Getting Ready Photos
Wedding Planning Tips - Getting Ready Photos
Your ‘getting ready’ part of your day kicks off the festivities, here are some tips to get it off on the right foot.
Everything before the ceremony is on a very tight timeline so having all your ducks in a row in advance is key. But that doesn't mean it's straight business during prep time - here are some tips to keep you on track and get the most out of your wedding day 'getting ready' photos...
KEEP IT CLEAN:
There's a lot happening on a wedding morning with you and your bridal party, parents, vendors etc. Your bridal suite can get very messy, very quickly. The more clutter you have around, the more clutter you're going to have in your photos. If you're staying in a hotel, ask for the room to be cleaned early in the morning.
MAKE IT AN EVENT:
Prep-time doesn't have to be all business, why not make it an event! Having fun and whooping it up will make your photos stand out and keep everyone smiling, engaged and looking fabulous on camera. For example... bring a boombox with your favourite music, playlists etc - rock it out! Have champagne on hand for toasts & mimosas. Guys can hang out and watch some sports, have a brew, play some cards etc. Make it an event and your photos will be just as awesome.
ROOM SERVICE:
Wedding days are action packed leaving little time to sit down and eat. I recommend all my couples have food brought up to your bridal suite or plan ahead and have food on hand if you're getting ready at home. Sandwiches, veggies and non-messy finger foods are best - you don't want anyone spilling food on their fancy outfits.
TIMING:
The hair & makeup part of the morning can often for make brides late - it’s not the team’s fault, it’s simply a matter of us not leaving until you and your girls are completely happy. There’s always a tweak here and there.
To prepare for this, tell your hair & makeup teams that they need to be done a half hour before they actually need to be ie. if photos need to start at 2pm, then schedule the hair/makeup team to be done by 1:15 - 1:30pm. If you actually are done by 1:30pm then you'll have that time to relax with your girls and/or get some additional photos.
Note: if your hair/makeup is being done off-site, plan to bring at least two vehicles so that when you're done you don't have to be waiting for the rest of your girls to be done.
Next, aim to step into your dress 45mins before leaving to go to ceremony (or first look). This will give us plenty of time for bridal portraits and photos with your girls when everyone is looking their best!
Gentlemen - Be half-way-dressed when I arrive so have your suit pants, socks and dress shirt on however hold off on your tie, cuff links and accessories until I arrive.
ProTip - Often times guys struggle getting their tie or bow tie done up on the day of the wedding. Whether it's nerves or lack of practice - it happens all the time so no worries. Be sure to practice ahead of time, here are a few videos to help.
YOUR DRESS:
Brides be responsible for your dress. Don't rely on someone else to cart your dress around - this even includes Mom. You don't want to be waiting around for the dress to arrive pushing everything else back on your timeline.These are some of the basic tips I give to all my couples, do you have some of your own? Share below!