Tips for the Best Getting Ready Photos (and Having Fun Doing It!)
The morning of your wedding day is full of laughs, butterflies, and maybe even a happy tear or two! Getting ready with your favorite people is such a special part of your day, and capturing those genuine moments makes your wedding photos even more memorable. Here are my favorite tips (with a sprinkle of playfulness!) for getting the most stunning, joy-filled getting-ready shots, inspired by the gorgeous bridal suites found at many Los Angeles Wedding Venues.
1. Let There Be Light!
Natural light is the secret sauce for amazing photos. Luckily, many Los Angeles wedding venues offer bridal suites filled with dreamy natural light. When choosing your getting-ready space, look for rooms with big windows or balconies. But if your space is more dungeon than sunroom, don’t fret! Professional lighting can beautifully mimic natural light—just let your photographer know ahead of time, and we’ll brighten things up beautifully!
Quick Tip:
Position yourself near windows when getting your makeup done to make the most of natural light. Even better, keep lamps off if they’re too warm or harsh, relying instead on daylight.
2. Tidy Up (Just a Little!)
Wedding mornings can get chaotic quickly—coffee cups, makeup bags, snacks, and overnight bags everywhere! Assign your most organized bridesmaid or friend to help keep clutter under control throughout the morning. This quick tidy-up makes photos look polished, saves time, and helps everyone stay relaxed and happy.
Quick Tip:
Set up a designated area for bags, purses, and personal belongings away from the main photography space.
3. Timeline Love
Share your detailed wedding-day schedule with everyone involved, from family to your bridal party. Consider padding your schedule with a little extra time to allow for unforeseen delays. Pro tip: tell your chronically late friend to arrive 15 minutes earlier than the actual scheduled time (wink, wink!). Clear timing reduces stress and allows for more genuine, joyful moments.
Quick Tip:
Print or digitally share the timeline with everyone involved the night before so there’s no confusion.
4. Glam Up Early
Encourage your bridal party (including mom!) to be fully dressed and camera-ready before you step into your gown. This ensures your photos look cohesive and elegant, capturing genuine interactions without the distraction of casual clothing.
Quick Tip:
Have a designated spot (away from mirrors or crowded areas) to comfortably and beautifully slip into your dress.
5. Create a “Little Things” Box
Have a detail box or basket prepped with your special items—rings, invitations, perfume, shoes, accessories—ready for your photographer. This applies to the groom too! A groom’s box could include shoes, cufflinks, tie, watch, and cologne. Preparing these ahead of time lets your photographer capture these personal details first thing, freeing up more time for candid moments.
Quick Tip:
Include your bouquet and boutonnière in these detail shots if they’re delivered early.
6. Steam Dreams
Wrinkles belong nowhere near your wedding photos! Steam your dress the night before to ensure it’s pristine and ready for its close-up. Designate someone in your wedding party to handle last-minute steaming or touch-ups if needed.
Quick Tip:
Hang your dress away from busy traffic areas to prevent accidental wrinkles or spills.
7. Extra Time = Extra Chill
Hair and makeup inevitably take longer than planned. Always build in extra buffer time—at least 30 minutes—to keep stress at bay and ensure everyone looks relaxed and radiant in your photos. Trust me—your future self will thank you!
Quick Tip:
Have your hair and makeup team arrive early enough to allow ample time for touch-ups and adjustments.
Final Thoughts
The getting-ready portion of your wedding day should be fun, relaxing, and full of special moments. Whether your bridal suite has beautiful natural lighting or you’re working with a trickier space, these practical tips will help ensure your morning memories are beautifully captured. Let’s create photos that sparkle just as brightly as your love story!
