Bride-to-be — Wedding Getting Ready Tips

Having being a northern VA wedding photographer for years, I summarized some tips at the getting ready photo session for bride-to-be. Wedding photographers often begin the day with bride getting ready photos. Some brides don’t want this part of the wedding be documented. (There is nothing wrong with that; please check out my6-hour wedding package). But for those who value this experience and decide to include this session, there are so many fun things that can be documented: 

• candid moments of you and your dear friends or sisters
• bride’s father/mother’s first look
• wedding dress and bouquet
• your sentimental accessories (see details below)
• primping portrait

As a wedding photographer in northern VA, I summarized some tips to guarantee you get a varielty of beautiful photos:

photo from: WEDDING | THE RIVER VIEW AT OCCOQUAN

1. Getting Ready Location Ideas:

Regarding the choice of venue, lighting plays a vital role. It not only helps your photographer capture lots of nice candid photos but also helps makeup artists create a flawless look. Try to look for a decent size place with many windows. If your onsite getting-ready place is not ideal or if you are only allowed to use the venue for a limited amount of time; you still have these options: 

1. Get a hotel room nearby

If you have the budget, upgrade your room to a bigger suite so you can have more room to work with and to hide the clutter. 

2. Get an Airbnb

This is a more economic choice to have extra space. Pick a Airbnb with character that fits your wedding theme. You will have more unique backdrops difference with the typical hotel vibe.

Photo from: COSMOS CLUB BLACK-TIE WEDDING WASHINGTON D.C.

2. Tidy the room in advance

With so many things happening, your room can quickly get cluttered, which causes distraction in photos and videos. Try asking your bridesmaids and families to keep their belongings in a corner or another room.

3. Gather the props for your wedding details 

This is a good opportunity for your photographer to record all your wedding day accessories for an aesthetically pleasing photo. Things you could prepare are:

• invitation letter
• wedding jewelry
• perfume
• garter
• wedding shoes
• a few extra flowers from your florist for styling purposes