Getting ready photos are some of our favorites from a wedding day! They are full of emotions like anticipation, joy, and nervousness, fun times with friends, and lots of cute details. All of those things are totally our jam so we love seeing them documented. We’ve shared some advice on how to make the morning of your wedding run smoothly, but let’s focus on just the photos of that first part of the day, shall we? Here are 8 ways to make your getting ready photos awesome!

Look for the best natural light.
Your photographer will thank you for this one. So will your makeup artist. Find the source of the best sunlight in the room and set up there. Getting your makeup done in front of a large window will not only ensure you look natural, but your photographer will have a much easier time taking photos.
Avoid ugly hotel “artwork”.
Some of the newer, more modern hotels are super cool and swanky inside. But others…not so much. Hideous wallpaper, terrible framed “artwork”, and just a blah color scheme. We’re not saying you have to spring for the presidential suite or anything, but do keep the general décor of the hotel room in mind if you want the background of your photos to look good.
Save a set of your wedding invitations.
Before you mail out those gorgeous invites, make sure to save one for yourself. You’ll be so happy to have a photo of the set, plus it will serve as a sweet memento of the big day.
Have your wedding day accessories ready to go.
Make your photographer’s life a little easier by being organized. Ahead of time, gather your something old, blue, borrowed, and blue, plus your shoes, jewelry, veil, and any other accessories you want to be photographed. Remove all price tags or labels, make sure everything is clean and shiny, and photo-ready! Not only will this save time but planning ahead will ensure you don’t forget any of those beautiful pieces!
Be somewhere in the middle for hair and makeup.
When it’s time to get beautified, the soonlywed should always go somewhere in the middle. That way the hair and makeup artists don’t feel rushed, there is still time for a touch up before heading out the door, and you’ll look your absolute freshest!
Dress in something cute.
Some wedding parties go all out with matching robes; other wear a simple tank or tee. Whatever your style is, opt for something a little extra special the morning of your wedding. You’ll feel dressed for the occasion, it’ll put you in the wedding spirit, and your photos will thank you. Here are some of our favorite getting wedding ready attire ideas!
Splurge on a pretty dress hanger.
Nothing ruins a photo of a gorgeous (and likely very expensive) wedding dress like an ugly plastic hanger. Spend the few extra bucks to get a custom one made, or dress up a regular wooden hanger with a beautiful ribbon or flower. That Allison Webb doesn’t belong on the hanger from the store, at least not in your photos. Shop some of our most loved wedding dress hangers!
Remove distractions.
Put trash bins in another room, move everyone’s luggage, clothes, and other stuff to one corner, and make sure there aren’t any other distractions in the background of your photos, such as water bottles or coffee cups. Much like the ugly hotel artwork, these items can really ruin a shot. But if you do a quick glance around the room before you start getting ready, you’ll thank yourself later. Your photographer will too.