The getting-ready location
is the most important space on a wedding day after your venue and ceremony space. You'll spend the morning with your bridesmaids, where you'll get dressed, have your bridal portraits taken, and also where your photographer will do your detail shots. That means it will impact your bridal prep photos, some of the most treasured pictures of any wedding day. When else do you spend the morning with your favorite ladies, getting pampered and ready to look the most beautiful you've ever seen?
Most importantly, where you get ready will significantly impact setting the day's tone. The better the place and the location, the more comfortable, relaxed, and joyful everyone will be.
Since the getting ready location is THAT important, here are some things to look for when choosing the perfect location:
Natural light: You create beautiful portraits with soft light by having windows in the bridal prep area.
Light-colored walls: Soft-colored or neutral-colored walls are best. They provide a light-colored backdrop, reflect light, and allow me to create beautiful images.
Character: Think about your wedding vision and find a getting-ready location that aligns with that vision.
Plenty of room: There will be lots going on at your getting ready location. Not only will all of your hair/makeup artists be setting up there, but all of your bridesmaids will be there, potentially your mom and soon-to-be mother-in-law, AND all of their belongings. That’s a lot of bags, dresses, & snacks!
Outdoor space: It’s a bonus when there is a nice outdoor space for you to get some extra photos with your bridesmaids during prep.
It’s what YOU want: Most importantly, make sure the location you’ve chosen to get ready in is really what you want. If the hotel next to your venue is less than ideal then don’t settle for it. Look for another location – think outside the box rather than choosing a spot just because that’s where all the other brides who get married at your venue get ready.
