How to Get the Best Getting Ready Photos on Your Wedding?

Ever wondered how to get the best getting ready photos on your wedding day?

It is so important to start your wedding day off right cause it sets the tone for the rest of the day. If you want to have a calm and stress free wedding experience, it is best to start the morning off in the most calm and stress free environment. Some of my favorite wedding day photos are from the getting ready portion of the day. They can be so intimate and personal, not only do they set the tone for the rest of the day, but they tell the full story of your wedding.  

Here are some things to consider to get the best getting ready photos on your wedding day. 

Lighting is key!

Choose a getting ready location that has a bunch of natural light. Not only does this help with your photos, but it will also help your MUA when they do your makeup. 

Keep your space tidy

This may seem like a no brainer, but keep your getting ready space tidy. Nothing ruins some photos than having a bunch of clutter in the background. When your parents and friends come it can be hard to keep the space tidy.  It helps to have a designated space for everyone’s bags, curling irons, makeup, food etc that way not everything is everywhere. 

Also consider appointing someone to be your “tidier” to do a quick look around the space and gather any bottles, chargers, etc. before I come! That way it is one less thing you have to worry about. 

If the space is big enough, maybe you are in a hotel suite keep one of the rooms dedicated to YOU getting ready. 

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Details

Gather all of your details a couple days leading up to your wedding, that way you don’t have to rush the night or morning before. When your photographer gets there, we can start to work on the details while you finish up with the finishing touches on your makeup or hair. For details, this can be anything you want photographed or that tells the story of your relationship.

 While you certainly don’t have to have all of these details, here is a quick checklist you can use as ideas of what to gather up and make sure they are all in the same spot!

Details Checklist 

• Rings (engagement & wedding bands)
• Jewelry: Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings, etc.
• Viel, crown, 
• Wedding Shoes, Hiking Boots, etc
• Tie, Bowtie, Cufflinks
• Cologne and/or Perfume 
• Invitations, Save the Date, 
• Bouquet 
• Vow books, vows, letters to each other

Getting ready outfits

While you certainly don’t have to get everyone matching robes or pajamas to get ready in, it does look more polished in photos if you all are wearing similar robes or attire. 

Write your vows

While you might already have a portion or all of your vows written, a lot of couples choose to write their vows into their vow books the morning of their wedding. This makes for some very personal and intimate photos. You can do this in in your wedding attire, or if the timing doesn’t work out 

Give each other letters or gifts

Another great idea to get super personal getting ready photos is to write each other a letter to read while you both get ready. You can also gift each other something on your wedding day too. The letters and gifts are typically read and opened after you are in your wedding attire.

If you have a wedding party, another thing you can consider for your getting ready location is to rent out a big house where EVERYONE can get ready together. This helps minimize the stress with everyone being under the same roof, and creates more of a party atmosphere between your wedding party. You can still keep separate from your partner and have an intimate first look experience. 

Be selective with who you choose to surround yourself with

This might be controversial, but I feel like it is so important to talk about. While this is good advice in general, it is doubly important on your wedding day. There may be some people in your life who feel like they deserve a spot by your side, but unless you truly 100% want them there, they don’t need to be there. It is so important to surround yourself with people who will be a champion of you and your partner. Especially if you want to have a relaxed and stress-free start to your day. 

How much time do you really need for getting ready photos? 

Every wedding day is different, and how much time depends on a variety of factors. How many people will be there? Are you two getting ready in the same location or separately? When do you want to get in your dress or wedding attire? Are you going to be gifting each other presents, or something that might take a little bit longer? All of these factors and more play a role into how long getting ready photos might take. 

Typically, I like to give 2 hours for getting ready photos. This generally breaks down to 30 minutes of details, and then 30 minutes with each partner, with an extra 30 minutes for general atmosphere pictures, or location scouting for your first look. 

Remember, if your goal is to be as relaxed and stress free as possible, one way to do that is by giving yourself extra time and plenty of wiggle room so you don’t feel rushed from one activity to another. That is why I typically suggest 2 hours for getting ready pictures. That way you can enjoy every second of your day, and not feel rushed to keep the timeline.

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