7 Tips for Getting Ready on Your Wedding Day
Getting Ready on Your Wedding
You open your eyes, rub the sleep off, and it hits you… TODAY IS YOUR WEDDING! The big day is finally here after MONTHS of planning and YEARS of dreaming. You’re overwhelmed with excitement and probably a bit nervous or even scared. And that’s OKAY. So what’s first on the agenda… it’s GETTING READY.
Over the years, I’ve photographed in all sorts of situations. I’d say I’ve seen it all, but then I’ll come across a new scenario that I haven’t seen before, and that’s a big part of why I love this job. From homes, to hotel rooms, to venue suites, to conference rooms, to garages and everything in between.
There isn’t a “perfect” way or location to get ready
But there are some key elements that make or break your experience and the photos. Don’t overlook the Getting Ready portion of your wedding day. It’s what lays the foundation for the rest of your wedding. What’s the saying… “Put your best foot forward.” It’s important to begin the day off on the right path.
Here are a few tips to achieve the BEST Getting Ready photos AND get the most out of the experience.
01. LIGHT
Natural light in the room is key! Light is the number 1 factor that separates bad photos to great ones. At least one large window will do and if there is only one window, please make sure the area in front of it is clear. Also, if there’s a mix of natural light and artificial from room lights, don’t be surprised if I ask to turn off the room lights. This helps with the color balance and skin tones.
If your room has no windows at all, don't stress. I bring the necessary gear to create my own light for when it’s needed :)
02. DETAILS
Having all details together before I arrive will save a lot of time. Details can be any item that you want photographed. Anything that’s important to you can be included - there are no rules. The usual details are:
Invitation/Save the Date
Dress
Veil
Rings (all 3)
Jewelry
Shoes
Perfume
Any gifts/letters
Put everything in a box or in one spot. I'll then style it when I arrive, but at least everything will be there and ready to go! I like to start the day with the details so everyone can get comfortable with me being present. Then once the details are done, I’ll transition to candid’s of everyone getting ready. By then, hopefully everyone sort of forgets that I’m there.
03. TIME
Allow MORE time than you think you need to get ready! The more people in your wedding party, the more time you need. Tell everyone when they need to be there and when they need to be ready by - no excuses. I’ve been to weddings where hair & makeup run over an HOUR behind schedule… This throws the whole day off. The ceremony and reception times are set in stone. So that means everything we have planned after the Getting Ready portion either gets cancelled or rushed trying to squeeze it in with the time we have left.
Have realistic expectations of how long it will take to get everyone ready, then add 30 minutes or even an hour for buffer time. It's better to be relaxed than rushed.
04. FLOWERS
Ask your florist for a few spare florals. Tell them it's for the detail photos and your photographer is happy to share any images for them to use. I've never seen a florist refuse! This isn’t necessary, but it does help elevate the detail images. Plus, you’ve paid good money for those flowers so you might as well incorporate them in your wedding photos!
05. TIDY UP
I know t1is is a REAL wedding day, not a styled photoshoot. There’s going to be a bit of a mess in the room where you and everyone is getting ready. I’ve become very good at getting the angles I need so nothing distracting is in the background. But it does make it a lot easier if the room isn’t a total disaster… At least try to make sure a section is clear of any garbage or bags.
06. MUSIC
Don’t forget a bluetooth speaker! If you’re anything like me, music can really set the mood. If it’s dead quiet, the energy tends to be low. This is YOUR WEDDING DAY!!! Live it up! Play your favorite music and turn the volume UP!
07. Relax and have fun! You're getting MARRIED!!!
It really upsets me when I see the bride or groom stressed and not having any fun. Things don’t always go as planned, in fact, they NEVER do. There are things you just can’t control. But what you CAN control is how you handle the situation and move forward. You have put WAY too much effort into this day to not ENJOY it. Really take it all in and soak it all up. Be present and live in the moment. Cry happy tears, laugh uncontrollably, shout in excitement. Do it all and LOVE it!
I hope this has helped you prepare for the beginning of your wedding day. Get excited because the day is almost here! It will be you waking up, realizing it’s your wedding day. Not a dream of your wedding… the ACTUAL day. All the planning will fall in place and it will be beautiful. You’ll remember this day for the rest of your life and I’ll document it all.