When planning your wedding, one of the first major decisions you’ll make is choosing your photographer. But another equally important choice often gets overlooked: which moments of the day you’ll ask them to capture. For instance, would you like to have getting ready wedding photos included?
While most couples prioritise the ceremony, portraits, and reception highlights, there’s one part of the day that’s quickly becoming a favourite for couples and photographers alike – the getting ready moments.
If you’re unsure whether to include these candid behind-the-scenes memories in your wedding coverage, you’re in the right place.
In this blog, the Big Day Productions team will explore why getting ready wedding photos are so meaningful, what makes them special, and why more and more couples are making them a non-negotiable part of their day.
What Are “Getting Ready” Wedding Photos?
Getting ready wedding photos are the images taken before the ceremony begins.
They often capture the bride, groom, or couple separately, as they prepare for the day – dressing up, having makeup and hair done, sharing laughs with friends, and exchanging gifts or letters.
This part of the day offers a more personal, emotional, and natural look at your wedding – and it’s full of storytelling potential.
Why Capture Getting Ready Wedding Photos
Your Love Story Deserves a Beautiful Beginning
Every love story has a beginning, and so should your wedding album. Skipping over the early part of the day is like starting a book from the middle.
The getting-ready portion sets the tone, and documenting these moments creates a visual narrative from the very first chapter.
Why the Beginning Matters:
- It sets the emotional tone for the day.
- These moments are rich with anticipation and vulnerability.
- They help paint the full story, from start to finish.
- You can look back and remember the butterflies, laughs, and tears before you said “I do.”
Think about it – you wouldn’t want to fast-forward through the best parts of your wedding movie.
So why miss out on capturing the raw, beautiful moments that happen before the formalities begin?
Candid, Real, and Unforgettable: The Power of Natural Moments
One of the biggest reasons to include getting-ready photos is that they’re filled with unscripted moments.
This is when emotions run high, nerves start to build, and spontaneous laughter happens.
These authentic interactions often result in some of the most heartfelt images of the day.
What Getting-Ready Photos Capture:
- Genuine laughter with your wedding party.
- Nervous energy and calming moments.
- Quiet reflection while reading a note from your partner.
- Big hugs from parents or siblings.
- The transformation as your look comes together.
Many of these moments happen quickly and quietly. Without a photographer there to document them, they can easily fade from memory.
Including them in your photo coverage helps preserve the full emotional spectrum of your wedding day.
See What Your Partner Was Up To
You spend the first half of your wedding day apart from your partner. You’re each in separate rooms, getting ready with your friends and family, eagerly waiting to see each other.
Wouldn’t it be incredible to look back and see what your partner experienced that morning?
Why This Matters:
- Helps you feel connected to each other’s journey that day.
- Adds depth to your album by showing both perspectives.
- Makes for a touching moment when you look through your photos together.
When the day is over and the adrenaline has worn off, flipping through the photos of each other getting ready can be a really sweet, emotional experience.
You’ll get to see their anticipation, their expressions, and their love for you, even when you weren’t in the same room.
It Helps You Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Not everyone feels at ease in front of a camera. Including the getting-ready phase gives you and your photographer a chance to build a natural connection before the high-energy moments begin.
Benefits of Starting Early:
- Warms you up before more formal photos.
- Helps you relax in front of the lens.
- Allows the photographer to get creative with detail shots and behind-the-scenes moments.
- Gives your photographer a chance to meet your loved ones and get a feel for the day.
This relaxed start ensures your photography coverage is smoother and more natural throughout the rest of the day.
A Creative Playground for Beautiful Shots
Unlike structured parts of the wedding day (like the ceremony or family portraits), the getting-ready period offers room for creativity.
You can stage shots or let your photographer freely document the chaos and calm – whatever suits your style.
Creative Opportunities Include:
- Flat lays with your dress, invitation suite, shoes, and accessories.
- Morning robe shots with bridesmaids.
- Fun champagne pops or toasts.
- First look with parents or the wedding party.
- Personal rituals or cultural traditions.
You can also stage editorial-style photos in a beautiful room with natural light. The more relaxed pace gives your photographer freedom to experiment and capture stunning, unique visuals.
It Sets the Tone for the Whole Day
How you spend your wedding morning can influence your mood for the entire celebration.
When you create a calm, joyful space filled with people who love you, the energy will carry through every part of your day.
Reasons This Time Matters:
- Creates a sacred space to centre yourself.
- Offers emotional support before the big moment.
- Gives you time to reflect and be present.
- Lets your photographer start telling your story from the very first moment.
When you look back at your wedding album, you’ll see how the tone of the morning shaped everything that came after.
These photos will act like an anchor, grounding your memories with warmth and connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should we schedule our getting-ready session?
It’s best to schedule your getting-ready session at least 2-3 hours before your ceremony begins. This allows ample time for hair, makeup, and any wardrobe changes, while also ensuring you capture all those special moments without feeling rushed.
How many people should be included in the getting-ready photos?
This depends entirely on your preference! Some couples prefer a more intimate setting with just close family and friends, while others enjoy having a larger group present to capture the energy of the moment. Consider who you want to share this experience with.
Are Getting-Ready Photos Worth It?
Absolutely – and not just for the sake of tradition. These moments are intimate, emotional, and fleeting.
Years from now, your wedding photos will be how you revisit the magic of your day.
You’ll want the full picture – not just the ceremony or reception, but the heartfelt beginning too.
Ready to Capture Your Whole Love Story?
If you’re looking for UK wedding photography that captures every meaningful moment – including those quiet, magical ones at the start of your day – we’d love to be part of your journey.
Let’s make your wedding memories unforgettable. Contact Big Day Productions today to learn more about our packages and availability.