Your dress is impeccable, the ceremony and the reception went as planned, but just when you thought you had the perfect wedding, you get your pictures back and realize that you don’t like the way you look in any of them. What can you do to be sure that your photos come out as beautifully as your memories of your special day? Here are several tips.

Do not scrimp on the photographer – get the best one there is! No one will remember what flowers you used to decorate the reception or the shoes you wore with your wedding dress. But decades from now, your children and your children’s children will look at your wedding album. Wedding photographs aren’t just souvenirs; they’re family heirlooms.

Avoid a complicated hairstyle and veil. You’ll be too busy at the wedding and the reception to check the mirror and see if you look okay, and you don’t want your hair to be falling out of the pins or your veil to lie askew. Alternately, you can bring a small clutch bag or pouch that matches your gown and keep blotting paper, pressed powder, and lipstick for quick retouches.

Bridal makeup should look soft, romantic, and natural, not harsh. Choose neutral pinks to look like a real “blushing bride”; the same goes for lipstick. Make sure your lipstick is matte or semi-matte; sheer lipstick rubs off too easily. You will cry a lot, so wear waterproof mascara and avoid heavy powder eyeshadow. Black mascara will give you unflattering raccoon eyes and powder eyeshadow will smear and cake.

Finally, take good photographs before and after the ceremony, while everyone’s makeup is still fresh. You should have solo shots, couple shots, and photos with your family, entourage, and friends.

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