The Importance Of Taking Getting-Ready Wedding Photos Of Your Special Day

Your wedding day will be filled with important and emotional moments, each of which will hit differently. You will want to remember all of them, but time will fly by you during your celebration, and in the blink of an eye, it will be over. So, you will want to make as many captured memories as possible, meaning your photographer should definitely have a copy of your must-have wedding photo checklist. 

You will probably go for traditional portraits with the family and a private session with your partner, but you should not forget about ‘getting ready’ wedding photos. This is actually the beginning of your big day, and it is one of the most essential moments of your celebration.

Taking getting-ready pictures is one of my favorite parts of the entire wedding photo shoot. If you are debating whether you should have yours taken, check out my tips on why this is an absolute ‘yes’!

It Is More Than Just a “Getting Dressed” Part

Even though most people refer to this time as “getting ready,” it is really about more than just putting on your clothes. I see it as everything you do leading up to the ceremony. If you choose not to have “getting ready” wedding photos taken, you might miss out on some great moments that happen in that time frame - like taking solo portraits, sharing special moments with family before you walk down the aisle, or even having a first look with your partner. 
So, even if traditional getting-ready pictures are not your thing, I really suggest starting your coverage an hour or two before the ceremony. Having the anticipation of marrying the love of your life captured is truly second to none. This also allows your photographer to get some candid shots which will be perfect for your wedding album. Once everything is over, you will be glad that you have captured the beginning of your special day on camera. 

It Is a Chance to Slow Down Time and Get Creative 

Instead of hurriedly preparing and dashing out the door in the morning, take a moment to embrace the day ahead fully and what it means for you. Slowing down and enjoying those early hours can really set a positive tone for everything that follows. 

Think about some fun ways to make your morning special while getting ready. You could write your vows in a beautiful vow book, exchange heartfelt gifts, or read letters you have penned for each other. You might enjoy a cozy coffee together in your PJs, whip up breakfast side by side, or even sneak in some boudoir or robe photos once you are all prepped. If you are feeling extra festive, popping open some champagne or mixing your favorite drinks together can be a great way to celebrate. 

Also, be sure to get plenty of rest the night before. Keep in mind that you will party for quite some time, so you will need to look and feel your best the day of. Start with a slow morning and embrace every second of what’s to come!

These are all nice ways to commemorate the beginning of your love story. After a few years, you will love having these memories to show to your kids or simply relive those simple yet important moments! 

It Is an Opportunity to Get Comfortable in Front of The Camera 

When I show up for a wedding photography session, I have noticed many times that the couple might feel a bit nervous about getting their pictures taken. Even though I communicate with the newlyweds before the celebration and we get to know each other, they are still uneasy when the photography session is about to start. So, I like to arrive during a quieter moment of the day so we can get to shake off some of that anxiety before the bigger events kick in. 

During this time, I usually focus on capturing details and those candid moments. I pay attention to how you two interact, which helps me capture your true selves throughout the day. By the time you are exchanging vows, you will almost forget I am there, and you will feel more relaxed for our portrait session. Building that trust and comfort by taking your “getting ready” wedding photos is really important to me because it helps me take the best, most genuine photos of your special day.

You’ll Share Heartfelt Memories With Your Bridesmaids/Groomsmen

Nothing compares to the energy in the soon-to-be-weds’ getting-ready rooms! While the bridal team is usually dressed in the cutest loungewear and sipping on bubbly, the gents are hyped up, eager to see the star of the show getting married to the love of his life. However, these moments can pass by and become a fleeting memory - but not if you preserve them! This is exactly why “getting ready” wedding photos make all the difference. You will have this energy captured forever, and can go back to like it happened yesterday!

For those of you who are opting for “getting ready” wedding photos, let me give you a little tip - the photographer doesn’t want you to be fully ready! Consider this mini “shoot” as preparation for the big thing. Since you will be focused on putting the finishing touches on your wedding attire, you won’t even notice the camera facing you. Most importantly, you will be your natural self, with no posing in sight. With that said, we all know the beauty of candid, unstaged shots!

I totally understand that not everyone wants to take bridal getting-ready photos, and that is completely okay! I just wanted to explain why capturing this time can be so meaningful and how much those memories can matter in the long run. If you are concerned that it might feel cheesy or forced, just think of it like this: “getting ready” wedding photos are all about the real moments that are happening, not just the typical must-have shots!

For more bridal photography inspiration and advice, check out my other blogs.