Most of my brides want some bridal preparation photographs, and I usually suggest that I arrive in time to capture the last hour or so. To help your photographer get the best shots possible, think about the following…
Use a Room That’s Spacious and Light
For the photography, having space and light is always best. Although good photographers will adapt to any lighting situation, a room with plenty of natural light is a good start.
If you’re getting ready at home then, unless you have particularly large bedrooms, you might want to consider using the lounge instead. Your hairdresser and make-up artist will also appreciate a well-lit area to work in.
Similarly, if you’re preparing at a hotel try to get a room with large windows. If it’s the actual venue and they have their own bridal suite, check it out beforehand to see if it’s suitable.
Keep the Room Tidy
Whilst you’ll want your bridal preparation photographs to capture the reality of your wedding morning, have someone in charge of keeping litter to a minimum. Sandwiches and glasses of Champagne look good, but supermarket bags and pork pie wrappers don’t!
Make Sure Your Dress is Ready
Again, allocate a bridesmaid to look after your wedding dress. Once your photographer arrives your dress should be out of its protective wrapping and hanging up ready to be photographed.
If your dress designer doesn’t supply a beautiful hanger, make sure you get yourself one from somewhere like John Lewis. It will cost a fraction of what the dress does but makes all the difference in a photograph.
Allow Plenty of Time
Make sure you allow plenty of time for your bridal preparations. Most delays are usually a result of hairdressers and make-up artists over running. Let me add though, before I get angry tweets, that most hair and make-up delays are due to having unscheduled heads to attend to. If you book hair and make-up for yourself and three bridesmaids, don’t be surprised if there’s a half hour delay when, on the day, you add a flower girl and mother of the bride to the list. Forward planning and communication is the key here.
Also, if you want your bridal preparation photographs to include shots of you looking perfect before you leave for the ceremony, aim to be ready at least half an hour beforehand.
Guest post by Lloyd Dobbie
Images from Lloyd Dobbie
