A wedding photographer’s guide to capturing the perfect ‘getting ready’ photos
The ‘getting ready’ part of a wedding day is full of excitement, anticipation, and beautiful candid moments. It’s a time of bonding, laughter, and those last few quiet moments before the day’s whirlwind truly begins. As a wedding photographer, I love capturing this part of the day. It’s a privilege to be with the bridal party- and sometimes the groomsmen- during this exciting and emotional part of the day. For me, the ‘getting ready’ time is about storytelling: documenting not just how everything looks, but how it feels.
Here’s my guide on how to create stunning, natural, and emotive ‘getting ready’ wedding photography that your couple will cherish forever…
1. Capture the dress, shoes and accessories before the bride puts them on
This is a great tip and something I love to do! Before the bride steps into her dress, take time to photograph the key details: her gown, shoes, jewellery, bouquet, and other accessories. These are sentimental items carefully chosen for the day, and capturing them beautifully will help tell the full story.
I always make sure that I hang the dress in a well-lit spot, such as a window, or even outside in the trees for a whimsical touch.
I’ll then lay out accessories elegantly on a table to create a luxurious, editorial feel.
Paying attention to textures, soft lighting, and composition all contributes to elegant images that act as a lovely memento of what the bride wore on the day.
2. Capture the little ones in the bridal party
Some of my very favourite shots are of flower girls and little bridesmaids! As well as being adorable, little ones can provide some very amusing photography moments!
If there are flower girls or little bridesmaids in the bridal party, they will add an extra layer of charm to the ‘getting ready’ shots. Photographing the bride, her bridesmaids, or family members helping them get dressed creates heartwarming, natural moments.
I love to capture playful moments with the flower girls twirling in their dresses or giggling. It’s also lovely to capture the bride interacting with them, whether it’s fixing their shoes, adjusting a flower crown, or sharing a hug.
As a wedding photographer, I always keep an eye out for candid expressions: children often bring spontaneity and joy to these moments.
3. Group shots of the bridal party
The bridal party plays a huge role in the getting-ready preparations, offering support, laughter, and sometimes a few happy tears. Documenting their reactions and interactions makes for incredible storytelling.
I always enjoy taking photos during hair and makeup: soft, natural lighting works beautifully in these settings and I’ve captured truly beautiful shots of brides having their make up done.
I also love to capture the moment that the bridesmaids see the bride in her dress for the first time: these reactions are often priceless and always really moving.
4. Make use of the surroundings
A well-framed image can transform a simple moment into something cinematic. I love to get creative in my photography, and I see the getting-ready space as a way to do this. For example, photographing the bride looking out of a window, lost in thought, is a perfect shot that captures anticipation.
I also like to use mirrors for interesting compositions, reflecting moments of final touches or last-minute adjustments.
I also like to incorporate natural light, shadows, and leading lines into my wedding photography, to enhance the mood of the shots.
Wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales
The ‘getting ready’ part of the wedding day is a goldmine for genuine, emotional, and beautiful images. By focusing on details, emotions, and the surroundings, you can create a stunning visual story that the couple will look back on fondly for years to come.
I’m a professional wedding photographer based in Cheshire, North Wales, and Chester. If you’d like to discuss your wedding plans, get in touch: I would love to chat about ideas for your day.
