Let's Get Ready For Your
Wedding Day
Your wedding day is almost here! This quick guide is designed to help make the final weeks feel a little less overwhelming and ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Take a peek through, send over any remaining details, and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions along the way.
Getting Ready Space
An ideal getting ready space will have, lots of natural light, neutral walls, minimal clutter and a spot near a window (think dress on a hanger near a window and groom photos near window). Mirror's are a great touch as well. That said, don't stress about making sure everything is perfect. Simply keeping bags, drinks, and extra clothing tucked away into a corner makes a huge difference and if I need to move things around a bit to enhance the scene a bit, I absolutely will :)
Timing Notes:
Yep, you're getting dressed wayyyy earlier than you think. If you're getting ready in separate locations, we need to account for travel time and that one party will have to get dressed sooner than the other. Typically I'll start with grooms getting ready, this way the bride isn't sitting in her dress for hours before the ceremony begins. Sorry guys!
The other thing to think about is whether you would like photos of your ceremony space before all of your guests arrive. These can add a really beautiful story telling aspect to your final gallery, but it does require me to leave both getting ready spaces even earlier.
Grooms Getting Ready: 30 minutes + travel
Brides Getting Ready 45-60 minutes + travel
sample timeline:
12:30–1:00 — Groom getting ready
1:00–1:20 — Travel
1:20–2:20 — Bride getting ready
2:20–2:40 — Travel to ceremony
2:40–3:00 — Ceremony space + details before guests arrive
The details box
I. For the Bride
Shoes, Perfume, Jewelry, Rings (preferable both brides and grooms), Boquet (spare blooms are a bonus), veil/hair pieces
II. For the Groom
okay grooms, this ones for you.
Grooms are notoriously bad for not knowing what the heck I'm going to want to photograph while you're getting ready (fair) so here's your official heads up,
Have all your details in one spot: Shoes, Fun Socks, Watch, Cuff links, Cologne, Corsage, Boutonnière, Vow book, Wedding Gifts for Groomsmen, drink glasses. Basically if you've put any sort of thought into it, toss it in the pile.
Things I'll want to photograph: putting on your tie, cufflinks, shoes, watch, maybe touching up your hair, those sorts of things,
Once you're full ready I'll capture a few relaxed shots of you, you know, staring out into the abyss. Maybe a few cheers shots with guys.
Nothing crazy, Nothing overly posed, and I promise I won't make you awkwardly pose for 20 minutes. The goal is to simply document what it actually felt like hanging out with your guys before your big day (with just enough pre-planning, that I have something to work with).
III. Other
Rings + ring box, Vow books, Any stationary (invites if you did physical), Any meaningful heirlooms
**PRO TIP - Take your florals out of vases about 30-60 minutes before your ceremony so you don't get water stains on dresses (or towel off)
A FewFinal Thoughts
- Weddings almost always run a little behind schedule. Building even 10-15 minutes of buffer into key parts of the day helps keep everything relaxed and enjoyable.
- Chat with your officiant about things like, what they're wearing (all black is great because they will be in almost every one of your ceremony photos) Are you ok if they wear sunglasses, etc.
- The first kiss: Some couples like to do this before signing and others like to do it after, it can also be dependant on your officiant, be sure to chat about it and give me a heads up.
- Consider a private moment: Plan to take at least ten minutes just the two of you after the ceremony to really take it all in together.
family photos:
I. Let the family know.
Let the family members who will be in your group photos know ahead of time. Having your officiant make an announcement for family to gather for photos at the end of your ceremony can be really helpful. If you are doing immediate family only, have your officiant make this distinguishment.
II. Shot list + designated helper.
I will ask for a shot list in your questionnaire of all the photo combinations you would like. Please send me a detailed list via email or text.
Having an organized friend or family member who know your families well (or a person from each side) and is willing to assist in making sure that all of your important people are present and ready can be very helpful. Giving them a copy of your shot list so they can call out groups is a bonus - this helps make sure we get all the groupings on your list and keeps family portraits calm and quick.
III. Order of family photos
I recommend structuring your list to start with the biggest group first (including grandparents), then working your way to smaller groups so that guests who are no longer needed can be dismissed.
Trust the process
The magic is in the real moments.
The best photos often happen in between the planned moments. The laughs, deep breaths, happy tears, and all the little interactions you don't even realize are happening. My biggest advice? Be present with each other, love on each other, enjoy each other.
Lastly, I'm here for you!
Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can help in any way. If you have any questions while filling out your questionnaire I'd love to help. We can set up a call, an in person meeting or, feel free to send me a quick text!
(250) 241-5983
wyldfernphoto@gmail.com
Can't wait to celebrate and capture your love!
Randi