Ready, Set, Go
How to Prepare for Your Wedding Photos
Your wedding day is going to be full of excitement, emotion, and a lot of photos. Whether you’re camera-shy or ready to pose like a pro, there’s a little preparation you can do to ensure your wedding photos turn out absolutely stunning. Here at Forever Captured, I’ve been behind the lens for countless weddings in Norwich, and let me tell you, a little prep can make all the difference!
So, how do you get ready to look and feel your best? I’ve got you covered with some fun, practical tips to make sure your wedding photos are the stuff of dreams.
Practice Makes Perfect
Look, I know not everyone is comfortable in front of a camera—most of us don’t have a background in professional modeling (sadly, my runway days never took off!). But, a little practice goes a long way. A pre-wedding photoshoot, like an engagement session, is a fantastic way to get used to being in front of the camera.
Not only does this give you and your partner a chance to get comfortable with me, your photographer, but it also helps you get a feel for how you want to pose, what angles you like, and how you interact together. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get some lovely candid photos before the big day! And don’t worry, by the time the wedding rolls around, you’ll be striking poses like a pro.
The Big “Getting Ready” Moment
One of the most intimate and special parts of the wedding day is the “getting ready” phase. It’s all about capturing those first few moments where excitement (and maybe a few nerves) are in the air. So, how do you prepare for these photos? Here are a few tips:
Choose a beautiful, well-lit space: Natural light is your friend. If possible, choose a room with large windows and lots of natural light. It creates soft, flattering lighting for those dreamy “getting ready” shots.
Keep the space tidy: I know, I know—it’s the morning of your wedding, and things can get a little chaotic. But try to keep the area where you’ll be photographed relatively clutter-free. This way, the focus will be on you and your gown, not the pile of suitcases in the background!
Wear something nice for the pre-dress shots: Matching robes with your bridal party, a gorgeous silk dressing gown, or even a cute pajama set will make your getting-ready photos pop.
The Power of a Timeline
It might not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but creating a timeline is key to getting beautiful photos. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to feel rushed, so make sure there’s plenty of time built into your schedule for photos.
Work with your photographer to figure out the best times for portraits, family shots, and couple photos. Pro tip: Consider scheduling couple portraits during the "golden hour"—that magical time just before sunset when the lighting is soft and romantic. Trust me, it’s totally worth it for those breathtaking shots.
And don’t forget to factor in buffer time for the inevitable delays (we’ve all seen what happens when Aunt Mary wanders off right before the family photos!).
It’s All About the Details
You’ve spent months (maybe years) planning every little detail of your wedding, and your photographer is there to capture all of it. From the intricate lace on your dress to the personalised place cards, it’s these details that make your wedding unique and tell your story.
Make sure to gather all the little details—your rings, shoes, bouquet, invitation suite, and any meaningful accessories—so that they’re ready for your photographer to capture during the getting-ready portion of the day. Bonus tip: Having a pretty tray or box to display these items can add an extra layer of elegance to your detail shots!
Be Your Beautiful, Authentic Self
Here’s the most important tip of all: just be yourself. You don’t need to worry about being perfect for the camera—what makes your wedding photos special is your connection with your partner and the love and joy of the day.
Laugh, cry, dance, and enjoy every second. Those candid moments, the ones you don’t even realize are being captured, are often the most beautiful. Whether it’s a spontaneous laugh or a quiet, emotional moment between you and your partner, being authentic is what makes your photos truly shine.
Don’t stress about every pose being “Instagram-worthy.” I’m there to guide you through it, and the best moments often happen when you forget the camera is even there. See more images here
Don’t Forget the Groom!
It’s easy to get caught up in the bridal preparations, but let’s not forget about the groom! His preparation is just as important, and there’s plenty of room for some fun and stylish photos.
Make sure the guys have a tidy, well-lit space for their getting-ready shots, too. Think cool, candid moments of the groom and his groomsmen buttoning up their jackets or adjusting ties. And if your groom is feeling a bit nervous in front of the camera, tell him not to worry! I’ll be there to capture all those natural moments that show off his personality.
Trust Your Photographer
Finally, trust your photographer (that’s me!). Your wedding photographer has experience capturing everything from grand moments to tiny details, and we’re there to make sure you look your best. If I give you a little direction during portraits, it’s because I know what angles and lighting will make you look fabulous.
But most importantly, I’m there to tell the story of your day. My goal is to capture those genuine emotions, the love between you and your partner, and the joy of your friends and family celebrating together. So relax, enjoy the day, and let me handle the photos! Check our gallery for more inspiration here
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, your wedding photos are all about capturing the joy, love, and beauty of your day. With a little preparation, you’ll feel confident, relaxed, and ready to shine in front of the camera. Remember to enjoy every moment, and trust that I’ll be there to capture it all—beautifully, naturally, and forever. So get in contact here for more info
