Wedding Photo and Film Guide

Getting Ready Room Tips for Better Wedding Photos

By Vitor Lindo, wedding photographer and filmmaker (vitor-lindo.com)
Published October 31, 2026

Photo by Vitor Lindo, Jordan and Blake at Oldfield, Okatie SC.

The Short Answer

Pick the room with the biggest window, clear the clutter before the photographer arrives, turn off the overhead lights and have the dress, rings and details in one spot. Then schedule hair and makeup to finish 30 minutes before the photographer needs you dressed.

Pick the Right Room

Big windows, ideally more than one
White or light walls, so color bounces back softly
Enough floor space for the dress, the photographer and a few people
A clean corner or wall with nothing on it
A mirror you can stand in front of with window light on your face

Ivy climbing the white wall of the Oldfield clubhouse beside a shuttered window — The clubhouse at Oldfield. Ask your venue which room upstairs has the best windows before you claim it. Photo by Vitor Lindo, Jordan and Blake at Oldfield, Okatie SC.

Clear the Room in Five Minutes

Put bags, suitcases and garment bags in a closet or one corner out of sight.
Clear water bottles, food and makeup cases off every surface near the window.
Make the bed if there is one.
Turn off overhead and lamp lights. Mixed light turns skin orange.
Lay the dress, shoes, rings, invitation and jewelry together on the bed or a table.

The Getting Ready Room Checklist13 items in 4 groups

Light

Biggest window
Overhead lights off
Curtains open

Space

Bags out of sight
Surfaces clear
Bed made

Details Ready

Dress on a nice hanger
Rings and box
Shoes and jewelry
Invitation suite

Timing

Hair and makeup done 30 min early
Button up shirt or robe
Letters ready to read

Time It Right

Hair and makeup almost always runs long. Build in a cushion so you are not getting dressed in a rush when the photographer is ready. Have the last person in the chair finish 30 minutes before you need to be in the dress.

Put on a button up shirt or robe before hair and makeup so you do not pull anything over your head later.

The groom adjusting his bow tie, close up — Getting ready at Oldfield. The groom's side gets the same window light rules. Photo by Vitor Lindo, Jordan and Blake at Oldfield, Okatie SC.

Moments Worth Planning

A parent or friend helping with the dress or the last button
Reading a letter from your partner
Putting on an heirloom piece
A toast with the wedding party
The groom's side getting ready too, with the same window light

For the Videographer

Turn off music in the room while vows letters are read so the audio is clean. Ask the videographer where they want to place a small microphone if you plan to read anything out loud.

Hair and makeup teams can help you plan the morning. See Studio Bride for an example of a listing, and the shot list guide for which details to gather.

Questions Couples Ask

What are some tips for getting ready on your wedding day?

Pick a room with big windows, clear the clutter, eat something, wear a button up shirt for hair and makeup, gather your details in one place and build in a cushion so you are not rushed when the photographer arrives.

How long should getting ready photos take?

Plan for the photographer to arrive about an hour to an hour and a half before you need to be dressed. That covers details, the last of hair and makeup and getting into the dress.

Should the photographer be there for hair and makeup?

Only for the end. Most of the good frames come in the last few touches and getting dressed, not the first hour in the chair.

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Sources and Credits

Photo Credits

All photographs on this page: Vitor Lindo, from Jordan and Blake's wedding at Oldfield, Okatie SC. Walk the full wedding.