Getting Ready Photos
the essential guide to beautifuly authentic getting ready photos
Getting ready photos capture the intimate and genuine moments of a couple's preparation for their wedding or elopement. These moments are the calmest moments during any wedding day. They set the stage for the story of the couple's wedding day as it unfolds in quiet anticipation that is like any other moments on a wedding day. These are not moments that you can ever replicate down the line because you only get ready for your wedding once in your whole life.
Location
Location, location, location. Are you sensing a theme in wedding planning? Location is everything! The location sets the tone for the photos, whether you are getting ready in a 5-star hotel or vintage Airbnb, your location is such a crucial part of the getting ready process and the storytelling of your day. Now, some logistical parts of the location need to be taken into consideration in addition to look and feel.
Number of rooms
Size of the rooms
Number of guests getting ready
Number of vendors
If you are choosing to get ready separately from your partner then you will need to have two getting ready locations or rooms. If you are getting ready together then one will do!
The size of the rooms will depend entirely on the number of guests that will be in each room. If you have a small size wedding party and you are getting ready separately then typically a room the size of a hotel room will do for each partner and their respective wedding party. If you have a medium to large wedding party you will need a full bridal suite, a large hotel suite, and an Airbnb. You also need to factor in guests outside of the bridal party that may be in the suite from time to time like parents.
The number of vendors you will have in your getting-ready space is also an important factor when considering you’re getting-ready location. Will you have a hair and makeup artist, a videographer, and a photographer? Photographers and Videographers tend to fit in some pretty small spaces and we don’t usually mind but your hair and makeup artist need lots more space to create. Hair and makeup artists need more space to set up their chair(s) and good lighting, preferably natural. This is especially true if you are having multiple hair and makeup artists work on multiple people in your wedding party at one time.
Your Details
During your getting ready I take some time to capture all your detail items that you have invested so much time curating. These details are special to you and your wedding story and should be captured with that in mind. I carefully style all your details together to capture them in a captivating and interesting way. The number of detail items and what to include is dependent on your story and you as a couple. However, I use the list below as a starting point for your detail items:
Wedding Garments
Shoes
Veil
Rings
Jewelry
Tie
Cufflinks
Vow books
Fragrance
Stationary (invitations etc.)
Bouquet or Flowers
Special or heirloom items
Timing
How long getting ready photos takes is entirely dependent on the specific wedding or elopement. Many factors play into how long getting ready photos can take such as hair and make-up, number of bridesmaids and/or groomsmen, and details. I carefully craft the day of timeline with each of my couples because each wedding is unique and each couple needs something different. However, I do have some general rules that I use as a starting point.
Detail shots usually take me around 30 minutes to do on my own. Bridal hair and makeup can range from 1 hour to 3 depending on the complexity. The actual act of putting your wedding items on can range from 15 minutes to 30, again depending on the complexity of the outfits (i.e. dresses with hundreds of buttons take a long time).
In addition to those factors, I always recommend that you budget at least 30 minutes of extra time. Something will likely take a little longer than you anticipated and you’ll be glad you planned for it! Plus if you don’t need the 30 minutes that means you’re ahead of schedule on your wedding day which is a great feeling for everyone.
Your First Look
If you are choosing to do a private first look, which I always recommend, then this is where you’re getting ready photos wrap up! A first look is a private moment for couples to see each other all dressed up for the first time on their wedding day. It is also an excellent time to exchange private vows if you choose to do so. I always ask family and friends to respect this private time between the two of you because it is likely to be one of the only private moments you’ll have all day.
That concludes my guide to getting ready photos. There are lots of important considerations, like location, details, timing, and if you are choosing to do a first look. But the most important factor that I left out is to make sure you take a moment for yourself. You’re getting ready photos are a special moment during the day where you get to kick back if you want to and have a glass of wine. After all, if anyone deserves it, you do!