On your wedding day, you’ll probably have more photographs taken of you than you ever will again.
And you know which you’ll probably look best in? The ones snapped on mobiles by your friends. Why? Because it’s in those photographs that you’re likely to look most relaxed, rather than the more formal posed ones.
Which is a bit of a pity really.
The thing is, there is a way around this. Last Friday, I went to the National Wedding Show and sat in on a deportment masterclass given by ex-model Michele Paradise, who runs The Bridal Coach.
For half an hour I listened to her top hints and tips on deportment and how to make sure you look completely fabulous in ALL your wedding photographs – not just the casual snaps.
Here’s what Michele had to say:
- A white wedding dress throws off a very unflattering ‘halo effect’ which you have to counteract with your posture. You need to create light and shade yourself by moving and holding your body differently.
- When you’re being photographed, stand in a model ‘T-shape’, with one foot in front of the other, turning your hips slightly to one side. Don’t stand dead straight ahead like a soldier.
- Your posture is very important. Sitting and standing up straight makes a woman look thinner and slouching is very ageing (think of those road signs of an old couple). Practise standing up straight by holding a broom handle between your shoulder blades and pulling in your core (tummy) muscles. You’ll look slimmer and more confident in less than five minutes by doing this.
- Any tension you feel is likely to show in your hands, which will be on display all day. Shake them out before the photographs to relax.
- Hold your bouquet by your hip, slightly to one side. Don’t hold it too high (you’ll hide that beautiful detailing on your bodice) and don’t hold it too low – because that will give you a slouching effect too.
- Remember to put your ‘ring’ finger on top of your bouquet, so that your beautiful engagement ring and wedding ring show.
- Smile and remember things that make you happy. You’re marrying the man of your dreams – that should do the trick!
- Remember to smile with your eyes too – not just your mouth.
No matter where you live, you can benefit from all the tricks Michele learned during her time as a model by following her six week online coaching programme which is available on a CD.
I absolutely loved this masterclass on posture, and spent the rest of my weekend posing in front of a full length mirror, watching Michele’s hints and tips on deportment really working their magic.
Try it and see – you’ll love the results and you’ll love your wedding photographs so much more if you’re looking your absolute best!
Check out our fab interview with Michele at this years National Wedding Show
Top photo credit: Via National Wedding Show
