Why the perfect getting ready room is so important

Most brides give little thought to their getting ready space on the big day. After all, you’re so busy planning what everyone’s wearing, where you’ll be and when, and so many other countless details, the last thing on your mind is the getting ready room. Who’s going to see you in there anyway?

Although it seems like a small detail, the getting ready space is a big part of your day! It’s where you’ll be hanging out with your closest friends, sharing stories from years past, getting glammed up together and sharing some cocktails! You spend just as much time in the getting ready room as you do at your reception!

I’m sure you’ve all seen the adorable getting ready pictures! The bridal party in matching rompers, popping champagne and tossing confetti! They’re all to die for! Do you know what makes them look so amazing? Part of it, is the room the bride chose to get ready in. So if you’re looking to score those super cute shots of you and your girls, here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your getting ready photos!

1. Pick a room that has great natural light

If you know me at all as a photographer, you might know how obsessed I am with lighting. What you might not know is why! Excellent lighting makes a photograph; and the secret to excellent lighting? Natural light.  Now natural lighting isn’t just something that is great for the photographer, natural lighting will also help you look your best! No one looks their best under harsh, indoor lighting. So how do we achieve natural lighting in a getting ready room? The best tip I can give you is finding a space with great big windows, or multiple windows so the light pours into the room. On the wedding day, you’ll even seen me going around, turning off the ceiling lights and lamps. This is because artificial light can cast weird colors, and isn’t flattering (and no one wants that on their wedding day!) If your venue doesn’t have a space with great natural lighting, don’t worry! There are plenty of getting ready venues or hotels that work wonderfully for getting ready photos! Don’t be afraid to reach out for recommendations! *Bonus tip* for my style of photography, light colored walls look best and help maintain the light and airy feel!

2. Make sure you’ve got enough space!

This is seriously something to consider. The getting ready room gets crowded quickly. If you have 7 bridesmaids, just remember each is probably bringing at least one bag, their dress, their shoes, snacks, etc. Before you know it, there’s hardly any room to walk and that’s before hair and makeup, moms and aunts get there! Finding a big enough space is crucial to helping you get those getting ready photos you’ve been dreaming of! That extra space can allow me to tidy up a little area free from sandwiches, Pelligrino, and duffle bags, and perfect for natural light and photographs! Trust me, you’ll want your photos free from distracting clutter in the background, and the best way to ensure that, is to make sure there’s enough space!

3. The boys

My last and final point, don’t forget the boys! They will need to follow the same guidelines for the space where they will be getting ready as well! Believe it or not, the boys need space too! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shown up to the groom’s getting ready room and it was a glorified closet with 6-10 grown men in there! So splurge for him too! The boys will definitely thank you later! Trust me!

Until next time friends!

Molly