Choosing the best “getting ready” location for your wedding day.
I often get asked by couples, at some point during the wedding planning process, what makes for the best getting ready space? Getting ready spaces are becoming more and more important to brides. Brides invest money in cute getting ready outfits for themselves and sometimes the entire bridal party - and look forward to all to the prep and anticipation before the wedding ceremony! The single most important answer I can give to that question is - LIGHT! Make sure the location you choose has lots and lots of natural light! Natural light is simply one of the main keys to beautiful, creamy, light and airy images! Try and find a space with lots of windows with lots of light pouring in. Ask to tour a hotel room before booking & ask specifically if there are any rooms or areas that have the most natural light and neutral colors.
THE SURROUNDING DECOR - Take a look around! The light may be adequate, but are the walls a funky yellow color - or is there crazy wallpaper on the walls? These aspects of a room can be super distracting in an image and actually cause unwanted color casts on your face! Light, neutral colored walls and furniture are a plus! You could also look to see if the facility you are using has any larger space or lobby that would fit the description if the rooms are less than desirable. We can create many of your getting ready shots in those spaces too!
SPACE - Make sure there is enough room for all of your attendants, hair and make-up people, other relatives that may be popping in and out, as well as everybody’s stuff! Sometimes space can get pretty tight - not to mention hot - with all of the bodies, plus hair dryers and curling irons running! It sometimes makes sense to get two rooms if space is super limited. Don’t discount using someone’s home either! Many times the perfect getting ready space is right there under your nose:)
GET ORGANIZED - Have all of your details organized and gathered together for your photographer. I usually arrive pretty early as everyone is getting ready - not only to capture those moments - but to photograph all of the the pretty details! Brides have put so much thought and time into selecting the perfect jewelry, shoes, etc., so capturing those images is very important to the story of the day! It’s great to have all of those items collected days ahead of time and put in a box or bag for your photographer - such as both rings, 2 sets of the invitation + envelopes, shoes, perfume, jewelry and other items. And don’t forget the grooms items too! It is so much easier than having to scramble and find everything the day of the wedding. Don’t forget any special hangers you may have for the bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses as well.
RELAX AND ENJOY! - Having everything in place, in a space you love, will get your wedding day started in the best way possible! All the planning is done - enjoy being fully in the moment! Take the time to really look around and enjoy every second of your wedding day - it goes by so quickly!
