Keep it Relaxed

Allocate yourself plenty of time for your bridal prep, and then add an extra hour! Taking away the stress of cramming everything in will mean that you and your friends/family can relax and enjoy the process. I can promise that no bridal party will complain about having too much time together. Starting the day off relaxed will carry through to the rest of your day.

Perfect lOCATION

Quite often your bridal prep location will be an easy place to decide, many wedding venues have a room allocated for this exact reason. Some brides may plan to get ready at their parents, or maid of honours house. The important things to bear in mind is whether there is enough room for the whole bridal party and whether there is good natural light (this will be the perfect scenario for your photographer). Getting ready next to a window will not only pay off with your photos but will help your makeup artist too!

the most important meal

One very important tip for your wedding day is to remember to eat breakfast. Chances are, you will be celebrating with bubbly from early in the morning, so have a substantial meal that can line your stomach and get you through the morning.

Preparation honestly

As a documentary wedding photographer, I don’t manufacture or stage moments, rather I capture your genuine interactions. However, one thing to bear in mind is keeping the actual prep space clear of clutter and bags, this will mean you have some beautiful clean photos to look back on.

The details

Before the day of your wedding, consider which items you will want to be photographed. Laying out your dress, shoes, bouquet and jewellery, etc, will mean that nothing will get missed, and your photographer can grab some shots before you get dressed.

Timeline

It may sound overly organised, but giving a member of your bridal party the timeline means you can relax whilst they make sure everything is running correctly.

what to wear

Not only do bridal prep gowns look cute in photographs (and Insta worthy!), but they let you get into your dress modestly and with ease. If gowns aren’t your style, PJ’s, or matching joggers and vests can work perfectly for you and your bridal party.

Gifts

Traditionally the bride gives gifts to her bridesmaids, if you are also doing this, the morning is the perfect time to hand these out. Your photographer will be able to capture some wonderful honest reactions, reflecting the joy of the day!

Atmosphere

In the lead up to your wedding day create a playlist for the morning. Consider the vibe you want whilst you and your best ladies are getting ready and put together the ultimate playlist. You could even prepare the playlist with your bridesmaids beforehand!

The reveal

As mentioned before, leave yourself lots of time! Photographing your loved ones seeing you in your dress for the first time is wonderful to capture. Give yourself (and your photographer) enough time to grab these photos before your photographer has to head off to the venue.

finally, Have fun

Your bridal prep will be some of your more treasured memories of your wedding day, with the photos reflecting how much fun you had. Being relaxed and organised prior to your wedding day will ensure your photographs show the candid happy moments of you and your bridal party.

If you are looking for a documentary photographer to capture the candid happiness of your wedding day, you should speak with Denise from Angels with Dirty Faces.

Facebook: @angelswithdirtyfacesphotography | Instagram: @angelswith.d.f.photography