After ten years of photographing weddings, I've noticed some simple extra steps that could be taken to enhance the final images of your wedding day. Over the next few weeks we'll look at those suggestions for each segment of your big day. Let's go in chronological order, shall we, and begin with one of my favorite parts - the Getting Ready portion.
1. Get ready in somethin' pretty. Whether it be a nice silk robe or a long-sleeve button up from your boo, be intentional about this part of your wardrobe, too.
2. Find good light. Typically when I arrive, the makeup artist has already chosen a lovely naturally-lit area in which to apply the makeup. If you're doing your own makeup or planned on getting ready in the bathroom, consider moving a mirror near a nice big window for flattering, natural light.
3. Regardless of where you and your bridesmaids will be getting ready, try to keep all excess stuff in one room or corner to limit clutter in the background of your images.
3. Curate your ideal music playlist for this time. Something that excites you, calms you, etc. Music always aids to a positive mood and can often result in some fun pre-dress dance parties.
4. Have your shoes, dress, jewelry, veil, rings, wedding invitation and any other special accessories set aside and ready for your photographer when they arrive to avoid a last minute frantic gathering in the middle of your makeup application.
5. Nothing quite distracts from a lovely bridal gown image more than a plastic hanger. You don't have to have a fancy one, but do make sure there is a non-wire/plastic hanger option for that pretty gown.
6. Often one of the most cherished photos of the day is mom zipping up her baby girl's wedding dress. Make sure she feels comfortable and confident in front of the camera for this special moment. In typical mom fashion, she's often the last one ready because she's been busy helping everyone else. Make sure she's pampered a little that morning, too, and her hair, makeup and dress are all ready your dressing time.
7. This goes for your 'maids, too. Consider asking them to be dressed before you step into your own.
8. Build in cushion time. And then add 15 extra minutes. Things will run behind, someone will misplace a necklace and the flower girl might drop a swiss cake roll on her dress. Allowing time for these things to happen and be resolved will keep everyone relaxed. And the extra time between zipping up your dress and heading to the church can result in some really lovely, timeless portraits.
tips to enhance the "getting ready" photographs of your wedding day
Next time we'll look at a few suggestions to make the most of the First Look portion of your wedding day, should you and your boo opt to see each other before the wedding. Stay tuned!