The getting ready portion of your wedding day is about more than just hair and makeup or tying ties. It’s the moment where the day begins to take shape—the space where anticipation builds, where quiet nerves surface, and where you’re surrounded by your people. It’s also a time to slow down, settle in, and truly soak in the fact that you’re getting married.

Whether you’re getting ready in a cozy Airbnb, your childhood home, a hotel suite, or a venue bridal room, there are a few key things you can do to make this part of the day feel less like a rush and more like a ritual.

Create a Grounded, Peaceful Atmosphere

Start with your space. Choose a room with natural light if possible—it makes a huge difference in both your photos and your mood. Tidy up before your photographer arrives (or ask a friend to help). Move water bottles, suitcases, and fast food wrappers to a corner or out of the frame. We’ll photograph the realness too, but clean space allows your presence to come through more clearly.

Play music that calms or energizes you. Light a candle. Bring something that grounds you—a journal, a playlist you made for this moment, a note from your partner. These small details can shift your experience from reactive to intentional.

Who Should Be There?

There’s no rule, but we always encourage couples to be mindful of who they invite into this space. The energy of the room becomes your energy. Choose to be surrounded by people who bring calm, joy, and support—not chaos, critique, or stress.

Some couples choose a full wedding party, others keep it intimate with a sibling or parent. Do what feels right for you.

Timing Is Everything

Hair and makeup should be complete about 60–90 minutes before you plan to get dressed. This gives time for any delays, bathroom breaks, gift exchanges, or just breathing. Build in 10–15 minute buffers between transitions. It’s the best gift you can give yourself.

If your ceremony is at 4 p.m. and you’re doing a first look at 2 p.m., aim to have hair/makeup done by 12:30. That way, you’re dressed and relaxed by 1:30, and we can ease into portraits instead of sprinting through them.

Need help building your full day-of timeline? Read our post on Scheduling Your Day for full walkthroughs.

The Details Matter (and So Do the Moments In Between)

If you want us to photograph your dress, shoes, vow books, rings, or special heirlooms, gather them in one place ahead of time. Same goes for the groom’s watch, tie, cufflinks, or cologne. Having them ready means we don’t interrupt your flow, and it gives us more time to focus on you.

Also—don’t feel like you have to stage every moment. Some of the most meaningful images come from real, unscripted interactions: your mom zipping your dress, your best friend adjusting your necklace, your sibling cracking a joke that makes you laugh so hard you forget your nerves.

Let the moments unfold. We’ll be there to capture them.

Need help choosing which photos matter most to you? Read our Formal Shot List Guide

Write a Letter, Read a Letter

If you and your partner are exchanging letters or gifts before the ceremony, we recommend reading them in your getting ready space—alone or in front of the camera, whatever feels right. These can be some of the most emotionally present photos of the day.

Not sure if you want to do a first look? Our post To Look or Not to Look walks you through how to decide, and how it impacts the rest of your day.

Don’t Skip Breakfast (or Water)

We know it’s easy to forget, but hydration and food are key. A mimosa is fun, but it won’t keep you steady through 8 hours of events and emotions. Designate someone to bring snacks, water, or even smoothies. Your body (and your nerves) will thank you.

A Note for Grooms and Groom Parties

Same rules apply: clean space, natural light, and buffer time. It’s just as special of a moment and deserves the same care. Bring someone who helps you stay present. Lay out your details ahead of time. And don’t be afraid to be emotional—we’ll photograph that, too.

Whether you’re toasting with whiskey or meditating alone before getting dressed, your story matters.

Don’t Try to Control Everything—Just Protect the Space

Not everything will go perfectly. Someone will forget a tie, or traffic will hit, or a zipper will stick. The key is to create space and support so that those little bumps don’t define the experience.

You don’t need perfection. You just need presence.

That’s what makes the photos meaningful. That’s what you’ll remember.

Pro Tips from Behind the Lens:

Dress last. Let your hair/makeup team finish before you step in. That way your getting ready photos feature your whole look.
Keep windows clear. If there’s a great window, we’ll probably want to use it for natural light portraits.
Assign someone for emergencies. Pack a wedding day emergency kit or designate someone who has one.
Don’t schedule photos until you’re ready. We’ll capture candids along the way, but if you want full portraits, wait until you’re fully dressed.

Your wedding morning doesn’t need to be a blur. With a little intention and support, it can become one of the most sacred parts of your day. We’ll be there to document it—not just the beauty, but the realness. The emotion. The moment you look in the mirror and realize it’s all happening.

And that’s a moment worth making space for.

← Back to All Planning Guides