The getting ready time of your wedding day is potentially the most customizable, especially if you are planning a fairly traditional timeline! So, all these tips and ideas are to get the wheels turning in your brain as we plan, they are rules or the “supposed to do’s” because I will ALWAYS be a fan of doing things in new, fun ways that reflect your style, your plans, and your day!

Let’s start with your average photography coverage time. Again, this can totally change but for a general plan, we need at least 1 hour of time before formal portrait time (wether that be a first look, ceremony start, or group photos) for getting ready photos, now this doesn’t include detail shots! I like to talk to my couples pre-wedding about what kind of detail photos you like, some love the curated, styled flat lays with all the detail items, some like the super casual, shoes on the bed details, and many like it all! I like to schedule 30 minutes for details no matter what type you like, this allows me to have ample time for flat lays and styling your dress, shoes, cuff links and personalized socks in cute but not over done shots around your getting ready hotel, airbnb, or home!

Once we tackle detail photos, let’s plan for about one hour of “getting ready coverage” this allows 25-35 minutes with each group, traditionally less for groups of those in suits as they just usually get ready faster, and have less details! We can certainly customize this per couple, which I always do for my own couples! If one partner would like less or more coverage, we can adjust or add more!

I like to arrive and start detail photos and get some candids of the getting ready rooms right around when hair + makeup is being finished up, as to both not pressure your hair + makeup teams, but to also not have anyone waiting around for me while I handle the first bit of photos I won’t need anyone to do anything for!

Details to Have Ready:

Whether you’re getting ready solo, with friends, or with family, set aside a small bag or box with meaningful items you’d like captured:

• Accessories
• Vows or letters
• Fragrance
• Jewelry or watches
• Something old, new, borrowed, or blue — if you’re including that tradition

I love starting with all of this to warm up and get to know the little details of your day! HERE is a full blog post for how to prep for amazing detail and flat lay photos on your wedding day!

Choose the Right Getting Ready Space!

If you’re getting ready somewhere other than your ceremony venue — like a rental home, hotel suite, or a family member’s house — choose a space that feels calm and has what you need to be comfortable. Bonus points for good natural light, extra seating, and a bit of privacy.

Location!

If you’re getting married somewhere within the Colorado Rocky Mountains, definitely get a place so you can make a whole weekend with all your people! Get everyone up there together the days before, have some pre-wedding events or activities and make it a whole wedding weekend!! This is certainly a huge hit in weddings right now, and I even offer full wedding weekend photography coverage to get memories captured of all your events, big and small! This blog on my site has some of my very favorite Airbnbs, hotels, and venues that include accommodations on site in Colorado!

A few tips to make your space work for you:

• Clean and declutter ahead of time — designate one room or corner for photos and quiet moments.
• Pack a “getting ready” bag the night before with everything you’ll need: undergarments, accessories, shoes, fragrance, touch-up items, and a copy of your vows if you’re reading them.
• Bring a steamer or iron (and know how to use it!) — even a little wrinkle in a dress or suit can be distracting in photos.
• Hang outfits up high to avoid creases and keep them safe. Bonus: they’ll look beautiful in detail photos.
• Remove tags, packaging, and stickers (from shoes, suit sleeves, jewelry, etc.) before the day starts.
• Lay out socks, ties, belts, cufflinks, or shapewear in one place so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
• Break in shoes ahead of time, or bring a comfy backup pair to change into later.

Attire!

If you’re wearing a dress:

• Practice walking, sitting, and dancing in it before the big day.
• Try it on with all undergarments and accessories ahead of time so you’re confident in the fit.
• Make sure someone close to you knows how to help with zippers, buttons, bustles, or any layered details.
• Pack fashion tape, safety pins, and stain remover just in case.

If you’re wearing a suit:

• Try the full outfit on several days before — including shirt, socks, shoes, tie, and belt.
• If it’s been altered, make sure you have time for any final adjustments.
• Consider steaming or pressing it the night before so it’s crisp and photo-ready.
• Don’t forget details like pocket squares, tie clips, or watches — and make sure someone knows how to help with boutonnières if you’re wearing one.

Taking a little time to prep your space and your attire can help you feel relaxed, polished, and totally present as the day begins.

Also, you can get ready together.  My husband, Grayson, and I got ready together at our elopement (it was just us, and more out of necessity but became a really special memory!) AND on our big traditional wedding day! We had both sides of our wedding party and their partners invited to our house while those who wanted hair + makeup got it done, and those who didn’t made brunch and we all we’re able to hang out and laugh together all morning! We got dressed together, I tied his shoes and he checked my dress straps, it’s great way to spend your wedding morning and get great “getting ready” photos together!

Bring your animals!

If your pups aren’t invited to the wedding, make sure they’re at least around for the prep photos, if you’re venue space allows!

One of my biggest recommendations for your getting ready location is choosing somewhere as close to your venue as possible. Of course this isn’t always possible, but it will truly make your day more enjoyable if you are spending the least amount of time possible in a car or party bus getting to your next spot. Think of traffic, delays, issues… all are less of a problem the closer to your venue you are!

Plan Your Timeline with Wiggle Room

Wedding mornings often move more slowly than expected, especially if there’s hair, makeup, or multiple people getting ready together. We will make sure to build in extra time in your photo timeline so no one feels rushed. This helps you stay present, and also gives you a buffer if something takes longer than planned.

If you’re wearing a suit:

• Try everything on at least a week before — including socks, shoes, and any accessories.
• Give yourself a few quiet minutes to get dressed without distractions. It’s a grounding moment.

If you’re wearing a dress:

• Practice bustling or walking in it ahead of time.
• Ask a trusted person to help you get dressed — especially if there are buttons, lace, or delicate details.
• Sit down briefly in your dress to make sure everything stays in place and feels comfortable.

First Look or No First Look?

There’s no right or wrong answer here, it all depends on what feels best for you and your partner. As for some getting ready tips around either option, here’s my go-to tips! (If you are still trying to decide between, HERE is a blog post with tons of hep on making your decision!)

If you’re doing a first look, we will coordinate your getting ready timelines so you’re both fully ready with time to spare. (i’ll help with this!)

If you’re not doing a first look, a fun idea is to plan for a private exchange of letters or a gift before the ceremony if you’d like to connect without seeing each other, which I can also make sure to photograph during getting ready, if you’d like! (Idea: book a boudoir session with me and gift your partner a gorgeous album!)

Most Importantly… Enjoy the Moment

The getting ready part of your day doesn’t have to feel like a production. Surround yourself with people who help you feel calm and supported. Play music you love. Take a deep breath. Sip your favorite drink. Laugh a lot. This is the beginning of something beautiful.

I sure hope these getting ready tips have you excited for your own big day! If you’re looking for more content on wedding photography, check my other blogs on how to prepare for your wedding day HERE!