Getting ready photos are a standard part of most wedding days, but making sure they look amazing requires some steps you may not have thought of. Before your wedding photographer arrives and begins to document your day, it’s important to have a few things already in place – trust us, your photographer will thank you!
Our breakdown of these 3 getting ready elements – the space, the details, and the timeline – include listed essentials that will not only help you get the best possible photos, but also assist you with timeline management and the flow of the morning. So follow our tips below and keep reading to learn about the essential elements you’ll need to consider in order to have the best possible getting ready photos! You’ll also find a free resource from Brontë Bride’s Wedding Resource Library available too!
One.
The Space
Photography: Kaity Body // Getting Ready Venue: The Westley Hotel // Click here to see this real wedding feature on the blog!
Things to Consider about Your getting Ready Space:
The Size
When choosing your getting ready location, make sure the space is big enough to comfortably fit yourself, your bridesmaids, your mother/grandmother/any other family members, your photographer and videographer, as well as your hair and makeup team!
The Light
The more natural light, the better! Seek a space with lots of windows and your photographer will love you for it!
The Location
How far away is the getting ready location from the venue? When it comes to estimating travel time between locations, always add more time than needed into the schedule just in case. Pick somewhere near your ceremony venue to cut down on travel time, as well as prolonged sitting (we don’t want to cause wrinkles or creases in your dress!).
The Style
It’s always a good idea to make sure that the different spaces you choose for your wedding day – whether it be your ceremony venue, reception venue, or getting ready space – complement your wedding style, and ultimately, your personal style as well. This is an easy way to ensure the overall look and style of your day is cohesive.
Having Separate Spaces
Don’t forget you’ll need 2 areas/rooms for getting ready photos! One for the bride and a separate space for the groom.
* BB TIP: Keep it tidy! *
Keep the whole space as clean and tidy as possible. You’re not going to want to see miscellaneous items in the background of all your photos. Plus a clear space will help you have a clearer mind. We recommend having you and your bridal party put all your non-essential items in a closet, or in one corner of the room.
Two.
The Details
Photography: Sweet Light Photography // Venue: Sparrow Lane Events
Things to Consider About Your Wedding Details:
Getting Ready Attire
What are you going to be wearing before you put your dress on? We’re suckers for a beautiful bridal robe! How about getting matching attire or accessories for the whole bridal party? We love seeing brides gift their I Do Crew with adorable pyjama sets, on-theme socks, special accessories, or silky robes.
The Significant Details
Incorporate items and details that are important to you, like family heirlooms, keepsakes, and any other special details that relate to your love story.
How to Organize Your Details
Set aside all your wedding details for your photographer to style and capture while you’re getting ready. We recommend gathering all the items a few days before and putting them all together in a box so it’s organized and easy to hand off on the morning-of.
* BB TIP: Have a Details Checklist! *
Not sure which details you might want include or what you should give your photographer? We’ve got you covered! Click below to download our free Wedding Details Packing Checklist from the Wedding Resource Library!
Three.
The Timeline
Photography: Nicole Delaine Photography // Venue: Hycroft Manor // Click here to see this real wedding feature on the blog!
Things to Consider About Your Getting Ready Timeline:
The Important Shots
Are you wanting a first look with your father? Or your mom doing up your dress? Or maybe some fun bridal party portraits? Think about what kinds of getting ready pictures you want and communicate that with your photographer and coordinator/planner so that enough time is set aside to get all of the pics you want!
The Size of the Group
Who’s going to be in the getting ready space with you in the morning and as you get your photos done? The more people that are in that space with you, the more time you’ll need to schedule for getting ready photos.
Adding Extra Time
We recommend adding some additional “buffer” time to your schedule. Organizing a bridal party, setting up a first look, travelling between locations, and even putting on your dress – could take longer than you think, and there might be some unexpected things that come up as well! Adding a few extra minutes of buffer time to the schedule will help you stay on track and have more flexibility during the day.
* BB TIP: Steam Everything The day Before *
Save time on the day by having your wedding dress and veil and all the bridesmaids dresses steamed ahead of time. Trust us on this one, you don’t want to feel stressed or rushed on the wedding morning steaming your dress – or have one of your bridesmaids steaming up the room after hair and makeup is complete!
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