple tulle, it should get its own moment. Bonus points if you're getting married on the beach like this bride and can achieve a stunning monochromatic palette.

24
Shoulder Details
Getty | Aliaksandr Lobach

Shoulder Details

You can lean on your partner in such a way that the shoulder details are the focal point of this photo, without it being too obvious.

25
The Silhouette
Getty | Kelvin Murray

The Silhouette

One of the best moments for your photographer to capture the silhouette of your bridal look is when you and your partner are exchanging vows.

26
Shape Defining With Your Bouquet
Getty | Yuttana Jaowattana / EyeEm

Shape Defining With Your Bouquet

Have your photographer stand behind you, and go for a casual lean, letting your bouquet hang down to the side and trace your shape.

27
The Mirror Shot
Getty | Eva-Katalin

The Mirror Shot

This one is of utmost importance. Make sure your photographer is in the room, positioned so as to be out of the photo (but with a full view of the mirror) the first time you look at yourself in your wedding dress on your big day.

28
A Worm's-Eye View
Getty | Indeed

A Worm's-Eye View

Capture the details from down low, and use the bright blue sky as your backdrop. It'll allow viewers to see your dress from a totally new perspective.

29
Show Off the Texture
Getty | Deborah Jaffe

Show Off the Texture

Play with your skirt or touch it in such a way that the texture of your gown becomes palpable through the photo. People looking through your wedding album who never saw your dress in person will feel as if they were there.