Some of the first shots your wedding photographer will want to capture are bridal “getting ready photos.” If you’re wondering why or if these images are worth capturing, this post is just for you! Usually taken in the last hour of your preparation process, these images allow you to cherish the anticipation you feel on your wedding day, and have documentation of the more intimate moments of an otherwise lavish day. Plus they show off all the amazing details that go into your look—the ones you likely put lots of thought and effort into putting together! So read on for my complete bride’s guide to the perfect getting ready photos, from how to use them to how to look your best.

Why take getting ready photos on your wedding day?

I find such beauty in human connection and the stories that people share. It’s why I became a photographer! Getting ready photos capture quiet moments and candid friendships. They’re natural, unscripted moments with your closest friends and family. They remember the calm before the pomp, and commit some of your more relaxed moments to memory. Plus, having that extra hour or so before the formal events begin allows more time for you and your wedding photographer to get acquainted! It’s also a great way to compare after the big day and see what your groom was up to.

Plus, how often will you have a glam squad at your disposal, working to make you look your most gorgeous? Another great reason to take getting ready photos is all about confidence. Everyone’s hair will look great. Your makeup will look great, even if the final touches are still in progress. Your pre-gown outfits will be adorable, and when the wedding day is long behind you, you’ll look back on the beauty prep and love how great everyone looked! 

What will I do with these images?

Getting ready photos help provide a more complete view of your wedding day. That’s why every wedding album should start with getting ready photos! (Not sure if you’re investing in a wedding album? Here’s why you definitely should!) Your bridal party is unique. Your family is unique. Your love is unique! Let your wedding photos tell your wedding story from the very beginning. 

Sure, some of your other favorite wedding photos will likely end up as prints or canvases in your home, but what about all the other details you put so much thought and money into? Putting them in a professional wedding album will help you remember all the gorgeous details forever. 

How can I make sure my getting ready photos look amazing?

Whether your venue has a great place for getting ready, you’re at a hotel nearby, or you’ve rented an Airbnb for the morning, make sure you have plenty of space—and big windows! Trust me, the quality (not quantity) of light in these moments can make or break your getting ready photos. Try to surround yourself with natural light and soft, neutral wall colors.

If possible, avoid vibrant hues that can reflect onto your hair color and skin tone, and patterns in wallpaper or furniture that can distract from the details of your day. Keep the room tidy, and be sure to have fun! Put a trusted family member or member of your bridal party in charge of creating a getting ready playlist, and enjoy these moments. They’ll be over before you know it! 

What kinds of shots should I take?

Your wedding photographer will undoubtedly have a tried and true shot list for getting ready photos, but as with anything else with your wedding, preparation always makes things run more smoothly. Are there any special details you want to make sure you’re capturing? Maybe your great grandmother’s earrings are your “something old,” or a significant hairpiece is your “something blue.” Have those items out and ready!

Is your mom helping you into your wedding dress? Is your sister or best friend traveling a long way to be there for this part of the day? Communicate those details! If they’re important to you, they should be important for your wedding photographer. Need some direction to help you prepare? Here are some of my favorite items to include in getting ready photos:

• Wedding dress
• Wedding shoes (bride and groom)
• Wedding bouquets and boutonnieres 
• Veil/headpieces
• Cufflinks and bridal accessories
• Cologne and perfume bottles
• Wedding rings (all three)
• Family heirlooms
• Menus and invitations

Too many details to keep track of? You can put a bridesmaid or family member in charge of pulling some of these items, especially tracking down the flowers and paper goods. The most important thing to remember is that this day is important. The details are important. These moments are important! Let’s capture every single one together. 

Ladies and gentlemen, the summer weddings are in full swing! Did you know that more than a quarter of all 2023 weddings took place between June and August last year? With fewer commitments, warmer nights and gorgeous sunshine, it’s no wonder these months are the most popular—especially in colorful, scenic Colorado! Whether your 2024 summer wedding is fast approaching or you’re a 2025 bride-to-be, here are my 5 top tips to make the most of the season, and beat the heat for a perfect summer wedding.

1. Provide Some Shade

If you’re planning a backyard or park wedding, make sure you have some shady or indoor spaces available to keep your guests comfortable and safe from the elements. Try mixing elegance and shade with ceiling drapes, or go with clear-top tents or canopies instead. If you’re saying “I do” at an outdoor venue, ask about alternative spaces for rain as well as heat relief. If you’re not thrilled with the options, check in with your vendors. They might have some stylish solutions, too, like having themed umbrellas on hand to block sun in a pinch. 

2. Keep Things Light

When it comes to summer weddings, keep it light—in every sense of the word. Dark colors attract heat, so make sure your linens and floral palette create a cool and comfortable setting. Opt for lighter foods over warm, heavy plates, and make sure your menu is stocked with icy drinks and cool desserts. Stick with lemonades and flavored water until the reception has started since alcoholic beverages can lead to dehydration, and accent drinks and hors d’oeuvres with cooling flavors like cucumber and mint. 

3. For Summer Weddings: Relax the Dress Code

If you’ve always envisioned a black tie-affair, summer weddings might not be ideal. Even if your ceremony and reception are indoors, your guests still need to travel to and from the festivities in the summer heat—and that isn’t a great time to slip into a long black gown or full, formal tuxedo. If you have a gorgeous outdoor wedding in mind, I suggest relaxing your dress code to include seasonally appropriate, loose-fitting clothing. Bottom line: Your guests know what they need to spend a considerable amount of time in the summer sun, and that might look different for everyone in attendance on your big day.

4. Style for the Season

Speaking of dress code, be sure to keep the summer temps in mind when you style yourself and your bridal party. Choose elegant updos over (potentially sweaty) trailing tresses for the girls, and go with fewer layers in lighter colors for the guys. Save the smokey eyes for another day, and choose a natural makeup look that compliments some naturally rosy cheeks. And always have some spare powder, antiperspirant/deodorant and blotting sheets on hand to touch up any sweaty spots throughout the day.

5. Be Prepared

Whatever Mother Nature has planned for summer weddings, make sure you have what it takes to keep you and your guests cool, calm and comfortable. Keep plenty of icy coolers full of bottled water and baskets of sunscreen nearby, and have some ice packs chilling on standby in case of any overheating. Equip the tables at your reception with small, battery-powered fans or misters, and plan any physical activities like dancing after the sun goes down. Have some light hand towels or moist towelettes available for your guests, as well as paper/program fans or welcome kits designed to help everyone stay sun smart. 

Concerned about the sun? Don’t worry! Summer is the most popular wedding season for a reason, be it for the gorgeous weather (which means gorgeous photos!), all the fresh flowers and produce, or simply the optimal travel time. With a little bit of consideration, it’s still the perfect time to celebrate your love. However you choose to beat the heat at your summer wedding, above all, make sure you’re staying true to your wedding and its theme. After all, the focus of the day’s events should be the bride and groom—not the weather.