7 Things Every Bride Should Do Before Their Photographer Arrives on Wedding Day
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. From the moment you wake up to the last dance of the night, it’s a celebration of love, commitment, and unforgettable memories. And when it comes to capturing those precious moments, nothing is more important than having a skilled wedding photographer by your side.
While it might be tempting to cut costs in certain areas of your wedding planning, investing in a good wedding photographer is something you’ll never regret. Here’s why:
1. Gather your details (invites, rings, perfume, heirlooms)
Think: your invitation suite, rings (his and hers), perfume, vow books, jewelry, shoes, heirlooms, and anything else you’d like photographed. Having all these items together in one spot means I can get right to work styling your details while you finish up hair and makeup—no digging through bags or tracking things down. Don’t forget your invites!!!!
Pro tip: Put everything in a box or tote the night before, and assign someone you trust to keep it safe.
2. Tidy Up the Getting Ready Space
Trust me—nothing ruins a gorgeous bridal robe shot faster than a cluttered hotel bed or a pile of Chick-fil-A wrappers on the counter. You don’t need to deep clean, but clearing out the mess and keeping one area photo-ready makes a big difference in your final gallery. If you don’t have time to do this before, that’s totally fine! It’ll just save a lot more time once the photographer gets there.
Bonus: natural window light + a tidy corner = dreamy getting ready photos!
3. Hang your dress and veil
Having your dress already out of the bag and on a pretty hanger (not the plastic one it came with!) saves us time and keeps it wrinkle-free. I’ll usually move it to the best lighting for photos, but having it ready to go makes everything smoother!
If your veil is delicate, drape it gently over a chair or bed—it photographs beautifully that way too.
4. Make sure your bouquet arrives early
Florals are a huge part of your wedding day aesthetic, and I love using them in your flat lays and portraits. Ask your florist to deliver the bouquets before your photographer arrives so I can include them in the detail photos and have them ready for bridal portraits.
Pro tip: Have a couple extra loose blooms and greenery on hand for styling—florists are usually happy to provide them!
5. Stay on Schedule With Hair and Makeup
Hair and makeup running late is the most common reason timelines fall behind. Build in buffer time, communicate with your beauty team ahead of time, and make sure you're getting close to finished right around the time your photographer is scheduled to arrive!
That way, I can start with details, then glide right into your “getting in the dress” moment—without the stress.
6. Make Sure Your Bridal Party Knows the Plan
If your bridesmaids know when they need to be dressed, where to be for photos, and what’s happening when, the whole morning runs more smoothly. Share the timeline with them ahead of time, and maybe even designate one bridesmaid as the go-to person for questions so you can focus on getting ready and soaking it all in.
Trust me—organized bridesmaids = way less chaos = happier bride.
7. Eat Something (and Hydrate!!)
A good wedding photographer doesn’t just show up, take a few pictures, and leave. They take the time to understand your vision, your style, and your preferences. They’ll work with you to create a photography plan that fits your needs and ensures that every detail is covered. From your engagement photos to your final moments on the dance floor, they’ll make sure that your wedding album tells the full story of your day.
Final Thoughts
You deserve a wedding morning that feels relaxed, joyful, and full of anticipation—not rushed or chaotic. These small steps make a huge difference in how your morning flows and how your photos turn out. And the best part? I’m there to help every step of the way.
If you’re still looking for a wedding photographer who will guide you through the process, calm the nerves, and capture every beautiful in-between moment—you’ve found her. 💌
I would be more than happy to be a part of your wedding day!
Find my portfolio here Inquiry through this link!
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