Your wedding day is full of special moments; getting ready for the ceremony is one of the most memorable. Capturing the excitement, emotion, and personal touches during this time adds a unique layer to your wedding album.
With thoughtful planning, you can ensure your getting-ready photos turn out beautifully, showcasing everything from the small details to the candid moments. Here are some practical tips to make this part of your day shine in your photos.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Getting ready wedding photos capture intimate, emotional moments before the ceremony. Choose a well-lit, tidy space to ensure great photos and involve your bridal party with coordinated outfits.
Allocate extra time, highlight key details like your dress and accessories, and plan for special moments with family and friends. Communicate with your photographer, stay relaxed, and let candid moments unfold naturally.
Including meaningful accessories, playing music, and ensuring proper hair and makeup timing will enhance the experience and the final images.
14 Tips For Getting Ready Wedding Photos
Getting ready for your wedding is a special part of the day, filled with excitement and emotion. Capturing these moments allows you to relive the anticipation before the ceremony.
Planning goes a long way toward ensuring that your getting-ready photos turn out beautifully. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of this part of your wedding day.
1. Choose A Well-Lit Space
Lighting is a key factor in photography, so picking a well-lit room for your preparations is essential. Natural light from windows is the best option, creating a soft and flattering glow.
Select a space with large windows that allow plenty of daylight. Avoid using rooms with harsh overhead lighting or dim areas, as they can create unwanted shadows.
A room with balanced light ensures the photographer can capture crisp, beautiful images. If natural light isn’t available, consult your photographer for alternatives, such as soft artificial lighting.
2. Keep The Space Clean And Tidy
A tidy room helps keep the focus on you rather than the clutter. Before the photographer arrives, clear away bags, clothes, and other distractions.
Assign someone from your bridal party to keep the space organised throughout the morning. Choosing a clutter-free room also improves the composition of your photos.
A clean, well-organised space allows the photographer to focus on the main elements of the shot without any unwanted background distractions.
3. Coordinate Outfits For The Bridal Party
Having your bridal party wear matching outfits during the getting-ready phase adds a polished touch to the photos.
Many brides opt for matching robes or pyjamas, which can create a cohesive look in the images and serve as a fun keepsake for your bridesmaids.
These coordinated outfits enhance the photos’ aesthetic and highlight the bond between you and your bridal party. It’s a simple yet effective way to add unity and style to your getting-ready shots.
4. Allow Extra Time For Photos
Weddings are often tightly scheduled, but giving yourself extra time to get ready photos ensures you will feel comfortable. Allocate about an hour for photography before heading to the ceremony or your first look.
This gives your photographer enough time to capture all the important details, from your dress to candid moments with your bridal party. Building extra time allows unforeseen delays, such as makeup touch-ups or minor hiccups, without creating unnecessary stress.
5. Focus On Key Details
Your dress, shoes, jewellery, and other personal items are important in your getting-ready photos. Set these items aside in advance for the photographer to capture.
For example, hang your dress in a well-lit area so it can be photographed before you put it on. Detail shots of your veil, bouquet, and accessories add depth to your wedding album.
These images highlight the thought and care that went into every part of your look and help tell the full story of your day.
6. Capture Special Moments
The getting ready part of the day is often filled with meaningful moments, such as a first look with your parents, exchanging gifts with your partner, or sharing a toast with your bridal party.
Let your photographer know about these moments so they’re ready to capture them. These personal touches can turn your getting-ready photos into emotional highlights of your wedding album.
7. Involve Your Bridal Party
Your bridesmaids are an integral part of your wedding day, and including them in your getting-ready photos brings a sense of fun and camaraderie. Candid shots of them helping you into your dress, adjusting your veil, or sharing a laugh create natural and lively moments.
The best photos often come from these relaxed, unposed interactions, so encourage your bridal party to enjoy themselves and let your photographer capture the joy of the day.
8. Don’t Forget The Groom
It is suggested that a second photographer be arranged to capture the groom and groomsmen as they prepare. This ensures that both sides of the story are documented, providing a complete view of the wedding day preparations.
Images of the groom adjusting his tie, putting on his suit, or sharing a drink with his mates complement the bridal party shots, giving balance to your wedding album.
9. Stay Relaxed And Enjoy The Moment
The best photos often come from genuine, candid moments. Stay relaxed and enjoy the process—don’t worry too much about the camera.
Whether it’s a shared laugh or a quiet moment with a loved one, these natural emotions will shine through in your photos. Trust your photographer to guide you through key shots and allow the day to unfold naturally.
This balance between direction and spontaneity will result in authentic, heartfelt images.
10. Start Early With Your Photographer
Having your photographer arrive early ensures they capture the entire getting-ready process. From the first moments of hair and makeup to the final adjustments before you walk down the aisle, being present from the start allows the photographer to document every step.
Communicate the day’s timeline clearly with your photographer and let them know if you want them to capture any particular moments. This will help them plan and ensure they’re in the right place at the right time.
11. Include Meaningful Accessories
If you have sentimental items, like heirloom jewellery or a gift from your partner, ensure these are included in your getting-ready photos.
These personal touches add a layer of meaning to your images and help tell a more complete story of your day. Let your photographer know the significance of these items so they can focus on capturing their importance in your wedding album.
12. Set The Mood With Music
Playing music while you get ready can help set a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you prefer calming tunes or upbeat party songs, a good playlist can lift the mood and bring an extra element of joy to your photos.
The energy created by the music will translate into the images, giving them a lively and positive feel.
13. Plan Hair And Makeup Timing
Ensure your hair and makeup schedule allows enough time to complete everything comfortably. This will ensure you feel free and give your photographer time to capture the finishing touches.
A trial session before the wedding day will help determine the needed time, making the process smoother on the big day.
14. Communicate With Your Photographer
Good communication with your photographer is essential to capturing the best shots. Discuss your preferences, vision, and any specific requests ahead of time.
Share your schedule and highlight any moments that are particularly important to you. By keeping an open dialogue, your photographer can tailor their approach to meet your expectations and ensure all the key moments are captured.
Conclusion
Preparing for photos is an intimate and emotional part of your wedding day. Choosing a well-lit space, staying organised, and coordinating with your photographer ensure this part of the day is beautifully documented.
Focus on enjoying the process, and let your photographer capture the candid moments, meaningful details, and joy that will make these photos cherished memories. With careful planning and a relaxed approach, your getting-ready photos will tell your wedding day’s complete and heartfelt story.
FAQs About Wedding Photography
Who Should Get Ready With The Bride?
It is completely up to you who you want when you get ready. Most brides have their bridesmaids and mum. Some also have friends, grandma, and the mother of the groom.
Do You Take Pictures Before Or After Ceremony?
Taking photos before the wedding is a new practice, kicking out the old tradition that couples can’t see each other until the ceremony. This gives you the freedom and the time to take photos before the wedding celebration begins.
Are Getting Ready Photos Important?
Even the moment you see yourself with your dress on can be emotional. Everyone around you is so happy and excited; the energy is contagious! Taking getting-ready photos can capture important details you will remember forever.
How Long Do You Need To Get Ready Photos For Wedding?
When planning enough time on your wedding day for get-ready photos, ensure you allow at least 60 to 90 minutes for the photographers to capture your details and moments beautifully!
What Mother Of The Groom Should Not Wear?
It’s encouraged to avoid wearing white, blush, or neutral hues that can look white on camera unless specifically approved by the bride. These shades may look similar to the bride’s wedding dress, and avoiding colour mishaps is always best.
