Getting ready images on your wedding day are so much more than just “getting ready” images. They capture the small details you thought about and organized, the cheers-ing between you and your closest friends and family, and they serve as reminders of the moments before you said “I do”. For some brides, getting ready images mean bridesmaids in coordinating outfits, gifting personalized robes to wear, or choosing to get ready in a unique place like the bride’s childhood home. How you get ready on your wedding day sets the tone for the rest of the day, so let’s make it as fun and stress free as possible! On the morning of your big day, turn on your favorite music and follow my simple guidelines to make sure your photos are perfect!

Make Sure There is Natural Light

This is probably the most important thing you should consider when deciding where to get ready! The more natural light the better! Make sure the groom and groomsmen are also in a place with natural lighting. The ideal situation is to have enough light from windows that the lights do not need to be turned on. I know some venues leave with you no other option, but if it’s available, it will be preferred by me and your make-up artist.

If your venue offers settings with fluorescent lighting and rooms with no character, considering renting an air b n b or getting ready in your current or childhood home!

Keep a Clean Space

Water bottles, food wrappers, empty OJ bottles from the mimosas, you name it! Us girls are prepared for anything but with that comes a lot of stuff! Ask your family, friends, and bridal party to be conscious of their belongings while getting ready to avoid clutter in the photos. If you are getting ready in a hotel room or bedroom, make sure the bed is made! Simple touches like this will help save time when capturing all the detail and getting ready shots and make for cleaner, less distracting images.

Stick to a Hair and Makeup Schedule

Hair and makeup is the number one thing that can push back a timeline. Make sure to leave ample room for all bridemaids and you to get ready! I wouldn’t want you to cut into your photography time because you are waiting on hair and make-up! I would recommend around an hour for hair and an hour for makeup for the bride, and about 45 minutes for each service for the bridesmaids!

Get Ready Last

Make sure that you (the bride) is the last to get ready so that I can grab some final hair and makeup touches! When it is time to get dressed, have your mom, maid of honor, or anyone special to you help you put on your dress. These photos are such a sweet moment for you and that person to share. I would recommend having everyone leave the room for this so you can just enjoy the moment with that person, and me.

If you have multiple people that mean a lot to you, have one of them help you with your veil, shoes, or any other jewelry to make them feel special too.

Once all accessories and details are on, and before the first look with your bridesmaids, I would recommend taking a moment to yourself. Read a note from your partner, put your earrings in, take a deep breathe. YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED!

Keep Wedding Details Together

This tip helps you and me! While your bridesmaids are getting started with their hair and makeup, put all of your details in a shoebox or in one spot so that you don’t have to stress about where you placed them and I won’t have to ask for a bunch of items from you upon arrival. Keep your dress on the hanger so that I can snag it to grab some really cool angles of it!

Some ideas to keep in mind when thinking about detail shots: engagement/wedding rings and a box if you have one for them, a few loose flowers from your bouquet (ask your florist if he/she can bring this with your flowers), jewelry, perfume, invitation suite, and/or a note from your partner. Make sure your groom knows this as well! (socks, tie clip, tie, shoes, watch, etc).

Eat

I know you’re excited and want to look perfect in your wedding dress, but trust me, it is a LONG day and we don’t need any hangry brides or bridesmaids. Make sure you have a plan for breakfast or snacks that are easy to grab!

Have Fun

It is your wedding day, after all! Your family and friends are here to celebrate you and your partner and the love you share! Life is full of ups and downs and sometimes things don’t go as planned, so don’t stress about every little detail. I promise no matter what, it is going to be perfect!

All of your hard work and planning has paid off! It’s time to enjoy the day and let me capture all of the glances, hugs and dance moves! Check out some of these moments here.

XO,

Rachel