The Joy of Getting Ready with Your Bridal Party: Candid Moments, Laughter & Lasting Memories

The Magic of the Morning: Why Getting Ready with Your Bridal Party Is So Special

There’s a certain kind of magic in the hours before you walk down the aisle. The air is buzzing with excitement, champagne is flowing, and your favorite people are by your side helping you step into one of the biggest days of your life. Getting ready with your bridal party isn’t just about hair and makeup — it’s about laughter, nerves, meaningful conversations, and those small, quiet moments that make the day feel real.

This part of the wedding day sets the tone. It’s where anticipation builds, where your closest friends and family rally around you with support, love, and a whole lot of joy. As photographers and filmmakers, we’ve had the honor of documenting so many “getting ready” moments — and we can honestly say it’s one of our favorite parts of the day.

What Makes Getting Ready with Your Bridal Party So Memorable?

1. The Emotional Build-Up

There’s something beautiful about the in-between — when you’re still in cozy robes, your dress is hanging by the window, and your people are fluttering around fixing straps, steaming veils, and handing you your coffee (or mimosa). It’s a moment of pause before the ceremony begins, and it holds so much emotion.

You might cry a little (or a lot), laugh at inside jokes, or hear your mom’s voice crack as she buttons up your gown. These are the unfiltered, honest moments that often become your most cherished memories.

2. Candid, True-to-Life Photos

When couples look back at their wedding gallery, it’s often the “getting ready” photos that bring them right back into the feeling of the day. The giggles while curling hair, the bridesmaid zipping your dress, the group huddled around the mirror checking lip gloss — these candid, intimate shots tell your story in such an authentic way.

We always encourage couples to build a little extra time into this part of the day so we can document these moments fully, without rushing. There’s beauty in the chaos, and that’s where storytelling comes alive.

3. Your Bridal Party = Built-In Hype Team

Your bridal party isn’t just there to stand beside you at the altar — they’re your emotional support crew, glam squad, and hype team all wrapped in one. Whether they’re blasting your favorite getting ready playlist, helping you with last-minute details, or sneaking snacks into your hand before portraits, they play a big part in how relaxed and happy you feel.

Pro tip: Assign someone the role of “keeper of the timeline” — someone who helps keep the morning flowing while still allowing space for real connection.

How to Make the Most of Your Getting Ready Time

Choose a Comfortable, Well-Lit Space

Natural light makes a big difference in photos and videos, so pick a room with windows and space to spread out. Whether you're getting ready at a cozy Airbnb or a bridal suite at your venue, aim for a space that feels calm and uncluttered.

Match the Mood with Music

Create a “getting ready” playlist ahead of time with your favorite songs. Whether you’re into chill acoustic vibes or full-on dance party bangers, music helps set the energy and makes everyone feel more comfortable.

Keep the Timeline Loose (but Intentional)

Talk to your photographer and planner about how much time you’ll need for getting ready photos — especially if you’re doing a first look or special reveals (like with your dad or bridesmaids). Build in cushion time for any last-minute touch-ups, dress bustling, or nerves.

FAQs: Getting Ready with Your Bridal Party

Q: How early should I start getting ready on my wedding day?A: Most brides start hair and makeup around 5–6 hours before the ceremony. Your makeup artist will create a schedule based on how many people are getting glam, and your photographer can help guide timing for when to arrive and start capturing moments.

Q: Should we all wear matching outfits?A: Matching robes or PJs are a sweet touch for photos, but they’re totally optional. What matters most is that everyone feels comfortable and ready to celebrate.

Q: Can we include snacks and drinks?A: Yes, absolutely! Keep water, fruit, pastries, and light snacks on hand — wedding days are long, and staying hydrated and fed helps keep energy up and nerves down.

Final Thoughts: Savor the Slow Moments

Getting ready with your bridal party is about so much more than just the logistics of putting on a dress. It’s about connection, presence, and starting the day surrounded by your people. These are the hours where you’ll laugh uncontrollably, sneak a few deep breaths, and maybe even shed a few tears — and every bit of it is worth remembering.

If you're planning your wedding timeline, we highly recommend carving out space for these slow, meaningful moments. Because when the day is over, it won’t be the perfectly placed hairpin you remember — it’ll be your best friend tearing up when she sees you in your dress, or your mom whispering “you’re ready” as she hugs you one last time before the ceremony.

We’ll be there to capture it all.

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