The getting ready part of your wedding day is one of the most emotional and story-driven chapters. It’s The getting ready portion of a wedding day is quiet, intimate, and deeply intentional. It is where anticipation lingers in the air, where beauty unfolds slowly, and where the story begins long before the ceremony.

These moments are not simply preparation — they are part of the narrative. When approached with care and time, getting ready photographs become some of the most elegant and emotionally rich images of the entire wedding day.

Below is a complete guide—step by step—on how to make the most of your getting-ready photos.

At the end is a Printable Timeline suggestion for your wedding.

1. Start Earlier to Capture Venue & Atmosphere

A refined wedding day begins unhurried.

Starting earlier allows space for your photographer to capture the venue in its untouched state — the architecture, the light, the stillness before celebration. These images set the visual tone of your gallery and provide context that elevates the story from the very first frame.

Beginning the day with extra buffer time allows your photographer to:

• Capture exterior and interior venue photos
• Document the calm before the celebration
• Photograph untouched spaces, light, and atmosphere

2. Hair & Makeup: Where the Story Begins

Hair and makeup are usually the first major moments of the day—and they’re full of emotion.

This is when:

• The bride starts to feel like herself
• Bridesmaids gather, chat, and bond
• The energy of the room slowly shifts

Natural light, clean spaces, and enough time are key here. Rushing hair and makeup almost always affects the entire timeline.

3. Create a Fun Getting Ready Playlist

Music sets the tone.

One of the easiest ways to elevate your getting-ready experience is by creating a getting ready playlist:

• Calm and soulful in the morning
• Fun and upbeat once everyone is dressed
• A mix of nostalgic songs and current favorites

This instantly creates a relaxed, joyful atmosphere—and yes, it shows in the photos.

4. Flat Lay Details: Dresses, Shoes, Jewelry & More

Detail photos deserve time and care.

I always recommend preparing a small box with:

• Wedding invitation
• Jewelry, rings, and heirlooms
• Shoes and accessories
• Vow books or letters

Pro Tip:

Please ask your florist in advance if it is possible to spare a few loose flowers or greenery for the Flatly. These elevate flat lay images instantly and tie your details into your overall wedding design.

5. Special Outfits & Personal Style Moments

Matching pajamas, silk robes, tailored suits, or custom accessories—special outfits add personality and cohesion to getting-ready photos.

These outfits:

• Create beautiful group images
• Add color and texture
• Feel intentional and elevated

They also help everyone feel included in the experience.

6. Portraits of the Bride (Optional Boudoir Touch)

Before the ceremony, I always set aside time for quiet bridal portraits.

If the bride feels comfortable, this can include:

• Soft, editorial portraits
• Intimate, tasteful boudoir-inspired images

These photos can later become a meaningful gift for her husband—or simply a reminder of how powerful and beautiful she felt on that day.

Everything is done respectfully, artistically, and entirely based on comfort level.

7. Group Photos With Bridesmaids & Groomsmen

Once everyone is dressed, it’s the perfect time for group images.

Typically, the vibe looks like this:

• Groom & groomsmen: fun, silly, playful energy
• Bride & bridesmaids: elegant, emotional, glowing

These contrasting energies are beautiful and balance each other perfectly in a wedding gallery.

8. Rituals to Add Meaning to Your Morning

Adding intentional rituals slows the day down and creates emotional depth in your photos.

Some beautiful getting-ready rituals include:

• A first look
• Writing and exchanging handwritten letters
• Reading vows privately
• Prayer or meditation
• Sharing a quiet moment with parents or close friends

These moments often become the most emotional images of the entire wedding day.

DOWNLOAD GETTING READY TO-DO LIST