Bridal suite tips on your wedding day, how to get the best photos
Hey HEY!
I wanted to pop on and chat a bit about getting ready on your big day!! If you are a long-term follower or have read a past blog, you may have seen another post on bridesmaids' tips and how they can help. Today, I want to tap in a little bit more on the bride's day and tell you how you can prepare for your photos.
I know I focus on the bride often, but let's be honest, I am usually only with the bride, and if I am not, the groom only has 15 minutes with me—not enough time for details, since there is no second shooter. I promise to post about groom tips next time!!!
Alright, let's get started. I am going to tell you a few things that help me, help you get the BEST getting-ready photos.
1. Highlight Your Details
I don't like to recommend too often to go on Pinterest, and hey, a lot of my couples are laid back and don't care about details. That is okay too, BUT, maybe one or two of you didn't think of this, so that is why I am pointing it out. Your details can really highlight and make your wedding day photos fun!
When you are creating your wedding style on Pinterest, you will have a vibe flowing. That's when you can gather up things for your detail lay-flat invite suite. Get fun with it. Get yourself some really nice invites without a photo (save your save-the-date card for the photo) that match your style. Get some cute stamps and other trinkets that match and flow with your wedding day style. Check out for inspiration! This also ups our chance (if you are interested) in being able to submit to blogs!!
2. Loose Florals
If you can get your florist to make you a tiny package of loose florals and have your flowers arrive in the room before I arrive, we can add that to our lay-flat photos as well.
3. Choose a Well-Lit Room
Choose a room with a window. If we don't have windows, consider using an area that does, even if it's not the bridal suite. For instance, outside. If a room does not have windows, it tends to look flat. So the photos are well lit and nice, but usually very white and flat. If you hired me, it's probably because you love my use of light. Trust me when I say flat light is kinda ehh. We can totally step outside (if we have time) and do the things there, including your lay-flat detail photos.
4. Prepare Your Details in Advance
Please take the tags off your details. That includes everything. If I have to take tags off, we lose a lot of precious time. I don't mind doing it, obviously, but I want you to get the most out of your photos. So, I recommend cutting it all off and opening up shoes and perfume boxes to have it all ready for the next day.
5. Organize Your Items
Place all your details in a box. If all your items are in a box ready for me, it makes it so fast and easy to get to work. This is the first thing I do when I arrive. Plus, it gives you time to go through your checklist to make sure you have everything. You don't want to be kicking yourself that you forgot your invite suite.
6. Get a Pretty Dress Hanger
I have a plain wooden one, but a nice hanger makes for nice photos when I hang the dress.
7. Keep the Room Tidy
Have the girls keep a whole nice corner of the room clean. They often are so focused on getting pretty that they don't realize when I am constantly having to move their bags. So, if you prep them before the big day with this information, it will be helpful as they know not to place their bags, shoes, etc., in the corner you are getting ready in. PS, be mindful of mirrors too.
8. Keep Your Shoes Clean
Don't get your shoes dirty before the big day if you plan to wear them. If you plan to wear them, clean the heck out of your feet before putting them on, or place little shoe inserts over them. It's really sucky when I have to photograph dirty shoes.
9. Clean Your Ring
Get your ring cleaned! Make sure that bling is poppin'!
10. Be Careful with Self-Tanner
Self-tanner—please, please, please be sure to be careful with this. Go to a highly reputable tanning salon. If you do it yourself, I notice it the most during bridal formals. I cannot, I repeat cannot, take the orange off the back of hands, feet, or the back of your arms, or anywhere. But this is where I notice it most. Florida peeps, check out my friend Bair Brush Tan (@bairbrushtan) on Instagram—she is so talented!!
By following these tips, you'll ensure your getting-ready photos are as beautiful and stress-free as possible. Stay tuned for more tips, and happy planning!That is it. I hope you found this set of tips helpful! Thanks for reading.XO, J
