So, you already know to allow plenty of time for getting ready with your girls, but what about getting the best out of your photos during this time?
Wherever you are getting ready, try to find a room with plenty of space and light. Not only will this make your photos look softer and more flattering, but your stylists will thank you for it too.
Try and set up as close to a window as possible. Windows act as big softboxes and will create soft, flattering light. The same thing applies when putting on your dress – please try to remember to face the window.
If possible, make sure the room you are getting ready has plenty of space, as a small room will make it difficult to get the best photos.
Try and have the room you’re getting dressed in kept clear and clean. Designate an area of the room to ‘dump’ any clutter: handbags, toiletries, shopping bags, fast food wrappers and energy drink cans, and anything else that you don’t want to see in the background of your photos!
Your photographer/videographer will more than likely be using this room for detail shots of your dress and shoes while you’re getting hair and makeup done. Make sure your dress is out of its wrapper and easily accessible, so that it can be moved if necessary. Traditional locations to hang your dress are in doorways or in front of windows, unless you want to get creative (it’s not unheard of for dresses to be photographed in trees or on fences!). It’s well worth investing in a nice fabric hanger, if your wedding dress designer didn’t supply one already. It’s easy to overlook that black plastic hanger but it will make a world of difference when you see your photographs.
Also set aside any other details you would like photographed at this time: shoes, rings, flowers, jewellery, invitations.
Buy yourself and your bridesmaids some nice silky dressing gowns for when you’re getting ready – they will look great in your photos and it’s a nice gift too.
Have food delivered to your room. It may be hectic, but take the time to have a bite before the wedding since it will be a while before you have the opportunity to nourish yourself during the reception.
If your husband/wife to be has given you a gift, if you can, try and wait until your photographer/videographer has arrived so they can get some great shots of you opening it.
Try and avoid having a fake tan done, as they tend to make people look orange, unfortunately. Speak to your make-up artist about achieving the right colour for your skin and something that will give you a glow rather than going the fake tan route.
When having your hair trial and, in particular if you want to wear your hair down, speak to your hairdresser about trying to keep your face visible. Think about when you are exchanging your vows – all of your guests want to see your face.
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time. Allowing 50% more time for hair and makeup than you originally anticipated alleviates the number one reason wedding schedules end up running late. Try have your makeup done at least second last so you’re not rushing into the dress. Believe me, that last hour zooms by! You want to be happy and excited getting into the dress, not frantic and stressed. It’ll also allow you a little extra time for some shots with family before your photographer/videographer leaves ahead of you.
Prepare an emergency bridal kit with clear nail polish, mints, a sewing kit, stain treater, eye drops, safety pins, bobby pins, pain reliever and mini deodorant.
