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It’s time for another installment of Friday Tips and Tricks! I haven’t don’t one of these posts in a while because I have been in the midst of a crazy wedding season, not to mention, traveling like a bird during winter! These are some of my favorite posts though because they help my clients and other people plan a wedding day/session with a better wedding education! I’ve been doing this for a while and even though I don’t know everything, I do know a few things to make the day better.
Today’s post is concerning the part of the day that seems to get the least amount of attention. The prep time! Often times, this is the first thing that is to go when my brides are looking at how the hours will breakdown for photography on their wedding day. I totally get this, but honestly, the prep time is one of my favorite parts of the day. Why, you ask?! Well, because it is often the most relaxed part of the day. It is when you and your closest friends, bridesmaids or groomsmen, get to be together without the commotion of the rest of the wedding guests. It’s usually much more intimate and the anticipation of what is about to happen is so high. It’s a LOT of fun! Once the dress/tux is on, thing just don’t slow down until you’ve waved goodbye and it’s time to honeymoon.
As a photographer, I also love this time because it is much more candid. I get to photograph what I see happening and the interactions between the bride/groom and their friends and family. There is always lots of laughter, fun gifts being exchanged and a LOT of excitement as they prepare for their marriage ceremony and as they prepare to see their groom/bride for the first time. Grandmother’s cry when they see their granddaughter, bridesmaids cheer once the dress is on and groomsmen do silly groomsmen things that are always hilarious. It’s a great time and I love the images that come from it. So, here are a few tips on how to make it great!
1. Space is a Destresser– This is especially true if you have a decently large bridal party. There is something about tight spaces that makes stress increase all the more. You want room to move about and not get claustrophobic so pick a place that is proportionate to the people who will be getting ready there!
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2. Ambiance Matters- This is where you will be getting beautiful/handsome on your special day and also where your prep pictures will be taken. If the place is dark, outdated, stuffy and cluttered…your photos and your mood will reflect it. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box on where you can get ready. Houses are often times much better than bridal rooms!
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3. Clutter Is Not Pretty So Be Flexible– I always tell my brides to get ready in a place that has options for where to get dressed. Doing your makeup in the room where all 10 of your bridesmaids have planted is fine…but getting your dress on where their curling irons and overnight bags are cluttering up the background…not so much. Your dress shot is important to have because that’s when it becomes real! Help your photographer by being willing to MOVE to a different ‘less cluttery’ spot to put your dress on. It’s totally worth it and I promise, no one will see you.
4. Consider Lighting– Your make up artist will appreciate this too! I always tell my clients to get ready in a place with lots of natural light instead of overhead light. You will look less orange and it will be SO much more flattering to your skin tones. Trust me.
5. Your Groom Matters Too– I am always a little bummed when the groom gets ready a good 45 minutes away from the bride. I need my assistant with me for so many of the prep and detail shots, making it hard for him/her to head to the groom’s prep area if it is significantly far away. If you can help it, have the groom and his groomsmen get ready within close proximity of the bride. His prep photos matter too!
6. Make Up and Hair on Location- This is more expensive but if you can budget it in, I really do think it is worth it! You will get to be with your bridal party and family more on that day and have less travel time if they come to you.
7. Proximity Promotes Punctuality– You like that alliteration?! Choosing a location that is close to the ceremony site will be HUGE in helping the efficiency and the smoothness of the day. Your bridal party and family will be FAR more likely to be on time!
8. Comfortable Equals Relaxed– It is always sad to me when a bride gets ultra stressed on her wedding day. Sure, weddings are stressful but I am a firm believer that your environment can help. So, especially if you are prone to stress, pick a place to get ready that is comfortable to you, where you feel at ease. Houses make much better spots than hotel rooms or bridal suites!
The goal is to enjoy your wedding day…so I hope these tips will lead to that as well as allowing your photographer to capture some GREAT prep photos!
Happy Friday!