PHOTODELPHIA

One of the most overlooked parts of a wedding day is the getting ready space. This is where the story begins, where the excitement builds, and where some of the most intimate, joyful moments happen. Prepping this space makes a huge difference in how your photos turn out! It keeps things smooth, stress-free, and beautiful.

Here are my top tips to set the stage

Create “Stuff Spaces”

The morning of a wedding moves quickly, and before you know it, bags, curling irons, half-zipped suitcases, and water bottles are scattered everywhere. Having one or two designated areas for everyone’s “stuff” keeps the room from feeling chaotic.

This also means I don’t have to shuffle things around before snapping photos. Instead of cluttered backgrounds, you’ll have clean, timeless images that show the joy and beauty of the moment without distractions!

Clear the Light & Mirror Zones

Natural light is a photographer’s best friend! It makes skin look glowing, creates soft shadows, and sets the tone for dreamy morning photos. Keeping windows and tall mirrors free of clutter ensures I can capture you in the most flattering light.

If hair and makeup are happening in those spots, that’s perfectly fine! Just make sure the surrounding surfaces aren’t crowded with coffee cups, plastic bags, or snacks. When the space allows, a little bit of breathing room goes a long way.

Have Your Outfit Ready to Shine

Your wedding outfit deserves its own spotlight! If you’d like a photo of it hanging before you put it on, have it out and ready on a custom or pretty hanger before I arrive. This makes it easy to photograph right away, without the scramble of hunting down a hanger or steaming last-minute.

It also allows me to find a beautiful location to display it—whether it’s against a clean wall, near a window, or somewhere with architectural details. The result is a photo that feels elevated and intentional, rather than rushed.

Organize Wedding Party Outfits

Your wedding party’s outfits are part of the story, too. Having them laid out, hanging neatly, or grouped together not only helps your crew get ready faster but also makes for great detail photos of the coordinated colors and textures.

When everything is organized, I can grab a few styled shots of the looks side by side before they’re worn. It’s a small detail, but it adds so much to the storytelling of your morning!

Set Aside a Details Box

Gathering all your details into one box or bag before the day begins saves so much time. This might include your invitation suite, jewelry, perfume, cufflinks, ties, shoes, or any sentimental extras you’d love photographed.

Handing me one little box means I can dive right into styling and capturing those details without interrupting you to ask where things are. It also ensures nothing gets overlooked in the busy shuffle of the morning.

Don’t Forget the Rings

It’s easy to assume the rings are already taken care of, but the getting ready portion is actually the best time to photograph them. Having all the rings (including the engagement ring!) in one place makes this step quick and seamless.

When the rings are gathered with your other details, I can capture them in creative ways, paired with your invitations, flowers, or other sentimental touches. It’s a small but meaningful part of your wedding story that you’ll love to look back on.

The Finishing Touch to a Picture-Perfect Wedding Day

Prepping your getting ready space might seem like a small detail, but it truly sets the tone for your wedding day, and your wedding photos! When everything is organized and intentional, it frees you to enjoy the moment, while I do what I do!

If you want help planning your getting ready timeline or styling your morning for photos, I’d love to be part of your wedding day. Let’s make sure your getting ready moments feel effortless and unforgettable. Reach out here to chat about your wedding photography!