How to Ensure You Have Enough ‘Getting Ready’ Time on Your Wedding Day
We know your wedding day will go by in a huge blur and your timeline will whizz past in the blink of an eye. But how do you know if you have allocated enough time to your 'Getting Ready' shots? If you have hired a wedding planner or stylist, talk it through with them and tell them if you're the type of bride who wants more images than most of their intricate gown, 'bouts, brunch with your maids OR you're the type of bride that just wants a handful of images for the sake of it. Let's chat through everything you might want covered on the morning of your wedding whilst scrolling through some stunning Getting Ready images designed by our Fine Art Curation member and stylist/floral designer Designs by Hemingway in Hawaii...
GETTING READY OR READY MADE?
Would you prefer images of you getting ready in a calm and serene setting like this one, adding your finishing touches to your hair or make up? Then make sure the space is suitable and FULL of natural light. If you're booked into a small hotel room and have invited 15 bridesmaids over to pop the champagne then you might have to rethink your plan. If, however, you want to skip the no-make-up look and want images of when you're made up and hopping into your dress, let your photographer or planner know in advance.
THE DETAIL ARE IN THE DRESS
You've shopped for months (maybe even years!) for it, and tried on possibly what feels like a million dresses. But now you have 'the one' and you're about to put it on. Don't underestimate the time a photographer might need to capture the details in your gown if you want them captured. They may need to move you into some natural light so the details on the dress show up better / look better. The embroidery, the texture, the lace, the backless detail, the hand sewn date in blue on the underneath. Whatever it is, capture it to show it to your children one day.
THE SMALLER DETAILS
It's not just your bridal look that needs to be styled and photographed on the morning of the wedding. Your photographer or planner/stylist might want to use this time to get shots of your florals (while they're fresh!), stationery (in the same light as the rest of your images), or engagement and wedding rings. Your stylist will be well rehearsed on what they need to style but if there is something specific you would like to be photographed (a family heirloom perhaps), let them know well in advance so they can work it into the schedule.
THE FINALE
The 'dress rehearsal' has come to an end and you're ready to go. Not quite. Now you're completely 'put together', your photographer will grab some bridal shots of you complete with bouquet. You may also add in your bridesmaids here too, time permitting. Of course, any timeline has to have an element of flexibility so if you run late on the morning of the wedding, your planner will ensure you can still get your images at another point in the day. Communication is key so work out what shots you want / don't want and let your planner know. Not sure? Browse through the blog and take a look at lots of different days and captures to find out what works for you. Get that Pinterest button ready!
From Debbie at Designs by Hemingway: "My inspiration for this shoot began with searching for vintage gowns that had a timeless feel of eras past. When Sara showed me the dress from Ephemerl, I knew this was the perfect dress for our editorial shoot. The gown is handmade from a very rare antique Brussels point de gaze with bobbin lace. The florals I selected to compliment were seasonal butterfly ranunculus, cappuccino and golden mustard garden roses with accents of sweet peas all in muted blush, butter, caffe latte and brown tones. The finishing touches to the bouquet were long strands of luxury silk ribbons from Silk and Willow."
From the photographer, Sara Olivia: "Nestled in North Shore Oahu is a house filled with all the charm and essence of Hawaii. One almost feels taken back in time to the island in its raw beauty before the masses inhabited it. It’s one of my favorite venues because of this unique feeling it inspires. I knew I had to work with Designs by Hemingway to her bring fine art designs to this venue that is nothing short of a vintage gem."
vendor details
Photographer: Sara Olivia | Film Lab: The Find Lab | Stylist / Planner: Designs by Hemingway | Floral Designer: Designs by Hemingway | Dress Designer: Ephemerl | Rentals: Signature Maui | Venue: Dillingham Ranch | Hair & Make-up Artist: Reveal | Stationery: Theo Berry Stationery | Model: Anna Sachs | Silk Ribbon: Silk & Willow | Candles: Ester and Erik
