What time should I
start getting Ready?
Typically getting dress is the last thing you do before you leave, but for a wedding, there are still a lot to do between the time you start getting dressed and the time you need to start heading out or move to the next event. The easiest way to figure out what time to get dressed is to work backwards from the time you need to leave to the next location.
FOR BRIDES | there are a few time markers to consider. We can customized these depending on what photos you want to create on your wedding day but here are the typical recommendations. You'll want to aim for your hair and makeup to be done 30 minutes before photo coverage begins. Hair and Makeup are extremely important and we want to make sure your artists have time to finish their work even if things run a little behind. We'll start with photographing details and candids to help show the emotion and excitement of the day. You’ll want to start getting into your dress about 45-60 minutes before you leave. This will allow time for the finishing touches to be photographed such as putting on your jewelry and shoes, as well as a few portraits of yourself and maybe even a few family photos with parents before you head to your next destination. When scheduling hair and makeup, we recommend aiming to be done 30 minutes before photo coverage begins.
PRO TIP: Don't schedule yourself to be last in the hair and makeup line up. In the event that things run behind, we can work with you while other members of the wedding party complete their makeup.
FOR GROOMS | Guys are typically faster, simpler and more flexible in this part of the day. Because of this, we'll usually schedule your getting ready photos to be a little earlier. And you'll very likely get a bit of a break before heading to the ceremony or first look. What we recommend is that you and anyone that will be part of the photos (be ready to start getting dressed by the time our coverage begins. This means you've eaten, showered, shaved and done your hair before our photo time begins. Usually we include dad, best man, and/or siblings. The same would apply to them so that in the photos, it appears like you're all getting ready together.
PRO TIP: If you are not used to tying a bowtie, practice a few times before the wedding day. You should also consider brining a premade bowtie as a backup.
Here’s one more tip for brides and grooms. Communicate your schedule to anyone you want to include in these photos. As a bride you might want mom or a bridesmaid to be the one helping with those finishing touches. As a groom you might want dad or your best man to be the one helping you. You’re going to want anyone who's going to be in the photos to be present at that time and dressed for each of the sections where they are going to be included. So make sure to communicate the schedule and explain the expectations.
