Wedding getting ready photos set the tone for your whole gallery. They're the first chapter: the light coming through the window, your people around you, the dress waiting on its hanger. And the biggest thing that decides how they turn out isn't the camera. It's the room.
Here's how I'd set up your getting-ready room for photos, with a few small changes that make a big difference.
Pick the Right Room for Wedding Getting Ready Photos
If you're choosing a hotel suite, a bridal suite at your venue or a family home, look for three things:
Big windows. Natural light is everything for getting-ready photos. The bigger the windows, the better.
Enough space. You'll have hair, makeup, your bridesmaids, your mom and probably a few bags of snacks. A room that's too small gets crowded fast, and crowded rooms are hard to photograph.
A clean background. Light walls, a nice headboard, a pretty chair or some character in the architecture. Neutral, simple spaces always photograph better than busy ones.
If you're booking a hotel for the night before, it's worth asking for a room with good windows. If the budget allows, a suite with more space and light gives you a lot more to work with in the morning.
Use the Window Light
Window light is soft, flattering and it's what gives getting-ready photos that editorial feel. A few tips:
Turn off the overhead lights and lamps. Mixing warm indoor bulbs with daylight makes skin tones look off. I'd rather work with the window alone.
Open the curtains. If the sun is shining straight in, sheer curtains are perfect because they soften it.
Ask your makeup artist to set up near the window. Makeup artists love good light too, so this usually works out for everyone.
Clear the Clutter
This is the one I mention to every couple. Getting-ready rooms fill up fast with garment bags, water bottles, phone chargers, shopping bags, food and suitcases. All of it ends up in the background.
Before I arrive, pick one corner or a closet for everything that doesn't need to be seen and ask your bridesmaids to keep their things there. Five minutes of cleanup in the morning saves a lot of distracting backgrounds.
Matching robes or pajamas for you and your bridesmaids are optional, but they do keep the photos looking clean and put together.
Have Your Details Ready
The first thing I usually photograph is your details, so have them in one box or bag, ready when I walk in:
Invitation suite (a full set, including envelopes)
Rings, all of them
Shoes
Perfume or cologne
Jewelry and hair pieces
Veil
Letters, vows or a gift for each other
Anything with a story, like a family rosary, your grandmother's earrings or a handkerchief
Also have the dress on a nice hanger ready to go. The plastic hanger from the shop doesn't look as good in photos.
Timing Is Everything
Getting-ready photos work best when hair and makeup are nearly done when I arrive, so I can photograph the finishing touches and not the full process. A few timing tips:
Build a buffer. Hair and makeup almost always run a little late. Add 15 to 30 minutes.
Do your makeup last or close to last. That way you're the one finishing when I'm there.
Plan to be dressed about 30 minutes before you need to leave or before your first look.
I build these times into your timeline with you. My post on Miami wedding timelines and photo coverage explains how much coverage it takes to include getting ready.
The Groom's Room Matters Too
Everything above applies to the groom's side too. Clean room, good window, details ready (watch, cufflinks, cologne, tie or bow tie, a letter). Guys usually get ready faster, so with two photographers, one of us can be with the groom while the other is with the bride.
My full wedding collections include two photographers. Micro weddings are just me, with a second shooter available. More on that in my post about second shooters. If it's just me, I'll plan time with each of you.
Mirrors, Doorways and Little Moments
Some of my favorite getting-ready photos are reflections and framed moments. A big mirror, a doorway with nice light or a hand mirror can turn into a beautiful frame. If your room has a full-length mirror, keep it clear.
The best moments here aren't posed. It's your mom buttoning your dress, a bridesmaid fixing your veil, your dad seeing you for the first time. I'll mostly stay out of the way and let those happen.
Keep It Cool
In Miami, keep the room cool, especially if you have a lot of people in it. A hot, packed room means melting makeup and sweaty faces in photos. Turn the AC down before everyone arrives and keep water nearby. If you're getting married in summer, my guide to getting married in Miami's heat and rainy season has more tips.
FAQ
How do you set up a room for getting ready photos?
Choose a room with big windows, turn off the overhead lights, clear clutter into one corner and have your details ready in one box. Make sure there's enough space for everyone.
What details should I have ready for my wedding photographer?
Your invitation suite, rings, shoes, perfume, jewelry, veil, letters and anything sentimental. Have them together in one box so nothing gets lost.
When should the photographer arrive for getting ready?
Usually when hair and makeup are close to done, so there's time for details and the final touches. We'll set the exact time when we build your timeline.
Do I need professional lighting for getting ready photos?
No. A room with good window light is usually all I need. Turning off the indoor lights helps more than adding more lights.
Let's Plan Your Morning
If you're picking a suite or a venue, send me your options and I'll tell you what I'd look for. See my wedding collections, learn what to expect on your wedding day with me or reach out here.