How to Get Beautiful "Getting Ready" Photos on Your Wedding Day

1. Pick a Room That’s Full of Light and Space

Let’s be honest, no one looks their best in a dark, cramped room. Your getting-ready space matters! The more light, the better. A room with big windows that lets in loads of natural light will give your photos that beautiful, soft glow we all love. Plus, a bit of space to move around doesn’t hurt—especially when you’ve got your bridesmaids, family, and a photographer trying to capture the moment.

If you’re getting married somewhere stunning, like Ballyseede Castle, with those huge windows, you’re already off to a great start! You just need to make sure things are tidy and that the room isn’t cluttered with bags or shoes lying around. It makes a big difference in the photos, trust me.

2. Get Your Details Ready in Advance

Your dress, your shoes, your jewelry—those little details you spent ages picking out—they deserve their moment in the spotlight too. When your photographer arrives, have these items ready and laid out neatly. It’ll save time and allow them to snap some gorgeous shots before the hustle and bustle kicks off.

And don’t forget those meaningful personal touches! Maybe it’s a piece of jewelry your grandma gave you or a note from your soon-to-be spouse. Including those little details adds so much sentiment to the story your photos will tell.

3. Don’t Rush—Give Yourself Time

This one’s big. One of the best ways to ensure you get amazing getting-ready photos is simply to have enough time. You don’t want to be stressing about running late. When you’ve got enough time, everything feels more relaxed. That’s when the best photos happen—the real, genuine moments.

Make sure to build a bit of a buffer into your schedule so you can enjoy the moment. You’ll appreciate having that extra breathing room, and your photographer will have time to capture the candid shots that really show how you were feeling in those last moments before the ceremony.

4. Let the Candid Moments Happen

We all love a good posed photo, but some of the best wedding shots are the ones you don’t plan for. It’s the way your mom looks at you when she’s helping with your dress, or the laughter between you and your bridesmaids. Those moments can’t be forced—they just happen naturally when you’re relaxed and enjoying yourself.

So let the day unfold. Your photographer will be on the lookout for those emotional, real moments, and trust me, they’ll end up being some of your favorites.

5. Pick a Getting-Ready Outfit You Love

You’re going to be in your getting-ready outfit for a good chunk of the morning, so pick something that makes you feel good. Whether it’s a fun robe, matching pajamas for you and your bridal party, or something simple and elegant, you’ll want to look back at these photos and think, “Yep, I loved that!”

It’s a small detail, but it can really add to the overall look of your getting-ready photos. Plus, coordinated outfits just look super cute in pictures, don’t they?

6. Share the Moment With Loved Ones

Getting ready is more than just putting on a dress. It’s about the people around you—the ones who’ve been with you through everything. Whether it’s your bridesmaids, your parents, or even your childhood friends, these are the people who make those final moments before the wedding truly special.

Having them with you will naturally bring out those big emotions—laughter, maybe a few happy tears—and your photographer will be there to capture all of it. These are the moments you’ll cherish forever.

7. Trust Your Photographer

The most important part of getting great photos? Trusting your photographer. You’ve chosen someone who understands your vision, someone who’s experienced and knows how to capture the raw emotions of the day. Let them do their thing.

You don’t need to worry about staging every shot. The best photos are often the ones you never even knew were happening. A good photographer will know exactly how to get those.