The Essential First Chapter: Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Getting Ready Photos and How to Prepare for It
The wedding day is a swift masterpiece, but its story begins long before the ceremony.
Imagine you're finally opening your finished wedding album for the very first time.
As you turn the sturdy, crisp cover, where do you want your story to begin? The getting ready photos offer the only true starting point. Don't let your narrative jump straight to the middle; let it unfold naturally.
Imagine turning those first pages of your album. You'll find the quiet, genuine moments: the glint of your carefully chosen accessories, the calm of your final coffee, the atmosphere of the beautiful location you selected, and the heartfelt laughter shared with your closest loved ones.
Now, turn the page. The anticipation leads seamlessly into the emotion of the ceremony. Continue flipping to find the timeless elegance of your location portraits, and finally, the explosive joy of the reception party.
By including the prelude, you elevate your album from a simple collection of events to a fully realised, giving context and heart to every moment that follows.
How to Prepare for Your Getting Ready Photos
A little preparation goes a long way :)
1. Set the Scene (The Space)
Tidy Up the Area: A cluttered room distracts from the moment. Ask your wedding party to keep all their belongings neatly stowed away and designate a tidy, well-lit space (ideally near a window) for the photos.
Location Aesthetics: If possible, choose a room with pleasing, neutral aesthetics. A clean backdrop and nice furnishings—like those often found in a hotel bridal suite—will significantly enhance your images.
2. Gather Your Details
Collect Your Treasures: Before your photographer arrives, have all your important details gathered in one spot: the rings (all three!), invitations, shoes, jewelry, veil, perfume/cologne, cufflinks, ties, and any sentimental items. This makes it quick and easy for your photographer to capture these essential elements.
3. Allow Ample Time
Build a Thoughtful Timeline:
This is one of the most important parts of a relaxed wedding morning.
To truly capture the atmosphere without feeling rushed, we recommend allowing around 1.5 to 2 hours for the girls and 1 to 1.5 hours for the boys for getting ready coverage.
This ensures there is enough time for everything. Detail shots, candid moments, final touches, and those in between interactions that often become the most meaningful images.
Rushing creates stress, and that energy will show in your photos. A well paced morning allows everyone to settle in, be present, and actually enjoy the experience.
4. Relax and Enjoy
Trust the Process:
Ultimately, the best preparation is to simply relax and soak in the atmosphere. Trust your photographer to capture the genuine anticipation and magic as your day naturally unfolds.
For more getting ready inspiration, explore our curated Pinterest board: https://au.pinterest.com/emotionsandmath/01-getting-ready/
