How to Optimize your “Getting Ready” Photos

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and every moment leading up to "I do" deserves to be captured beautifully. The getting-ready phase is where many of those intimate, candid moments happen, so setting the right atmosphere is key. Here are 12 suggestions to ensure your getting-ready photos are as stunning and meaningful as possible.

1. Choose a Location with Natural Light

The most flattering and beautiful light comes from natural sources, so try to avoid getting ready in a cramped bathroom or a room with harsh artificial lighting. Look for a space with large windows and plenty of ambient daylight. Rooms with natural light bring out the best in photos, and the soft, glowing effect can make all the difference.

2. Consider Getting Ready at Home

Getting ready in your own home has a special, intimate quality. The familiar surroundings help you feel more relaxed, and there’s something magical about seeing the bride and groom in their personal space. If possible, choose your own home for the getting-ready moments to make the photos even more meaningful and personal.

3. Rent a Beautiful Home for the Day

If your home isn’t an option due to space limitations or the wedding location, consider renting an AirBnB or a charming bed and breakfast. Many of these places have large, open rooms with lots of windows and natural light. Renting a spacious home with character can often cost less than booking two rooms in a downtown hotel and provide a much better backdrop for your photos.

4. Choose a Spacious Hotel Suite

If you must get ready in a hotel, opt for a large suite. Corner suites often feature more windows, allowing you to enjoy natural light from multiple angles. A spacious room also gives you more room to move around and adds a sense of elegance and comfort to the experience.

5. Bring Your Own Mirror and Chair

Sometimes, hotel rooms may not offer ideal locations for getting ready, so consider bringing your own full-length mirror and a comfortable chair. This allows you to relocate to a spot in the room that has better light or more space, ensuring you have the perfect spot to get ready and feel great.

6. Use Wooden Hangers for Wedding Attire

To avoid wrinkles and ensure your wedding dress and the groom’s suit look their best in photos, bring two nice wooden hangers with you. Wooden hangers not only keep the garments neatly hung but also add a touch of sophistication to the photos. They’re a small detail that can make a big difference in how your wedding attire appears in your photos.

7. Create a Calm Atmosphere

Wedding days can be hectic, so it’s important to create a calming environment for the bride and bridal party. Soft music, light conversation, and a relaxed atmosphere help everyone stay composed. When everyone is at ease, it’ll come through in the photos, resulting in more authentic and beautiful images.

8. Avoid Clutter

Cluttered spaces can distract from the beauty of your photos. Take a few moments to tidy up the space before getting started with hair and makeup. Clear away unnecessary items like bags, shoes, or extra makeup tools to keep the focus on you and your wedding attire.

9. Consider the View

If you're getting ready in a location with a beautiful view, like an airy room overlooking a garden or city skyline, make sure to position yourself near the window. A gorgeous backdrop can elevate your wedding photos, especially if it provides a sense of place and atmosphere.

10. Plan for Extra Time

Getting ready on your wedding day takes longer than expected, so it's important to build in plenty of time. Make sure your photographer has time to capture every special moment, from the details of the dress to the emotions shared between you and your loved ones. Rushed moments rarely translate well in photos, so give yourself the gift of time.

11. Hire a Professional Hair and Makeup Artist

A professional hair and makeup artist can make a huge difference in how you feel and look on your wedding day. They’ll ensure you’re ready in plenty of time, and they know how to make your features pop on camera, ensuring you look flawless and radiant in your wedding photos.

12. Capture Details Early On

Before getting into your attire, take time to capture the smaller details. Items like your wedding shoes, jewelry, veil, and bouquet are all essential parts of your story. Having your photographer snap a few shots of these details will create a beautiful narrative and help tie together the moments of your getting-ready photos.

By following these 12 tips, you’ll set the stage for a smooth, calm, and beautiful getting-ready experience on your wedding day. From the lighting to the location, every detail can make a significant difference in how your wedding photos turn out. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy those precious moments leading up to your big day!

About the Author

Sasha is a wedding photographer based in the Chicagoland area, with a passion for capturing the moments that make each couple's story unique. She loves writing blog articles that cover a wide range of topics, from portrait locations to gift ideas, wedding advice, and more—anything that will help her couples create a meaningful and stress-free journey. When she’s not behind the camera, Sasha enjoys traveling internationally and indulging in her favorite treat, salted peanut butter ice cream from Jeni’s. Sasha also spends her downtime hanging out with her foster cat, Missy, and listening to pop punk bands. Currently, she’s booking weddings for 2025 and 2026, and she’s excited to help even more couples bring their wedding visions to life!