My Top Tips for Bridal Prep Photos

Bridal prep is probably my favourite part of the wedding day to photograph.

Not because it’s always relaxed — it often isn’t. But there’s something about that time before the ceremony that feels so particular. Everybody’s in a small space together, getting dressed, putting on earrings, helping each other with buttons. The people who love you most are right there, and the whole day is still just ahead of you. That combination of anticipation and tenderness is really something.

I’ve photographed a lot of bridal mornings. Here’s what I’ve learned actually makes a difference for the photographs.

Have your details ready before I arrive. Dress, shoes, jewellery, rings, perfume, invitation if you have it — all gathered in one spot. The detail shots happen early, and they look so much better when everything is clean and deliberate rather than scattered across three rooms. I’m not expecting perfection. I’m just asking for five minutes at the start so I can do those properly before everything gets chaotic.

Choose your location for getting ready thoughtfully. Natural light is everything. A room with a large window is your best friend. If you can arrange to get dressed near that window, the photographs will be so much better than in a dark bathroom under fluorescent lights. I can work in most conditions, but good light makes a genuine difference.

Build more time than you think you need. Something will run late. The hair will take longer. Someone will need to eat something. If your schedule is already tight, that pressure shows up in the photographs. If you have a buffer built in — even thirty extra minutes — there’s room to breathe, to slow down, to have a quiet moment before everything begins.

And on that: try to have a quiet moment. Before you put your dress on, or just after — a few minutes that aren’t rushed, where you can just be with the day. Those are often the most beautiful photographs. Not because anything particularly interesting is happening, but because of what’s on your face.

If you’re planning your day and want to talk through the timeline, I’m always happy to help think it through.