WEDDING PLANNING: wedding morning getting ready tips - Scotland Wedding & Elopement Photography

LAST UPDATED: 20TH FEBRUARY 2025

WEDDING PLANNING: wedding morning getting ready tiips

do you want a laid-back wedding morning that is fun and stress-free?

In this handy guide, I’ll help you how to make your wedding morning the best it can be!

Capturing the ‘getting ready’ photos in the morning is one of my favourite parts of a wedding day. I love turning up in the morning to a calm room and everyone chilling out and enjoying the day, then watching the calm turn into excitement and buzz as it gets closer to the time leave for the ceremony.

Getting ready for your wedding is filled with excitement and anticipation. To ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience, read on for my top tips:

1. should I have my morning preparations Photographed?

A lot of couples aren’t sure if they would like this part of the day covers, I always say go for it! The photos help to tell the story of the day, and this is the beginning of your day unfolding.

If your are getting ready separately having photos of you both in the morning means you can see what your husband / wife / partner in marriage to be was doing in the morning and they are always fun shots to have. If you are both getting ready at your venue, I can usually photograph you both in the morning. If you are getting ready off-site or at different locations I would suggest booking a second photographer who can capture one of you.

I arrive between 2-3 hours before you need to leave for your ceremony. This gives plenty of time to capture all the details and the key moments in the morning. I start the day focusing on your details (eg, dress, flowers, shoes, kilts, button holes etc).

Have these looked out and leave them together in an easily accessible place so I can find them. Starting on the details means everyone has a chance to get used to me being around. By the time you are ready to leave, everyone has got to know me and is relaxed around my cameras.

During this day, I mostly capture in a documentary style and let things unfold. If there is some great light, I may put you in it or give some light direction. We’ll save the formal group shots for later in the day when you are more relaxed (although if you would like some morning group photographs, I can do these for you if we have time).

TOP TIPs: Make sure you have something to eat and drink some water.
Make a playlist of your favourite songs to get you in the mood for the day.

bride getting ready for her elopement at glencoe house

2. Where Should I Get Ready?

Where you choose to get ready can have an impact on the outcome of your photos, look for large windows with lots of natural light and plenty of open plan space. This will also help your hair and make–up artists. Most couples choose to get ready in their venue – as a bonus, you won’t need to hire a car or transport!

If you are planning on booking a hotel room to get ready, speak to the staff at the time of booking and ask for the room with the biggest windows and the best light in the morning. Air B&B or other holiday rental properties are also a great option giving you the opportunity to hire unique and interestingly decorated places which are free from fire exit signs, fire extinguishers and other distractions to your photos.

Make sure that there is plenty of storage space for suitcases, clothes, PJs etc. This means that these can be safely hidden away out of sight when you are putting your dress or wedding outfit on.

If you are planning on getting ready in your home or a family home, make sure that you declutter. A conservatory, living room, bedroom all make for ideal places to get ready.

TOP TIPS:
Only have the people who need to be there with you in the morning. Having extra people there can make things stressful in the morning!
Have the person who will be helping you get dressed get ready before you for a more polished look in your photographs (I will always remind them!)

couple get ready for wedding day at thirlestane castle

3. when should i get ready?

It will always take you a lot longer than you think to get ready to allow plenty of time. Aim to be ready about an hour before you need to leave for your ceremony.

Before your wedding, give your outfits a test run with the people you will be getting ready with. Buttons, bows, hooks and fastenings (not to mention underskirts of dresses!) can be difficult to get into. Make sure that if you are bustling up a dress, that you have someone who knows how to do this (I am always happy to help with this too).

For the men and those wearing suits, you would be surprised how many grooms and groomsmen don’t know how to tie ties / bowties, put on buttonholes, or lace kilt shoes (note: my brother is a bagpiper and I’m a good person to be asking for help with kilt outfits if you do need it).

This means you will be going into your ceremony feeling relaxed with plenty of time for any last-minute make-up touch ups and some time with your wedding party and loved ones. It also means you won’t be late and lose time during your drinks reception, and the rest of your day will run smoothly. I can also capture your ceremony space and guests arriving at your wedding.

TOP TIP: Before putting on your dress/outfit have a quick tidy up, not only will it make for nicer photos, but it also means when you come back at the end of the day, you can relax and celebrate in a clean and tidy space.

4. SHOULD I DO A FIRST LOOK?

I highly recommend it! One of the most emotional parts of the day is when your dad, wedding party or someone special to you sees you for the first time. You could also do a first look with your spouse to be to help ease the nerves and have some of your couple’s portraits taken before your ceremony.

Once you are ready, get them in for the big reveal and I’ll be there to capture the reaction.

5. ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR YOUR WEDDING MORNING

Here are some additional tips for making your wedding preparations and photos incredible:

Detail Shots: Gather items like rings, invitations, heirlooms, and accessories in one place for your photographer to capture meaningful detail shots.
Time Management: Allocate extra time for unexpected delays to keep the schedule on track.
Personal Touches: Incorporate elements that reflect your personality and love story, making the day uniquely yours.

If it all gets too much…close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. You are marrying the person you love and the day is going to be amazing. ,