We’ve put together 5 photographer approved tips for the best getting ready photos on your wedding day! If you keep these five suggestions in mind when choosing your prep room and arranging the details of the day-of, you are sure to achieve a better foundation for your getting ready photos and set your photographer up to rock! Not to mention, your other vendors will thank you as well.

So here goes… 5 tips for the best getting ready photos on your wedding day!

The Prep Room

You’ll be spending quite a bit of your wedding day in the Prep Room getting glammed up for the big moment and celebrating with the women in your life. And while not a lot of people will be seeing this space, they just might see your getting ready photos so it’s important to follow a few key tips when figuring out a place for getting ready on the day.

1. First, the bigger the room the better. You will need a big enough space to hold you, your bridesmaids, any family members, as well as your hair and makeup crew. And lastly, your photographer and videographer, who will no doubt need room to shoot details and candid shots of you getting ready with your girls by your side. With a bigger space everyone can move about freely, not feel cramped and have plenty of space to work.
2. Next, consider a space that reflects the style of your wedding. Check to see if your venue has a Bridal Suite/Groom’s Room available. That is a surefire way to achieve this if your venue has character. If they don’t, or if the room is too small or poorly lit, consider a nearby boutique hotel with some charm.
3. If your Prep Room is at a hotel nearby, ask for a corner room. These have the best amount of space and typically have more than one window, which would make any photographer cry with joy.

Lighting

Now, this is the most important part to achieving great getting ready photos and it’s not something that just your photographer would appreciate. You’re makeup artist, hair stylist, and videographer will all shake your hand vigorously and praise your existence if you make this a priority in your search for a Prep Room. Natural light is what most photographers use to get great results with their work. If you want authentic and genuine looking moments that look timeless and pristine, then this is the #1 rule for you to follow.

Wherever your space might be, as long as there is a window or two, or three, you’ll be well equipped for some great photos. You can never really have too much window light. ;)

Clear the area

We know it’s hard to take a large group of women, cram them into a room with their hair products, makeup and accesories and expect it to be well organized and free of clutter. It’s inevitable that there will be a mess, but when you arrive to your Prep Room, let everyone know to keep their things in one corner of the room. Preferably farthest from the windows. Hang up clothes and dresses in the closet, hide suitcases and bags and throw away trash as soon as possible. Anything left out is subject to be photographed. This will keep your photographer from having to clean up to can get the shot they need and subsequently miss a moment. Which means more time and opportunity for photos!

Less is more

There are a lot of people that want to be a part of your day. And not just from the ceremony, but from the very beginning. It’s important to remember that less is more in terms of the number of people in your getting ready room. By no means is this us telling you to give your bridesmaids and mother-in-law the boot. But by keeping the number of people down you’ll illuminate the need for more space for your vendors (photographer, videographer, makeup artist and hair stylist, etc.), it will keep clutter down to a minimum, and it might even keep you from having more anxiety than you already have. BONUS: More room to pop champagne without worrying about the cork hitting your Aunt Claudia. ;)

Attention Grooms! This goes for you too.

We all know men can be pretty messy, and when several of them are thrown into one tiny room and told to hang out for a bit, it can be disastrous. But do your best to keep things clear and clean with the tips above, and we won’t have to work too hard trying to hide it. The wife will appreciate it later when she sees the photos, we promise!

So there you have it! With these tips and suggestions you should be setting yourself up for a great day and the photos to show for it.

Know another bride who could benefit from these tips? Share it with them!