GUIDE TO AMAZING GETTING READY PHOTOS
Everyone couple remembers the moment they saw each other at the end of the aisle, right? It's one of the most exciting experiences of your life, and you'll want to remember it forever. But what's even more special is your getting-ready experience. Those moments leading up to the wedding are filled with excitement, romance, and joy. For couples who want to capture the beauty of that moment, I've got the perfect guide to taking amazing getting-ready photos. So read on and let's get ready together!
WHY GETTING-READY PHOTOS ARE IMPORTANT
As you probably know, weddings can be pretty hectic. There are a million things to think about and a million things that can go wrong. This is why it's so important to take a few moments to relax and enjoy the experience. And what better way to do that than by capturing the joy and excitement of getting ready for your wedding day in photos? Also, think about it. As long as you're doing things differently and breaking the tradition, that is the only part of the day when you as a couple are not together. Photos are the only thing that can make you sneak into what your significant other felt and did.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT GETTING-READY PHOTO?
There are a few things that go into making a great getting-ready photo.
1. A tidy and well-lit location
When it comes to getting ready for your wedding, the location is key. You'll want to find a place that is both comfortable and put together. I always recommend getting ready at the location of your wedding and not at home. Usually, wedding venues have rooms with less clutter and more space to move around. Also, you don't have to worry about cleaning and making everything look perfect for your guests. Another great advantage is that you won't have a lot of people coming and going. You can get ready in peace and with fewer distractions. If you choose to get ready at home, then I would recommend choosing the biggest room available. Generally speaking, avoiding the bedroom you had when you were a kid is a good idea, especially if it still looks the same. Imagine having that Blink-182 poster in the background while you have your makeup done.
Lighting is what really matters. If it's true that a sun-filled room will make you look radiant in your photos, a big window will do as well. As a rule of thumb, an ideal room would be one where there is enough light to keep the lights off.
In general, try to avoid any areas with too much furniture or background noise. Your wedding photographer will thank you for it! Shooting in a small room with a lot of furniture is a big no-no! It makes it hard for your photographer to shoot you, and even more so when the light bounces off all that furniture. Plus, if you have bold colors on your walls (reds, greens and blues) those colors will bounce on your skin making you look a little weird.
2. Sticking to a timeline
Getting ready for your wedding takes time, so you'll want to make sure you have enough time to get ready before the ceremony. Rushing is never beneficial so have a chat with your hair and makeup team and ask them how much time they need. I've asked my good friends Lucrezia and Giulia - licensed makeup artist and hairstylist at White Pampas - their insights and that's what they said:
The duration of Hair & Make up varies according to the professionals you will choose. Make sure they are on the same page to avoid disruption to timing. If they work together like us, even better, because they will be able to proceed simultaneously and preparation times will be shorter, but still with a harmonious and precise result. You won't have to sit down for 3/4 hours to be ready if you have a team with you that can work together. You'll need around 1 hour and a half. What's important for a bride is to be hair and makeup ready 40 minutes before your have to leave for the ceremony. This way you will have enough time for a quick stop at the toilet and to start putting on the shoes and the dress.
Often even mothers, bridesmaids, friends or witnesses want to have their hair and makeup professionally done. Our advice is to reserve this service for the closest people and remind you that you will be the priority that day. If you want to have professionals just for you, don't be afraid to say no to your guests, but remember not to bring other hair and make-up artists in addition to yours, otherwise, it will be total confusion. In case you want those around you to be prepared by your professionals, then everyone will need to go first and will need about 45 minutes each. For you to have a fresh and perfect look, you'll be the last to go.
They've also added an extra tip or two:
If you are getting married in the morning, select a maximum number of people for the hair and makup service! Remember, it will be a busy and emotional day and you need to rest. Fewer people means not having to wake up early at dawn. If you decide that you want your trusted hairdresser that day, remember that you will NEVER have to go to the salon on the morning of the wedding, but they will come to you! If they don't agree, find somebody else!
When should your wedding photographer arrive? Well, it depends on how they usually shoot this bit. My opinion is that while it's not necessary to have your photographer present the entire time you're getting ready, I recommend having them there for at least an hour before you need to leave for the ceremony.
3. Having the right people with you
The people you choose to have around you while you're getting ready will play a huge part in how you feel. For example, if you have a Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids or Best Men you'll want to make sure they're people who make you feel calm and relaxed. Also, you may want to consider having your mom, future mother-in-law or your parents with you. It's a nice way to include them in the festivities and it makes for some great photos.
At the same time though, limit the time you spend with people that stress you or make you feel uncomfortable. Yes, we're talking about your weird neighbor, Aunt Suzie that never understands how much is too much and so on. Having a bunch of people around who are stressing you out is the last thing you need! I'm sure there will be people you simply cannot take off your list even if you wish. Well, you don't have to be with them for hours - and I really say that from a place of love.
4. The details
Last but not least, the details! This is where a lot of brides and grooms get stressed out. But, I'm here to help you. Your wedding photographer will be taking close-up photos of your dress, your shoes, your jewelry, and your flowers. Keep them accessible. Take a few minutes to gather all of your wedding day details and put them in a little box or bag. This may include your something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Your wedding photographer will probably want to take a photo of you with all of these items.
Another important detail is your wedding invitation. Have it on hand so that your photographer can take a photo of it. The same goes for your marriage license. These are all important details that you'll want to remember on your wedding day. Again, another rule of thumb: gather everything meaningful to you and you want to be photographed.
Now it's time to have some fun!
Once you've taken care of all the logistics, it's time to have some fun! Be sure to relax and enjoy the moment. This is a once in a lifetime experience, so savor every minute. Trust me, you'll want to remember it forever.
