If you’re reading this, you’re likely in the process of planning and preparing for your wedding day. And it can be stressful! Although our title is “wedding photographer,” we always set our couples up for success by helping them prepare properly!
Today we’re going to be talking about the “getting ready” portion of your day and what you need to know to make it as stress-free as possible and enjoyable!
Plan More Time Than You Think You Will Need
We pride ourselves in our efficient wedding timeline management, but sometimes the day just gets behind. The first step to creating a stress-free wedding morning is to plan out more time than you’ll need. This is the best first step in preparing for your wedding day! Gals, this is especially important for you. We naturally take longer to get ready, especially if your bridesmaids are having their hair and makeup professionally done.
If you’re running short on time at the beginning of the day, you’ll feel like you’re trying to catch up allllll day. And we want you to feel fully present at every moment of your day! Not worrying about getting to the next event. The worst thing that could happen is you get to all relax together and enjoy another mimosa 😉
Choose a Space With Natural Light
Think lots of big windows! It’s your photographer’s dream!!! Nothing beats natural light when it comes to photography. When you choose an enclosed, dark space, the overhead lights and table lamps won’t cut it. They will make you look a terrible hue of yellow and you lose a lot of detail. There are a few things your photographer can do to mitigate it – but it simply won’t be as clear and flattering.
Set Out Everything the Week Before
I can’t tell you how many times we’ve walked into a room and the groom doesn’t know where his tie or shoes are. Save yourselves the hassle so you can relax and be present with your people. A few days before your wedding, pack all of your things so you can add anything you’ve forgotten over the course of the week. Your dress, tux, shoes, socks, rings, vows, jewelry, cuff links, etc.
Put Your Details in a Box
There is a high chance your photographer will take photos of your details, and the last thing you’ll want to do when you’re in the middle of getting ready is scrambling to gather them. Put them in a box the night before to hand right over to your photographer!
Here’s a list of items to include in your box:
- Invitations
- Save the dates
- Vows books
- Rings (engagement + wedding bands)
- Ring holder if ya have one (but if you don’t, we have cute ones!!)
- Shoes / Heels
- Jewelry (earrings, necklace)
- Cufflinks, watch, tie
- Perfume / Cologne
- Anything else sentimental you want to add
Our favorite tip for the dreamiest lay flats? Introduce your florist to your photographer! Florists often have extra florals that match your bouquet and the colors of your day. They fill in the blank spaces and truly complete your lay flats!
We’ll work on the stuff that doesn’t need to be in the box like pretty ribbons, stamps, etc. Get ready to have the dreamiest flat lay photos!
Rest and Digest… Literally
This is the most important advice we can give. You are getting married to someone who loves you for YOU. Not how you look in a white dress or tux. It is natural to want to feel your best and we all have things we want to improve in our lives. But we do not need to stress about changing ourselves for our wedding day. Your fiancé is marrying you, for you!
So if you want to hit the gym 5x a week an eat that salad, do it. But don’t leave that cookie on the plate. You deserve it for all the wedding planning you’ve done! More than anything, the best thing you can probably do leading up to your wedding is drinking water! It often clears that stubborn blemish and makes you feel great!
If you enjoyed this blog about preparing for your wedding day and you’re still looking for a photographer, consider sending Yvonne Goll Photography an inquiry here!
