This is part of my For Brides series. To read other articles in the series click the links below!

 

Part 1: What to Wear
Part 2: 3 Ways to Rock Your Engagement Session

 

A lot of brides don’t necessarily plan where they are going to get ready for their wedding – it just happens naturally. It will be the hotel room they are staying in, a room at the church or venue where the ceremony is, their house. And while this is great, if you put an extra thought or two into it, it can make all the difference. After all, the first 1/4 of your pictures will probably take place in this room! If you plan on getting ready at your venue ask to see the getting ready room when you are touring the venue that way you’ll know what to expect or if you want to get ready somewhere else and not use their space. How do you know what to look for? While glad you asked, here are just a few tips I have to help with that:

 

 

First, pick a room with a lot of natural light. This will not only be helpful to your make-up artist but to me as well. The brighter the room the more natural light we both have to work with to make you look your best. If you can’t use a room that has a lot of windows though there are ways to work around this so don’t stress about it, but if possible set up by a big window. Or do what this bride did and step outside to get into your dress so that you don’t have to worry about a dark room!

 

 

Second, if it is a hotel room that you’ve stayed in, make the bed and tidy up a bit. As a photographer I’m happy to come in a move a bag or two if needed so it won’t be in the background but your pictures will look less cluttered with things off the floor and chairs. Also, designate one area of the room for all the girls to leave their bags so that they can keep everything organized when it’s time to leave and it’ll keep the room from becoming messy. I’m not saying spotless – you are living in it after all – but just lessen the 5 girls, with all their stuff, bomb went off look.

 

Consider getting a suite with a larger bathroom that has big mirrors. These are great for reflection pictures but also super helpful as there are quite a few of you doing hair and makeup! Or think about buying one or two full length mirrors (you can get them at Target for $5 a piece and then use them in your new home!) and setting them up around the room.

 

 

Get all your details together. I love detail shots and everyone wants a great ring shot! So put your shoes, jewelry, garters, wedding rings, invitations and programs, along with anything else meaningful in one place so that I can make sure they are all documented. Also then you aren’t running around looking for things but it’ll be all together when you need it (can you see my OCD organization coming out?)

 

Think about what you’ll wear to get ready. You’ll want it to be easy to remove so it won’t mess up your hair and makeup later but why not make it fun as well. There are so many options these days for you and your girls from matching robes to monogrammed button downs. This can be a fun gift for your bridesmaids as well as something comfortable to hang out in. Since photographs will be taken you want to look your best and I love bridal parties in cute over sized shirts!

 

Bring a nice hanger for your dress. Most of the time they come from the shop on cheap plastic hangers that don’t complement that perfect dress you spent months finding! Even if it’s just a nice wooden one like this or it has your new name on it – this will keep the image clean and the hanger won’t distract from your gorgeous gown.

 

Make sure you have lots of water and snacks or lunch around. Depending on the time of your ceremony this may be the only time you have to eat for a while. So even if you’re too nervous try to eat a little something to keep your energy up and so that you don’t faint at the alter!

 

Lastly have fun and relax! This is the time for you to get dolled up, have a mimosa, and laugh with your girls. The rest of the day will be a whirlwind so enjoy your last few hours as a single woman and sit there and let people pamper you.