Stress-Free Wedding Morning: A Guide to Perfect Wedding Getting Ready Photos

The morning of your wedding day is one of the most intimate and meaningful parts of the entire celebration. It’s where the excitement builds, where laughter and happy tears flow freely, and where some of the most genuine moments unfold. And naturally, you want to make the most of it — both for your experience and for your wedding getting ready photos.

As a wedding photographer who’s witnessed her fair share of butterflies, glam squads, and champagne toasts, I’m here to share my top tips for getting ready on your wedding day — so you can stress less, soak it all in, and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

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1. Choose a Space with Great Natural Light

One of the best things you can do for your wedding getting ready photos is select a bright, naturally lit space.

Natural light not only enhances the beauty of your photos but also creates a more calming, open atmosphere for you and your bridal party. If you’re deciding between your home, a hotel suite, or a rental, always prioritize the spot with big windows and ample daylight. Your photographer (and your makeup artist!) will thank you — and you’ll love how the images glow with soft, flattering light.

Pro Tip: If possible, keep your space tidy! Clutter-free backgrounds make your photos look polished and timeless.

2. Bring Your Hair and Makeup Artists to You

To keep the morning relaxed and stress-free, arrange for your hair and makeup team to come directly to your getting ready location.

Not having to commute to a salon saves you valuable time, avoids transportation delays, and keeps the energy calm and cozy. Plus, there’s something truly special about lounging in your matching robes or PJs, sipping mimosas, and getting pampered together with your closest friends and family.

3. Get Your Hair and Makeup Done in the Middle of the Schedule

This is a tip I always emphasize to my brides: don’t be the last person to get your hair and makeup done! Instead, aim to be ready about halfway through your group’s beauty schedule.

Here’s why:

• You’ll have time to relax and enjoy the morning rather than feeling rushed.
• You’ll be fully ready when your photographer arrives to start documenting your wedding getting ready photos.
• Your hair and makeup team will still be there if you need any last-minute touch-ups or fixes before heading to your ceremony.

And don’t worry — the professionals you hired know how to make your look last all day! Trust them. You deserve to feel calm, beautiful, and present during these once-in-a-lifetime moments.

4. Prepare a Details Box for Your Photographer

Before the big day, gather all the special details you want photographed into one box. This ensures your photographer can jump right into capturing your flat-lay shots without needing to hunt things down.

What to include:

• Rings (all of them!)
• Shoes
• Jewelry
• Perfume bottle
• Wedding invitation suite (with envelopes)
• Vow books
• Family heirlooms
• Extra florals (ask your florist for a few loose blooms!)

Assign a bridesmaid or your maid of honor to hand this box over to your photographer upon arrival. You’ll save time and guarantee none of your precious details are overlooked.

5. Be Present, Not Perfect

The biggest key to stunning wedding getting ready photos? Being truly present.

Forget about trying to pose perfectly for the camera. Soak in the laughter, the excitement, the hugs from your best friends, and the tender glances from your mom. Your photographer will capture those real, emotional moments — the ones that can’t be staged and the ones you’ll treasure most when you look back.

The morning will fly by faster than you can imagine. Breathe it in. Laugh hard. Cry if you need to. Trust your team to capture the magic unfolding around you.

Bonus Tip: Set the Tone with a Curated Playlist

Music sets the mood! Create a getting-ready playlist filled with songs that make you feel joyful, empowered, and relaxed. From throwback hits to sentimental tunes, having a soundtrack for your morning will keep the energy light and happy.

Your wedding morning is the beginning of one of the most important days of your life — and your wedding getting ready photos will help you relive that magic forever. By preparing thoughtfully and staying present in the moment, you’ll ensure that this part of the day feels just as special and meaningful as every other chapter that follows.

Take a deep breath. This is your day, and it’s going to be absolutely unforgettable.

XOXO Kayla Marie

Capture the most of your wedding day – Interested in working together, get in touch today.

Ninth Avenue Studios