Today we’re diving into part two of a three-part series on creating a photography-minded wedding day. If you missed part one you can read it HERE. My hope for this series is to alleviate any perceived or very real stress associated with creating your day-of wedding timeline. I said this in part one, but I want to say it again here: This day is yours. When it comes down to it, your photographer’s (or any other wedding vendor) job is to educate you based on their expertise and experience, help you see different options for how your day can play out and then leave it up to the bride and groom to make the final decisions. With that being said, let’s get to the good stuff! Part two is all about the details and getting ready portion of your day.
Details
1. Organize, Organize
Have all of your details organized in one place before your photographer arrives. Keep in mind that this is (most likely) the VERY first thing your photographer will be shooting when he or she arrives on your wedding day; this is the part of the day that gets their creative juices flowing. Having your details thought out beforehand makes the process goes smoothly, calmly, and gets your photographer even more excited and inspired creatively. For all you non-photographers, I know that may sound silly but it’s true! Our little hearts love any chance we get to put pretty things together to tell a story. That being said, you’ll be glad you put thought into this part before the big day rather than having people run around gathering details for you when your photographer arrives-our goal is no stress, remember!?
2. Check check check it out!
To help you streamline this process I’ve created a mini checklist just for you of the things I ask my couples to include in their detail gathering:
- engagement ring + wedding band
- shoes
- perfume bottle
- Veil/dress – pro tip: consider purchasing a pretty (wood, fabric covered, etc.) hanger for dress pictures instead of using the generic (and let’s be honest ugly) hanger a wedding dress typically comes on.
- Any heirlooms, special jewelry, or meaningful details you’ll be wearing/carrying/including in the day other than your engagement ring
- bouquet + loose flowers to include in detail shots (ask your florist ahead of time if they will include extra loose flowers leftover from your arrangements)
- gift and/or letter given with it for partner
- tie(s)
- boutonnieres
- cufflinks
- gifts and/or letters to/from each other
- Any special letters or gifts given by parents or family members
- an extra invitation suite for your photographer
Getting ready
1. Let there be light (and space)!
When thinking through where you want to get ready, remember that big windows, lots of windows, and lots of natural light are your best friends and aid in creating the dreamiest photos as you get ready. Natural light isn’t only great for us photographers but your makeup artist will appreciate it too.
Just as important as natural light is the actual space you have for getting ready. Take into account everyone who may be joining you at some point while you get ready-bridal party, parents, grandparents, friends, family, etc. Now imagine putting them into a tight space along with all of their stuff they need for getting ready. You’re feeling claustrophobic, aren’t you? The more space you have the better. Along with lots of space, it’s so important to keep the room as clutter-free as possible to ensure pretty clean images. Of course things can be moved as necessary, but the more that is done before your photographer gets there, the more he or she can devote their time to focus on what matters – you and your bridal party instead of playing maid!
2. Bride gets dressed last
I always advise brides to have their bridal party and mom get dressed before she get into her dress. I ask this because a lot of times the bride wants her mom and/or maid of honor or bridesmaids to help her get into her wedding dress. This sweet time makes for really beautiful moments and pictures and it looks so much prettier and frame-worthy having everyone in their dresses instead of their sweats, mismatched outfits, or whatever they got ready in. This also makes for a quick and smooth transition into bridal party pictures.
3. Pick a palette
This one goes hand-in-hand with the last point. Your bridal party will be in a significant portion of the “getting ready” photos of your day so consider giving them a color scheme or palette for clothing to wear as they get ready. This make your photos look more cohesive! Giving some guidelines also leaves no room for that one person who decides to wear her bright red flannel or her Nike shorts and sorority tee to get ready in you know what I mean!?
Pro Tip: create the ultimate getting ready playlist (or delegate and have a bridesmaid do it) before your big day to keep the mood light and relaxed as y’all get ready -I’m talking anything from Britney to Bruno Mars to James Taylor, you get the picture.
Are you feeling more prepared just by reading through these detail/getting ready tips? I hope so! Join us here next week as we talk through portraits.
In need of a photographer for your big day? Let’s Talk!
