Wedding Photographer Approved Tips for the Ultimate Getting Ready Experience
Wedding Photographer Approved Tips for the Ultimate Getting Ready Experience and Photos
You said “yes!” to the love of your life, and now it’s time to start wedding planning! As you’re making your list of must-haves, you are thinking about the flowers, the perfect wedding attire, the cake, the invitations, and more. However, one detail of the wedding planning process that often gets overlooked is the getting ready timeline and photos!
Getting ready for your wedding is always such a fun time full of nervous and excited energy. Whether you’re getting ready with your wedding party, your soon-to-be spouse, or by yourself, there are some important things to consider when creating a timeline for getting ready. Don’t forget that you’ll definitely want photos of the getting ready portion of your wedding day, so it’s important to consider the space where you will get ready, too! Here are some tips for the ultimate wedding prep experience:
Book somewhere beautiful with lots of natural light
This is so important! Sure, getting ready in your childhood church basement might seem like the most convenient idea, but it certainly isn’t going to cultivate an exciting environment with lots of good energy before your wedding day, and it isn’t going to get the best photos. Be sure to select somewhere that’s gorgeous and fits your day’s aesthetic. If your venue is high-end and luxe, choose a hotel that fits your vibe. If you’re getting married in an old warehouse, a loft Airbnb would be a great choice! Here are a few of my favorite getting ready spaces in St. Louis:
–The Last Hotel
–The Ritz-Carlton
–Union Station
–Four Seasons St. Louis
–Hotel St. Louis
–This comfortable home on AirBNB
–Or this awesome downtown loft
If your photographer isn’t there yet when your makeup artist arrives, ask them to do your makeup facing the window. Then, your photographer will be able to use that light for the most gorgeous getting ready photos!
Gather up items for the details photos the week before your wedding
Pro tip: Gather all of your details and put them in a box or bag (this will make your wedding photographer very happy!) for the most gorgeous detail photos. Here are some ideas of what to include in the box/bag:
-An invitation suite
-All rings (and ring boxes if you have them!)
-Jewelry/watch
-Ties, socks, and cufflinks
-Both pairs of shoes
-Hair accessories
-Garter
-Vow books
-Perfume/cologne
-Bonus: Ask your florist for a few loose florals!
Also, consider getting a wooden hanger for your attire. You can usually find these easily at IKEA, on Amazon, or at Target.
Once you have everything loaded up into a box or bag, put it with your attire so you don’t forget it!
Create and honor the getting ready timeline
I have found that the wedding days that go the smoothest are the ones that have a solid getting ready timeline that they stick to! Think about it — if hair and makeup runs behind, so does the rest of the day until you’re able to get caught up again. Put a member of the wedding party in charge of keeping track of time.
It’s easiest if you can have your hair and makeup artists come to your getting ready space. If you are having your wedding party also get hair and makeup done professionally, I highly recommend getting a couple of hair and makeup artists (consider someone who has a team they can bring with them).
You should allot about an hour and a half per person for getting ready. It may take the hair and makeup artist a little less time than that for some members of your party, but it is better to overestimate time than to underestimate! If you end up ahead of schedule, you can take a few moments to just breath and enjoy being with your wedding party. Plan on two hours for the hair and makeup artist to complete your hair and makeup, just to be safe. Make sure you are the second to last person to get your hair and makeup done. That way, your makeup stays for longer and your hair doesn’t fall. You don’t want to be last in case the HMU artist has to rush at the end to meet the timeline!
Consider who you want to be there (good vibes only)
This is your day, choose people to get ready with you who will be excited, uplifting, positive, and helpful! You want people who will be able to keep you calm, not add any stress! You can keep the good vibes going by bringing a playlist of all of your favorite upbeat songs.
Cute and comfy outfits are best for getting ready
You might be tempted to get ready in a trusty pair of sweatpants and an oversized shirt, and I totally get it. For the best photos, get ready in cute matching robes or rompers with your wedding party, a pair of cute pj’s, or a flannel and leggings. Whatever you choose, be sure that it’s something that you can unbutton so you don’t have to slip it off over your hair that was just styled!
Bring food and drinks!
Eat! I know you might be worried about bloating, but it’s important to eat. Choose things that you know will make you feel good, like fresh fruit, a bagel, or yogurt. Drink lots of water so that you’re hydrated for the long day ahead. Feel free to bring mimosas, just be aware if you’re prone to redness on your face when drinking, and if so, be sure to enjoy at the beginning of the morning!
Enjoy your time!
What’s done is done – there is no planning you can do now. When you accept that, you will be in a much better mindset. Today WILL BE a beautiful day, and at the end, you’ll be married to the love of your life! Don’t forget that! Spend time with whoever you’re getting ready with enjoying your day and celebrating all that today means for you. You deserve it!
