60 Must-Have "Getting Ready" Photos
Although the bulk of your wedding photos will be taken during the ceremony and reception, the hours leading up to the main event are a crucial part of the storytelling process. Emotions are running high while everyone is getting dressed and beautified —especially when you finally make your big debut as a bride — and all of that nervous and giddy energy can equate to some amazingly intimate photographs. Now's also the time to capture those little details that you worked so hard to plan, such as your invitations, bouquets, and more. Check out 60 behind-the-scenes snapshots that you can take before the I dos!
By: Stefania Sainato
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All Tied Up -161598
Action shots like these make fun additions to any wedding album.
Photo Credit: Julian Kanz Photography
A Sweet Shot With Grandma
How touching is this moment between a bride and her grandmother caught on film? If you're blessed to have your grandparents still around, then include them in the photo-taking fun.
Photo Credit: DreamLove Photography
A Pic With Your Furry Best Friend
Include your four-legged friends in your wedding day celebrations.
Related: What to Consider Before Including Your Pet in the Wedding
Photo Credit: Julia Newman Photography
If the Shoe Fits
Talk about a Cinderella moment! Even if you're getting ready solo, sans groom, it's still a great idea to include a shoe-tying snapshot.
Photo Credit: openField Photography
First Look With Your Bridesmaids
Resist the urge to show everyone what you'll look like in your dress before the big day. Some of the most touching pre-ceremony photos we've seen are of loved ones witnessing The Dress in all its glory — and getting weepy-eyed or ecstatic in the process.
Photo Credit: B.O.B Photography
First Look with Mom and Dad
"First looks" with grooms have surged in popularity in recent years, and now parents are joining in on the fun with their own photo reveals!
Related: Magical Photos of Parents Seeing Their Daughter As a Bride For the First Time
Photo Credits: Moxie Rose Photography
Putting On the Veil
There's something magical about a veil — it has the power to transform you into a blushing bride and bring your nearest and dearest to tears of joy.
Related: 50 Long Wedding Veils That Will Leave You Speechless
Photo Credit: Husar Photography
The Big Squeeze
Wearing a corseted wedding dress? Your friends will get a kick out of this amusing photo op.
Photo Credit: Evermore Photography
Getting Into Your Gown
A snapshot of mom lovingly buttoning or zipping you up is a sweet addition to any wedding album. Have her come with you to your final gown fitting to learn how to help you into your dress and bustle your train (if you have one).
Related: Like Mother, Like Daughter: Then-and-Now Wedding Photos
Photo Credit: Evermore Photography
Trying on the Dress (For Real This Time)
An aerial view captures the excitement without accidentally revealing too much.
Photo Credit: EM Events Photography
Formal Portrait
It's not every day that you get to wear a big fluffy dress or a cathedral-length veil, so take advantage with a few stylized portraits that'll make you feel like a movie star.
Photo Credit: Claudia McDade Photography
iPhone Paparazzi
Get stunning photos from every angle of your first moments in your gown.
Photo Credit: Cinematic By DavidM
Jumping on the Bed
Getting married doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the silly, childhood pleasures in life. Chief among them: Jumping on the bed with your best friends.
Photo Credit: Bre Thurston
Reading a Letter From Your Soon-to-Be Spouse
Exchange love letters describing all the reasons why you can't wait to marry your partner. Not only does this add to the romantic buildup before the big moment, but it also introduces another emotional element to your wedding photos and film.
Photo Credit: Eternal Reflections Photography
Your Main Squeeze
A photo of you admiring your wedding gown can be a sweet addition to your "must-haves" list. This bride took it a step further by giving her gown a big ole hug, and the resulting shot is all kinds of adorable.
Photo Credit: Tim Halberg
A Giddy Moment With Your MOH
Your maid of honor has been there for you through thick and thin — include a solo shot together to show how much her friendship means to you.
Related: How to Be an Awesome Maid of Honor
Photo Credit: The Reason
Stop to Smell the Roses
This pose is a beautiful way to highlight your bouquet. Plus, it's a more subtle take on a sexy garter shot.
Photo Credit: The Becker
Wedding Morning Excitement
The day you've been waiting for has finally arrived! Looking back on a joyful shot like this one will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside as you're flipping through your album.
Photo Credit: Natan Sans
Getting Ready Together
If you'll be bucking tradition by sleeping under the same roof on the night of the wedding, then add some unconventional, creative shots to the mix.
Photo Credit: Liliya Gorlanova
Wake Up, It's Your Wedding Day
Knock, knock. Who's there? Your VIP ladies, reporting for duty.
Photo Credit: Lennon Photo
The Last Time As a Miss
Plan on changing your last name after the wedding? Commemorate your last time as a Miss with this cute idea.
Related: 50 Sweet Props You'll Want to Use in Your Wedding Photos
Photo Credit: Lennon Photo
Toasting With Champs (and Confetti!)
Confetti isn't just for your ceremony sendoff — we love how it adds a festive pop of color to this champagne shot.
Photo Credit: Jackie Willome Photography
Flower Girl Fun
Cuteness alert! Include the tiniest member of the wedding party by having her "try on" your gown.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Anne Photography
Beauty Shots
Who doesn't love being pampered? Schedule your photographer's arrival towards the tail end of getting hair and makeup done, so they can snap some pics of you getting all glammed up, as well as close-ups of your beauty details.
Photo Credit: Le Secret d'Audrey / Planning and coordination: Anne Mulvihill at Fête in France
Mirror, Mirror
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? We think you already know the answer, dear brides.
Photo Credit: Brett Alison Photography
Dramatic Staircase Shot
Whether you're prepping for the event of a lifetime in your childhood home or a hotel, put the stairs to good use with a dramatic shot like this one.
Photo Credit: Will Pursell Photography
Let's Shake On It
The father giving away the bride before the ceremony is always an emotional moment. If you'll all be getting ready together at a hotel, then you can capture any casual interactions between your groom and Dad as well.
Photo Credit: LaVImage Photographers
Suiting Up
You always see photos of the bridesmaids getting ready, but don't forget about the groom and his guys! Even though their wedding prep may not be as, ahem, extensive as the girls', your photographer may still want to sneak in a few key shots, like this one.
Photo Credit: Dominique Attaway Photography
Catching Up on Some Light Reading Before the Ceremony
This photo setup is a creative way to include your favorite comics or books in your wedding photos.
Related: 25+ of the Most Unique Wedding Themes We've Ever Seen
Photo Credit: Milton Photography
Group Hug
A snapshot of rambunctious groomsmen rallying around their groom is nothing short of heartwarming.
Photo Credit: Julian Kanz
Silly Selfies
When your bridal party is all dressed and ready to go, it's inevitable that selfies will ensue. Compile them all with this clever idea!
Photo Credit: Monique Hessler Photography
Love Story Told Through Props
Tell your love story with a little help from umbrellas and your BFFs.
Photo Credit: True Photography
Goofing Off
Goofing off can lead to some unique bridal party photos. Exhibit A: This bridal party who hoisted their groom up to try and get a sneak peek of his bride!
Photo Credit: Zoe Rain for JKoe Photography
The Bouquets
Spell out your new married initial using your bridesmaids' bouquets! You'll want to take this shot early on in the day while the blooms are still in optimal condition.
Photo Credit: Annabella Charles Photography
A Parent's Love
Take solo portraits with each of your parents — you'll treasure them for years to come.
Photo Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography
A "First Look" With the Bride and Groom
You've probably already heard of a "first look"— the bride and groom sneak some time in alone before the ceremony and their photographer captures this private, magical moment on film. Modern couples love it because it leads to powerful, emotional photos and gives them a few precious minutes of solitude before wedding-day revelry begins. If you'd prefer to wait until the walk down the aisle to see one another, then this creative photo is the ultimate compromise.
Photo Credit: Kathleen Hertel Photography
Walk This Way
The walk to the ceremony is made all the more epic with this low angle and dramatic use of lighting.
Photo Credit: Radiant Photography by The Chansons
Show Off Funky Socks
Socks with patterns or illustrations add a dose of whimsy to standard groomsmen getting-ready shots.
Photo Credit: B. Jones Photography
Say A Little Prayer For You
This tender photo gives us chills! Take a few minutes to have your loved ones gather around you while reciting a prayer.
Photo Credit: Loni Elizabeth Photography
Rings Through The Generations
Bling through the ages — enlist your grandma and mom for this generational photo idea.
Related: The Most Popular Wedding Photos
Photo Credit: Joshua McCoy Photography
Rings and All Other Accessories
Get your engagement ring professionally cleaned on the week of the wedding so that it looks spectacular in person and your photos.
Related: 75 of the Prettiest Engagement Rings
Photo Credit: Tonya Malay Photography
Sibling Love
Give your siblings one last hug before your walk down the aisle.
Photo Credit: Stephanie Hunter Photography
In Loving Memory
Keep a deceased relative or friend close to your heart on your big day with this touching photo idea. Displaying the frame in the foreground symbolizes that they're there for you in spirit.
Photo Credit: Sara Jayne Photography
Dapper Gents
Hilary Cam Photography captured the groom and his groomsmen kicking back, along with all of their outfits and accessories, in this artfully composed shot.
Photo Credit: Hilary Cam Photography
Coordinating Outfits
There's a good reason why so many brides gift their 'maids patterned robes or monogrammed button-downs — they look ultra-polished in photographs.
Photo Credit: Mioara Dragan Photography
Check Off The Last Item On Your List
Celebrate the fact that all of the planning is done with this adorable portrait idea.
Photo Credit: Snappy Shots by Bev
Your Gown in All Its Glory
Your photographer will take about 100 photos of your gown on the big day, and there's something especially magical about a still-life shot. When it's time to pick up your dress a few days before the wedding, take the garment bag off when you get home so that it has time to "breathe" and settle. (P.S. Ditch the plastic hanger that your gown comes with in favor for something sturdier and photogenic.)
Related: 10 Things Your Wedding Dress Consultant Wishes You Knew
Photo Credit: Clane Gessel Photography
Surrounded by the Bridesmaids
Prep for your big day in a beautiful, well-lit space with plenty of room for the number of people you intend to have with you while you're getting dressed. Keep it as uncluttered as possible so that your photographer doesn't have to worry about any distracting elements in the background.
Photo Credit: Ryan Ray Photography
Sentimental Details
Communicate with your photographer in advance about any meaningful objects that you'd like to have photographed. Whether it's an heirloom locket from your parents or a hidden "something blue," only you know the details that will make you smile!
Photo Credit: Smith Studios Photography
Close-Up of Your Dress
If you have small buttons on the back of your dress, consider getting a crochet hook at your local craft store to make buttoning them easier.
Photo Credit: E+E Photography
Boutonnières
If your groom, groomsmen, and both respective fathers are accessorizing with boutonnières, get a few close-ups of this oft-forgotten wedding detail.
Photo Credit: Studio 623 Photography
Invitation Suite (and Any Other Paper Items)
Assemble the full wedding invitation suite for your photographer in advance. Include details such as a shell, ribbon, or a sprig of rosemary for the perfect added touch.
Photo Credit: B. Jones Photography
Carrying The Train
Bridesmaids help their friend make the most important walk of her lifetime.
Photo Credit: Scarlett & Stephen
Cheers!
A toast to the bride — and those who helped make her day so special — is definitely in order.
Photo Credit: Chris Joriann Fine Photography
A Special Shout-Out
If a friend or family member can't attend your wedding — whether it's because they're elderly, ill, giving birth soon, etc. — show them that they were missed with a personalized sign. They'll be so moved that you took the time to give them a special shout-out!
Photo Credit: Julian Kanz Photography
Sips and Bites
Caffeine and light snacks are vital to helping keep everyone's energy up throughout the jam-packed day. This bride surprised her 'maids by having their favorite coffee beverage waiting for them when they arrived.
Photo Credit: Megan Edelman Photography
Surprise Snapshot for Mom and Dad
This bride took a heartfelt photo just for her mom and dad and surprised them with a framed version after the wedding.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Wilson Photography
Groom's and Bride's Gifts
If you and your groom plan on exchanging gifts on the morning of the wedding day, then those are definitely precious moments you'll want to get on film.
Photo Credit: Leoni Bolt Photography
