Getting Ready Photos On Your Wedding Day
When planning your wedding photography, it’s easy to focus on the big moments—your ceremony, portraits, and, if you’re having a small wedding with guests, the epic dance party. But don’t overlook the magic of getting ready photos! This often-underrated part of the day is full of sweet, candid moments that set the tone for everything that follows. Whether it’s sharing a quiet toast with your family or capturing those last-minute butterflies, getting ready pictures add depth to your wedding day story.
3 Benefits Of Getting Ready Photos
In case you’re on the fence about including getting ready photos wedding coverage, here are 3 benefits to consider before you veto the idea completely:
See How You Each Spent The Morning
Unless you choose to get ready together, this is usually the only part of your wedding day that you don’t spend together. Getting ready photos let you see how you each spent the morning—what you did, who you were with, and what the vibe was like before the first look or ceremony.
Bonus: Elevate your morning with thoughtful wedding getting ready robe choices or matching wedding get ready outfits—these little touches make for beautiful, cohesive photos.
You Can Have A Special Moment With Your Family
Spend time before the celebrations start with your closest family. Play some music, have some drinks and snacks, and enjoy just being together while getting ready for your wedding day. These slower, more grounded moments are some of the ones you’ll want to look back on.
Pro Tip: If you’re having a just-us experience or want to include family for only part of your day, having them present while you get ready is a meaningful and easy way to do that.
You Get Camera Comfy Faster
Including getting ready pictures in your wedding photography coverage helps you ease into the experience. You’ll get used to having your photographer around earlier in the day, so by the time we hit Portraits (aka B+G photos or wedding party photos), you’re already relaxed, comfortable, and feeling yourself.
8 tips for amazing getting-ready photos
Fun fact about getting ready photos: they seem natural (and many of them are), but there is actually a little planning and staging involved!
Here are my pro tips for the perfect getting-ready shots:
Declutter. Wherever you’re getting ready, use the drawers and closets and keep clutter out of the way. If there isn’t enough space for everything, pick a corner that's as far from the main action (aka the best window light) as possible to store all your stuff. This keeps the photos clean and simple!
Find the light. Big open windows give beautiful, soft lighting that makes you look amazing.
Give yourself time. Hair and makeup take a long time! Don’t forget to leave room in your timeline so that you can take all of your photos stress-free.
Give me all the deets! Keep your shoes, invitations (please include two sets so I can photograph the front and back in one photo), jewelry, your dress, and all the other details together, so they're ready for photos.
Get ready last. If you’re having a wedding party, make sure whoever you're getting ready with is dressed and done up, so that everyone looks gorgeous for the photos.
Save the finishing touches. I like to get a photo of you putting on your jewelry when you’re in your dress!
Don't worry, you’re doing it right! And I’ll be there to direct you just a little, to make sure we get the perfect shots. My one tip: when getting into your dress, hold your dress up from the sides, so you're not grabbing "the girls" in the photos ;)
Text me with your room number! Because if you’re getting ready in a hotel room, well, you get it!
Are Getting Ready Photos Worth It?
As a candid-focused Whistler wedding photographer, I vote yes. Not only do you benefit from feeling a bit more relaxed during the Portraits part of your day, but it also documents how your day started. It’s the natural beginning of the story of your wedding day.
Looking For A Wedding Photographer?
Be sure to head over to my pricing page to learn more about what’s included in my packages + to inquire for full pricing!