Your hands are probably something that you’re totally unaware of in most situations, but once that camera comes out, you become painfully aware. 

Why is that? We all know the “good god, what do I do with my hands?” feeling.

It is excruciating. Somehow it’s difficult to convince our bodies that those things at the ends of our arms have been there all along. 

Then to add to the awkwardness, your hands are often highlighted in many wedding photos. I mean, that’s where the bling resides!

So, today, I’m going to give you some tips, tricks, and inspiration to rock those wedding hand photos at your reception. 

What Do I Do With My Hands? 

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help yourself when hand anxiety takes over. 

Freshen Up

You’re going to want to start the day fresh. And by fresh, I mean clean. Please wash your hands. 

Of course, this is your wedding day, so you will likely be clean, but I still feel it’s important to stress this point. Your natural hand awkwardness is going to explode exponentially when you realize you’ve got dirt caked under your nails. 

So, give your hands some love and start the day feeling so fresh and so clean. 

Give Yourself Something to Do

I think of all the tips, this is the most important. 

Your hands panic when there’s a camera pointing at you because they want something to do. So help ’em out. 

Something as simple as ruffling your dress, pushing away your hair, or tracing a line on your beau’s clothing can help your hands remember how to act. 

Try to consistently give them a job, even if it’s something tiny, and you’ll start to feel far more natural and relaxed in all of your photos. 

Relax

Speaking of relaxation, my third tip is to just relax. 

It’s always helpful when someone tells you to relax, right? 

I hear you screaming but HOW? in your head, and my main suggestion is to breathe. Like, consciously breathe. In through your nose and out through your mouth, slowly. 

Did this all of a sudden become a yoga class? 

A bonus result of breathing like this is it helps your face look relaxed and natural as well. 

Best Wedding Hand Photos Ideas

Now let’s get into some inspo for your wedding day hand modeling dreams!

Focus On the Bling

Is there anything more classic than a close-up shot of your ring finger on your wedding day? Rest your hand on a chair for a refined version of this favorite.  

Hand Hold

This is a fabulous hand shot to start with because you’re already going to want to hold hands with your new spouse. Easy peasy. 

Wide Shot

I personally love when the hands are the sneaky star of the show. No, it’s not a close-up, but the hands are the center of the photo, and they’re what bring you two together. 

Face Touch

Photos where hands are highlighted often feel very intimate, and this once is no exception. Graze your hand on your beau’s face to create a sweet moment. 

Shoulder Grab

Bring your significant other in by giving them a slight pull on the arm or shoulder. Again, it’ll give your hands something to do, and it might even look a bit steamy. 

Frame Your Face

Try a few different hand positions to frame your face in a natural but artistic way. 

Frame Your Partner’s Face

Or get your partner in on the action, and show them how much you love them.

Don Your Jewelry

Get a few photos of you putting your jewelry on. It’s a beautiful way of highlighting your hands while they’re already occupied with a job. 

Ring Exchange

Of course, probably the most crucial part of the day (at least for the hands) is the ring exchange during the ceremony. Don’t miss it!

Hand to Chest

Rest your hand on your (new!!) husband’s chest. It’ll feel like a very natural place for your hand to rest.

Peace Sign

Throw up a peace sign (or any other sign) to bring attention to your hands in a natural way! 

The Almost Kiss

Nothing is quite as sexy as an almost kiss. Go in for one and bring your hand to your partner’s face. Then see how long you can hold that pose. 

It ain’t easy. 

Hand Over Hand

Bring a little closeness to your photos by resting your hand on top of your partners. Gorgeous. 

First Touch

If you’re not into the First Look, try the First Touch! It’s such an intimate and unique way to connect before the ceremony. 

Under the Veil

You’ve got the veil, don’t be afraid to use it!

Group Photo

Get your friends in on the action!

Get Creative

If you’re feeling comfortable with the typical hand wedding photos, throw in a few creative wedding photography poses to shake it up a bit. 

Stolen Glimpse

Sometimes, if your photographer catches you unaware, it can make for a gorgeous glimpse into your wedding day. 

Hugging the Arm

Come up behind your partner and grab onto their arm. Your hands will have a job, and you’ll get to be nice, close, and comfortable!

Bring It Forward

When your partner puts their hand over your shoulder, reach up and grab it. Then watch the magic happen. 

Lead the Way

This is another one of those photos where the hands aren’t front and center, but they’re still the star of the show. Grab your partner’s hand and lead the way!

Amongst the Flowers

Grab your bouquet and use it as a gorgeous background. 

Matching Tattoos

Have matching tattoos near your hands? Of course, this one is a must-have!

The Chin Grab

I’ll wrap up with this classic. It’s giving me all the romantic feels!