The morning of your wedding sets the tone for the entire day. It’s where anticipation builds, details come to life, and moments with your closest people unfold in the most natural, beautiful way. As a luxury wedding videographer, I’ve found that the most timeless and emotionally rich films often begin with a thoughtfully planned getting ready experience.
Whether you’re working with a seasoned planner or curating your own weekend with intention, this guide will help you design a getting ready environment that feels relaxed, stylish, and effortlessly cinematic—just as you imagined it.
Why the Getting Ready Morning Matters
From a storytelling perspective, your getting ready moments are where it all begins. It’s not just about putting on the dress—it’s about the quiet time with your mom, handwritten notes exchanged with your partner, the laughter between you and your bridal party, and the feeling of “this is really happening.”
Planners know this is more than just a logistical window before the ceremony. It’s a space that sets the emotional tone for the day—and from a film and photography standpoint, it’s where we first begin weaving the narrative thread that carries through your entire wedding story.
Choosing the Right Space: Natural Light & Neutral Tones
When possible, select a getting ready space with ample natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows or spaces with multiple windows allow for soft, flattering illumination that feels organic and cinematic.
Light-colored walls and minimal clutter also go a long way in creating a clean, editorial environment. Historic estates, boutique hotels, or private residences with classic architectural details and soft textures tend to photograph beautifully.
If your venue doesn’t offer an ideal prep space, consider booking a nearby suite or lakeside Airbnb. Your planner can help coordinate logistics to ensure everything flows smoothly.
Keep It Clutter-Free
One of the easiest ways to elevate your film and photos is by minimizing background distractions. Here are a few tips to help:
- Tuck away luggage, water bottles, garment bags, and any packaging
- Have your planner or a trusted friend assign a “tidy crew” to maintain the space
- Keep makeup and hair areas separate from where you’ll be dressed and photographed
- Use beautiful trays or boxes to display jewelry, perfume, and heirlooms
A clean space not only looks better on camera, it helps everyone stay calm and present.
Align the Timeline with Film & Photo Needs
Work with your planner to create a getting ready timeline that isn’t rushed. Aim to be in your dress at least 30–45 minutes before the first look or ceremony. This gives your photo and video teams time to capture:
- Flat lays of invitations and details
- Candid moments with your bridal party
- Emotional interactions with parents or siblings
- A serene, editorial moment of you fully dressed before the day begins
If you’re exchanging private vows or letters, build in time for that as well. These quiet, emotionally rich moments often become the soul of the final film.
Curate Your Getting Ready Aesthetic
You’ve invested in every detail of your wedding design—extend that intentionality to your morning. A few thoughtful touches go a long way:
- Wear a beautiful robe or matching sets for your bridal party
- Choose a calm, sophisticated playlist (or silence!) to set the mood
- Use a chic hanger for your dress and have your bouquet delivered early
- Bring a few elevated props like vow books, perfume, or champagne coupes
All of these details enhance the feeling of the morning and contribute to the film’s tone and style.
Think About Guest Flow and Privacy
If you’re getting ready in a shared venue or family home, ensure there’s a clear plan for who will be present and when. The morning should feel peaceful—not crowded or chaotic.
Plan quiet time alone or with your parents before stepping into your dress. Then, coordinate a moment for your bridal party to see you fully ready for a sweet, emotional reveal.
And don’t forget your partner—coordinate their getting ready experience as well. Their space should feel just as intentional and relaxed, with time for portraiture and story-driven moments.
Designate a Planner or Point Person
A strong planner is the key to a seamless morning. They’ll manage logistics, direct your team, and create the emotional buffer that allows you to be fully present. If you’re not working with a planner, designate a trusted person to manage the timeline and flow of the morning.
Your photo and video teams will be focused on capturing your story—having someone handle the logistics means we can do our best work without interruption.
Prioritize Presence Over Perfection
While an elegant space and a well-crafted timeline help tremendously, the most powerful films are built on feeling—not perfection.
Laugh loudly. Cry if you feel like it. Take deep breaths. Look around the room and soak in the people you love. All of this becomes the foundation of your story—the things you’ll want to relive again and again.
When you’re truly present, the camera disappears, and what’s left is a film that feels effortless, elevated, and emotionally grounded.
The getting ready portion of your wedding day is more than a warm-up—it’s an essential part of the story. When planned with care and intention, it sets the stage for everything that follows and becomes one of the most emotionally rich parts of your film.
Whether you’re planning a tented garden wedding on a private estate or a chic destination celebration at a boutique hotel, creating a serene, meaningful getting ready experience will make all the difference—for you, your guests, and your final film.
Planning a luxury wedding and want a film that feels timeless, elegant, and deeply personal?
Let’s create something beautiful together—crafted to capture not just how it looked, but how it felt.
Photos taken by: Laura Rose Weddings
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