Getting ready photos are just as important as any other part of the day!

I remember sitting down during a consultation with a Bride and her mother and we begin to talk about what I would be capturing on her big day. The moment I mentioned “Getting Ready” shots her mother immediately interrupted me and told me that it was unnecessary for anyone to take any shots of her daughter getting ready. “Why on earth would you want to have any pictures of yourself without any makeup on in your undergarments?,” she said with a giggle, not really understanding what “Getting Ready” Photos were all about.

Just to be clear most photographers will not be taking shots of you rolling out of bed the day of your wedding. HA! These are simple shots of you surrounded by your closest friends and family, allowing you to remember the very intimate and emotional moments of you getting ready for the most important day of your life. The photographers goal is to capture the story of your day and every story has a beginning. The time that you are getting ready sets the tone for the rest of the day and these photos are just as important as any other time of the day.

Here are are some tips and suggestions to help you get amazing shots!

TIP #1: Choose a great room to get ready in. You took the time to carefully choose where you wanted to get married so why not make sure you also choose a special place to get ready in for your big day. No matter where you get ready, whether you choose your home or in a hotel I will make sure to take beautiful photos but if you want that wow factor I recommend taking the time to find the perfect getting ready space. Most venues do provide you with a bridal suite. This is ideal as you won’t have to jump into a vehicle to travel taking up precious time. It also provides amazing backdrops of the venue you have choosen. Always look for the biggest area for you and all your bridesmaid to get ready in.

TIP #2: Make sure that you get ready in a well lit area. Lots of natural light from windows is key! A well lit area will not only provide awesome photos but will also help your hair and makeup crew. We don’t want to look like the lady who put her makeup on in the dark. YIKES! If the room that you are getting ready in does not have a good amount of natural light I would recommend looking for outside areas close by. You can get into your dress in the room but have your bridesmaids zip/tie up her dress outside for better photos. In any situation, I am well prepared to use flash if absolutely necessary but natural light is always the best. It really makes all the difference and will give you amazing shots!

TIP #3: Clear the room of any clutter! Do you ever notice when the cameras go backstage at the celebrity award shows or during American Idol that it looks pretty clean for a backstage area? I truly believe there is a “real” backstage, where all the clutter is, the stuff they really don’t want you to see and then there is the pre-backstage. What I am calling the pre-backstage is organized chaos still allowing that backstage feel, creating excitement and emotion for the viewers to anticipate what is coming up next. I would recommend doing the same thing while you are getting ready. Move any items to a backstage area like a closet that you don’t want in the background of your images, such as undergarments, open over night bags, dirty laundry etc. The pre-stage area can be things such as dress accessories, makeup, maybe some light snacks, champagne, wine etc. I would also completely clear an area that has lots of light of any clutter to be used for when you put on your dress.  This will give you timeless photos of you and your girls helping you into your dress, and/or a gorgeous shot of Mom helping you put on jewelry without any destracting elements in the background.

TIP #4: Give yourself plenty of time.  Your photographer should work closely with you on a timeline for photos and will most likely request that you’re ready to get into your dress at a certain time. The bride should always get ready first. It may be tempting to want to get ready last but the bride is the most important person and should always get ready first. You can also request to have one makeup artist/hair stylist specifically for the bride and then a couple of other stylists for the rest of your crew to save on time. Make sure that all your bridesmaids and groomsmen know exactly when and where they need to be and what time they need to be ready. The more time you have to get ready the better. You would rather have extra time then be stressed out trying to rush to get ready. The less stressed you are the better photos you will take and the more smoother the day goes.

Tip #5: Plan on a “getting ready” Outfit.  Matching robes, sweat outfits, cool button up shirts can create a fun atmosphere while getting ready. Besides you don’t want to be photographed in a pair of your raggedy old sweats, do you?  Yes, everyone has them and they are super comfy but its best just to leave those at home. Some brides will opt for an outfit with everyone’s bridal position written on the back or some colorful cool robes to get ready in. Checkout Etsy.com. They have some cool getting ready outfit ideas. These make great bridal gifts by the way. Something your bridesmaid can keep to remember the day.

Tip #6: Don’t forget about the Guys. The guys take alot less time getting ready but like I said it’s so important to get all details of the day and having a second shooter to photograph the guys getting ready while the main photographer is with the girls is a must have. Even though the groomsmen take less time getting ready, the time the groom spends with his pals before he gets all fancied up is a fun time to remember. Just remember lots of light, a nice open area, and a clean area apply to them as well. And if there are important details such as cuff links, a special hankerchief or bridal gifts that you will be exchanging beforehand be sure to let your photographer know.

(The above photos taken by my amazing second shooter, Alison Taroli)

Tip #7: Relax and Enjoy! You’ve spent all year planning for your big day! All the vendors have been hand picked, the centerpieces are set, the flowers are perfect, the decorations are going up, your extended family from across the country arrived last night. Know that it is going to be an amazing day! Soon enough you will be surrounded by your loved ones and listening to the wonderful toasts about how perfect you and your fiance are for each other so sit back, relax and enjoy the day.

Getting ready photos are just the beginning but an important first step to your big day. I hope these tips will help you prepare for your getting ready photos and sets the tone for the rest of your amazing day! If you have any questions or comments be sure to leave them below. Thank you for stopping by and have wonderful time planning your wedding!