It’s here! It’s the big day! But are you ready for your photographer to arrive and start taking photos?
The chances are, you haven’t really given it much thought (I mean it’s probably your first time right?) But gorgeous photos don’t ALWAYS happen by chance!
During the run up to the wedding, I send my couples some top tips, and I’m going to share some of my best advice right here!
Just hanging with the girls! Bridal prep is so much fun, and the suite at South Farm in Hertfordshire is STUNNING!
Where are you getting ready? Things to consider:
1. Natural light – not harsh bulbs and artificial lighting – we want windows!
2. How many people are getting ready with you? Do you have enough space?
3. Distance form venue – the closer you are to your venue, the more time can be spent getting ready!
Getting Ready at Home
Surfaces should be as clear as possible, put things in cupboards and drawers – nobody wants their toiletries from their bedside table in the background of the photos.
Have a little spring clean, a bit of polish and a hoover goes a long way.
You’d be surprised at how many houses I’ve been to, and had to have a quick tidy up myself, just to make a room presentable for wedding photos.
Dedicate one room for getting your dress on and one area for hair and make up.
Where are you going to hang your dress?
Getting Ready at a Hotel
Hotel rooms can be pretty dark with low ceilings, so bare this in mind when choosing your location.
If you can (and budget allows) book two rooms for prep – one for where your dress will be and you will get dressed, and the other room for the chaos of hair, makeup and bridesmaid fun!
So your location is sorted, but what actually happens at morning prep?
This is the time of the day that we capture prosecco being poured, gifts being opened and lots of little precious moments before you tie the knot. This is also the time when you are getting glam – so get ready for some beautiful hair and make-up photos too (don’t worry – no photos before a bit of make-up has been applied!)
For the boys – it’s always a bit more of a chilled time, a couple of drinks, Googling how to tie ties, and lots of banter.
Details
I am all about the details! From invites, to rings, to shoes!
I love capturing all of these details, and when everything matches so perfectly, it makes me very happy!
Here is the list of all the lovely things I like to photograph on the morning of your wedding (if you want to be super organised and put them altogether in one place – that would be AMAZING!)
Bride Prep List:
- Dress
- Shoes
- Any jewellery
- Any hair accessories
- Perfume
- Wedding stationary (invites, save the dates etc – if you have them spare)
- Garter
- Flowers
- Gift from the groom
Groom Prep List:
- Jacket/waistcoat
- Tie/Button hole
- Cufflinks
- Watch
- Aftershave
- Shoes
- Gift from the bride
One last thing, please try and hang yours and the bridesmaid dresses on either plain wooden hangers (Ikea have these at bargain prices!) or even better personalised ones (eBay, Etsy, Not on the High Street all have examples of these).
There is nothing worse than a gorgeous bridal gown hanging on a Tesco hanger!
I really hope you have found this info helpful – bridal prep kick starts your wedding day, so let’s do it right!
Let me know if you want any more information, I’d love to share it with you!
Love Nic x