Why Getting Ready Photos Matter
The wedding day timeline is jammed packed from the second your eyes open in the morning until you leave the reception. Weddings are just very very busy days. No matter the size of the guest list there will need to be an order-of-events. Because there are so many different events taking place and each one is significant (or you wouldn't have put it in the day-of timeline), capturing them all is a must.
PAY ATTENTION TO THOSE PHOTOGRAPHER HOURS
Now sometimes, couples forget to pay attention to the hours they paid the photographer to be at their wedding. Then they realize they won't have enough time to do it all so chopping off the beginning of the day or end of the night is best. Once they have this revelation, their tendency is to immediately cut out the getting ready shots. They assume that having photos of the dancing celebration portion trumps the eager expectation of prepping earlier in the day. If that is important to you, I get it and go for it! My advice, add more time and make sure you have getting ready shots.
GETTING READY PHOTOS MATTER | THE DETAILS
There is a beautiful anticipation that happens as you are getting ready. Giggling with bridesmaids or him having his dad help him fix his tie. There are moments of laughter, solitude, and shire bliss. Watching the transformation or prep of the day, helps you recount the memories of the process. This is glimpse into a potential memory where only a select few people will witness and having your photographer capture it all matters. Plus it gives them time to photograph your personal details.
Photographers will use this time to capture your bouquet, jewelry, and shoe details. They will get the groom's cumber buttons or cuff links that could very well be a passed down family heirloom (photos of this would be bonus in law points!). If you have a tiara or your something borrowed, they photograph these items. It's a great time for taking ring photos as well (get your ring cleaned the day before your wedding). So get the detail photos taken plus some personal moments.
GETTING READY PHOTOS MATTER | GIFT EXCHANGES
I love it when my clients exchange gifts. They each sit all prettied up and they are given a gift and a lovely note from their spouse-to-be, it's sweet! The built up emotion bubbles up a little higher and makes the wedding ceremony all the more anticipated. Who wouldn't want that captured? You do, trust me!
GETTING READY PHOTOS MATTER | DOG LOVE
Do you have a beloved pet? Tons of people loving having their dogs incorporated in their wedding day and getting ready photos allow that. It will vary on your getting ready location, but getting a few shots of man’s best friend sitting at your feet while getting your make-up done, pretty special! Maybe Rufus is the ring bearer in the ceremony, snapping a quick photo of him in his bow tie or her in her floral collar is a must. Getting ready photos allow these moments to be captured.
GETTING READY PHOTOS MATTER | PARENT MOMENTS
Parent moments are often captured during the getting ready shots. Mom will so desperately want to be with you (whether she comes out to say it or not). Having her help you tie up your dress or put your jewelry on will be a moment she is every grateful you had captured. You will too! A mom putting on her son's corsage, that's her baby and it's a big deal that she is letting him go. Capture that moment! Daddy/Daughter first looks are up on my favorite moment list. This is such a precious time as you are his little girl and giving you away is melting his heart.
I have never had a client regret having getting ready photos. NEVER! The clients who where unsure about having them, in the end, were so grateful for those captured prep moments. Remember, photography is an investment. Photographers are only with you for a certain amount hours of the actual day then spend rest of the time editing your actual photographs. It’s important to get the most out of your wedding day, so do not cut out the getting ready photos. They matter and you will be thrilled to have them later!
NEED SOME MORE WEDDING PLANNING HELP?
Need more information on how to choose a great photographer? Check out The Starter Kit - it will answer this and many more questions on how to plan your wedding.
