As a wedding photographer of 5+ years, I’ve seen a lot when it comes to getting ready photos. From massive, light filled venues, to small, dark rooms. Or chaotic, behind-schedule, rushing to put the dress on. All the way to sitting, sipping champagne for 10 minutes before having to put your gown on. And everything in between.

And here’s the thing- for most of you, it IS your first time taking getting ready photos like this. Because it is your first wedding day. And at the very least, it’s your first wedding day marrying THIS person, at THIS time, in THIS place. So why would I expect you to know how to get dreamy getting ready photos? After all, I think it’s probably my job to make sure that happens 😉

So, today I want to chat about just that. How to set yourself up for success on your wedding day. To make sure your getting ready photos are everything you’ve ever dreamed of or pinned to your Pinterest board. Here are a few of the main tips I offer every single bride when planning getting ready photos.

1. Light, light, light

I really and truly cannot emphases this enough: the LIGHT in the room is 50% of the way to those STUNNING getting ready pictures. I know there’s only so much control you have over the weather outside, and no one (not even me, as much as I’d like) can promise a beautiful, sunny wedding day. BUT, what you can do, is try to make sure your getting ready photos are in a room full of windows and aaaaall the natural light (whether it’s sunny outside or not- trust me, it’s important).

2. Clean and Clutter Free

Hear me out- I know this sounds obvious. But your wedding day is going to be busy! Between bridesmaids, family, friends, and vendors- there will be a lot going on. And if you’re not careful, it’ll be 5 minutes before your getting ready photos are scheduled on the timeline and the entire getting ready space will be in DISARRAY. Trust me, that’s not what anyone wants.

So my advice? Make sure everyone knows exactly when getting ready photos are starting. And make sure they know to have the room CLEAN and clutter free by 5 minutes before! Or better yet…have everyone get ready in an entirely different space than where you want to get into your dress.

Trust me… you’ll be thankful later when your sister’s curling wand isn’t in the background of the photos 😉

3. Give Yourself Time

I know this may not seem related at all to you getting into your dress and taking stunning photos. But just believe me when I tell you- it is arguably THE key to getting those gorgeous photos of your mom zipping you into your dress or your sister fluffing your veil out. Because the truth: the real key to those stunning images in your wedding day gallery is making sure you were actually enjoying the moment.

All the natural light and decluttering in the world can’t make a moment beautiful if you feel overwhelmed, stressed, and behind. My goal as a photographer is to do everything within my power to make your day run smoothly and on schedule. AND the reality is, I only have so much control of the day. Which is why I tell brides to start getting ready an hour earlier than they think they should.

Communicate with bridesmaids and your hair and makeup team about exactly when you need to be ready by. And add in another 30 minutes of buffer room after that.

In my Wedding Experience, I offer custom timeline creation is literally every package for this very reason. I want to make sure every single one of my brides is giving themselves the space to enjoy their wedding day, including the special moments that mark the very beginning of the day.

I tell every bride- there are so many things you can’t control on your wedding day. But there are also so many things that you can. My goal is ALWAYS to serve brides. And make sure they have all the information they need to get exactly what they want on their wedding day.

I am currently taking on 2026 weddings, and I would absolutely love to chat with you! If you are looking for your dream wedding photographer, let’s chat!

Okay, friends- can’t wait to chat soon! Make sure to save this later to get your dream gallery full of beautiful getting ready images!

xo,

Maggie

P.S. Let’s be friends on the gram!