MY TOP TIPS FOR RELAXED & ELEGANT BRIDAL PREP PHOTOS
One of my favourite parts of a wedding day is bridal prep! There is always so much going on, beautiful things to capture and so many heartfelt moments that happen during this time. This is why I always encourage my brides to ensure their timeline allows for it. Not only does it tell the story from the very beginning, but it also documents the little details that can often get overlooked. So without further ado, here are 11 of my best tips for beautiful getting ready photographs. Let’s jump in!
1. Space & Light
Choose a space to get ready that has plenty of natural light. Your MUA will also thank you for this! Natural light is always the most flattering light and helps make skin tones super soft and dreamy! If there is going to be lots of you make sure your getting ready space is large and spacious so you have plenty of room to move.
2. Keep it tidy
Keep the getting ready space as tidy as you can. Get rid of any clutter and ask your bridesmaids to move suitcases and bags out of view. Even storing them in the bathroom if there’s room. This means all your photos will have clean tidy backgrounds empty of clutter. Your photographer will love you for this! Bridal prep can get really messy especially if there’s lots of you! No one wants a bright orange Sainsbury’s bag in the background of their wedding photos.
3. The details
The first thing I do when I arrive at bridal prep is photograph all your beautiful details. You will still be in the early stages of having your hair and make up done so it is the perfect time for me to do this. Have all your beautiful bridal details in one place ready to be photographed. Let a bridesmaid know where you have put it all and let her show me where it is. (One less thing to worry about!) Here is a checklist of items you might like photographed...
Dress
Veil
Shoes
Jewelery
Hair accessories
Engagement Ring
Wedding rings (If they are not with the groom)
Wedding invites/stationery
Perfume
Bouquet
Letter or card from your husband to be
Gifts for the girls
4. Flat lay flowers
If you are having flat lays done of your wedding details it is always worth asking your florist in advance for a few extra flowers that can be cut and used in these. You don’t need many but its definitely worth prepping your florist about these as they will be super busy on the morning of your wedding so if they know to drop a few flowers off early for you it will save me and them a lot of time.
5. One hour before
Yep you heard it right! 1 hour! Aim to be in your wedding dress at least 1 hr before your ceremony or setting off for the church. Bridal prep seems to go very slowly at first and then all of a sudden everyone is rushing to be ready at the same time. Ask your mum and bridesmaids to get in their dresses first and then they can help you get into yours. Wedding dresses can often take much longer than anticipated to put on, especially if it has lots of buttons and layers. Being ready and in your dress an hour before means you have plenty of time to get all those beautiful bridal portraits, photos with your girls and any father/mother/bridesmaid reveals you’d like to do without rushing or feeling stressed.
6. Emotion
There’s often lots of hugs, laughter and tears on your wedding morning, so double check your MUA is happy to stay until the very last minute to do any final touch ups! Some MUA’s like Nala & Knot and Emily Simpson Bridal and many more even do a “First Glance to First Dance” package which is definitely worth considering. Keeping your hair and makeup fresh all day long will help to keep you looking and feeling amazing and give you that confidence you deserve on your wedding day.
7. Remove the tags
Ask your bridesmaids to remove all packaging, tags, labels and hanging ribbons from all your dresses and shoes! Do this early or even the day before as it will save you so much time when you come to put your dresses on in the morning. I always carry a pair of scissors in my bag for this very thing so just tell your girls ask me for them. You will also be super thankful for removing the hanging ribbons from your dress as these can often wiggle out of place when you are moving/walking around and become visible, especially if you have a lacy or backless wedding dress.
8. Hangers
It is always worthwhile investing in some nice hangers for the dresses. Especially the brides dress. This can really help the dresses look more elegant when hung up. Having matching hangers for your bridesmaid dress photos will hugely help your photos look neater and more uniform and easier on the eye. It is a small tip that you will be thankful for.
9. Matchy Matchy
Matching Pyjamas or robes for you all to get ready in can be really handy for you your bridal prep photos and will help make them super cute too! It also stops anyone from wearing an old shirt or a really bright colour as you will be amazed at how this simple element can draw the eyes attention in your photos and not in a good way. Get the mums involved too they will love to be included.
10. Gifts
This is a wonderful one for your photos! While you are all still in your robes, just before you get into your dresses get everyone gathered around (I will help guide you with this too) and give them their thank you gifts. It is such a lovely moment that stirs up lots of emotion and smiles. This is also a fantastic opportunity to get the champagne poured and have a little pre wedding cheers. Your last toast as a Miss!
11. RELAX & HAVE FUN
The last tip is the most important of them all; relax and have fun! The day you’ve been dreaming of is finally here and the only role you should have today is being a bride and enjoying every moment. I highly recommend not only hiring a professional photographer, but also a wedding planner to ensure all details of the day are covered. Photoshop can’t fix this stress you have on your face if you decide to take it all on yourself, so please hire and trust in the professionals and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.
I really hope my little tips have you excited for your own big day!
